This week we want to introduce you to our partner EastCham Finland ry, who have significantly helped EPSE’s endeavours in the Central Asian markets. EastCham is an international Chamber of Commerce that helps Finnish companies in Ukrainian, Central Asian and South Caucasian markets, providing free consultation and internationalization services as a part of Team Finland network. For this article, we have interviewed the CEO of EastCham, Mrs. Jaana Rekolainen, to get more insight into their wide range of operations.
How EastCham facilitates market entry and growth
EastCham is an organization that helps Finnish companies with market access by sharing their country-specific knowledge, legal advice, valuable contacts, and by giving concrete advice on business practices in areas, that can be fairly unknown to companies expanding their operations to these markets for the first time. Highlighting business opportunities for Finnish companies, they also actively host a wide range of events including delegation trips, matchmaking events, and info sessions. The info sessions and webinars strive for practicality and, as an example, aim to give clear understanding on topics like how to start a business in Ukraine or what to consider when exporting goods to different markets.
Engagement in EastCham’s delegation trips
As a part of the Team Finland network, EastCham organizes several delegation trips to the target market countries annually. For example, in the beginning of April 2024, they hosted their latest delegation trip to Almaty and Astana, Kazakhstan. Multiple Finnish companies that attended this trip, including the Director of international operations, Felix Fondem from EPSE. These trips are a good way for Finnish companies starting out at the market, as well as for those already holding a market presence, to get more in-depth look of the market, and what the ways of working there actually are. “All in all, the delegation trip in Almaty went very well. We measure the successfulness of the trip by sending out surveys to the companies that attended it, and we got a lot of positive feedback on it.”, Rekolainen shares insights from the trip.
EastCham’s Role in building strong connections for Finnish businesses
Currently, EastCham has roughly 300 member companies. When asked why Finnish companies should join EastCham’s organization, Rekolainen explains that especially for smaller companies, EastCham can bring valuable extra resources with their market knowledge as well as by being a reliable source of legal and financial advice. As it can be very difficult for a Finnish company to breach the foreign markets by themselves, she stresses the importance of a solid network: “A very important part of moving to these markets is obviously networking. EastCham can help companies make contacts and build a network with the right companies. It’s also very important for Finnish companies to hear from the companies already operating in these markets and learn from their experiences. On these delegation trips we want to make sure that participants have time to discuss together because this way new partnerships are born.”
EPSE’s operations with EastCham
Since 2022, EPSE has been actively attending delegation trips and events by EastCham. “EPSE is a very professional and respected operator in their own field. They have brought forward Finnish expertise, and they actively work in our network. It’s always a pleasure to work with someone who really knows what they are doing, and this brings more credibility to Finnish expertise and that’s what we need.”, Mrs. Rekolainen explains. She describes EPSE as a company that has courage to approach and sell innovative solutions even to these bigger companies working in Central Asia. “A small company can be a really good partner to a bigger company when they are experts in what they are doing,” She explains EPSE’s operations in Central Asia.
Gratitude for EastCham’s supportive network
In summary we here at EPSE are very glad to have the support of EastCham. Our company has benefited a lot from EastCham’s services by being able to find new partners and deploy new projects in the Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan. The events and different trips have always been meticulously organized and very rewarding, and we are always looking forward to attending them. Thank you, EastCham, for all your help for us and other Finnish companies.
For any company looking to expand their operations to Ukraine, Central Asia and Southern Caucasus, we whole-heartedly recommend becoming a member of EastCham’s organization, as they can guide you to the right direction.