Finnish Prime Minister Petteri Orpo will visit China from January 25 to 28, meeting the country’s top leaders in Beijing to strengthen trade and business ties. The visit comes as Finland seeks to expand economic relations and promote Finnish companies in the Chinese market.
Orpo will be accompanied by executives from more than 20 Finnish companies. The delegation represents industries including machinery, forestry, clean energy, innovation, and food. During the visit, both sides are expected to sign a memorandum of understanding to enhance the work of the China–Finland Committee for Innovative Business Cooperation.
According to the Finnish Government Communications Department, Orpo will meet Chinese President Xi Jinping, Premier Li Qiang, and Zhao Leji, chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress, on January 27.
The Finnish prime minister said the purpose of the visit is to continue dialogue with Chinese leadership and create new opportunities for Finnish businesses. He emphasized the importance of discussing bilateral cooperation and international issues, including challenges in the rules-based system, trade, and the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
“China is an important export market for Finnish companies and the EU’s second largest trading partner,” Orpo said. “It is important to continue dialogue on bilateral cooperation and topical international issues.”
China’s Ministry of Commerce confirmed the visit and expressed confidence that it will bring new momentum to bilateral trade and investment. The ministry highlighted Finland as a key European economic partner.
The visit follows previous high-level exchanges between Finland and China. Finnish President Alexander Stubb made a state visit in October 2024, and Parliament Speaker Jussi Halla-aho visited in April 2025. The last Finnish prime minister to visit China was Juha Sipilä in 2017.
Trade between Finland and China remains substantial. In 2024, Finland exported goods worth €3.5 billion and services worth €1.82 billion to China. Imports from China totaled €7.5 billion, reflecting the significance of the bilateral economic relationship.
During the Beijing visit, discussions are expected to cover both commercial interests and broader international relations, including China–EU ties and global security issues. Finnish officials hope the trip will strengthen cooperation in innovation, sustainability, and technology sectors.
By combining high-level meetings with business engagement, Finland aims to expand its footprint in China’s market while supporting Finnish companies seeking international growth. The visit highlights the continued importance of strong diplomatic and economic ties between Finland and China.
Orpo’s visit reflects Finland’s proactive approach to international trade and collaboration, emphasizing the role of bilateral dialogue in promoting sustainable business and strategic partnerships.
