Finland and China have a long history of diplomatic relations. Finland was one of the first Western countries to establish diplomatic relations with New China back in 1950, so next year marks the 75th anniversary of bilateral relations.
Last week these relations were strengthened when the Finnish President Alexander Stubb and three ministers visited China on an official state visit.
Several Finnish companies were also invited to join the President’s business delegation, which visited both the capital Beijing and the financial capital Shanghai. Kari Ståhlberg, EVP Strategy, represented UPM at the delegation’s various meetings and events during the visit.
The meeting between the two Presidents focused mainly on global politics, and the good bilateral relations were also discussed. For UPM and many other Finnish companies, it is very important that Finland and China have constructive relations and good cooperation in economy and trade.
UPM has a long history in China
UPM has been producing paper at our modern production site in Changshu for 26 years. We have made significant investments of more than 2 billion US dollars to our assets and operations in the country. Our commitment to China continues.
“UPM has a long-term commitment to operate in China and our Changshu operations represent world-class performance,” Kari Ståhlberg, EVP Strategy, UPM, said after the visit.
During the visit several business cooperation agreements were signed in festive celebrations as the sideline of the 5th meeting of the China-Finland Committee for Innovative Business Cooperation. UPM signed three important agreements with UPM Specialty Papers’, UPM Pulp’s and UPM Raflatac’s Chinese customers. He also accompanied the Finnish minister for Climate and Energy Kai Mykkänen to high level meetings with National Development and Reform Commission and National Energy Administration.
A responsible producer and employer
The Finnish President and the Chinese Vice-President also attended the 5th meeting of the China-Finland Committee for Innovative Business Cooperation. UPM is a founding member of the Committee and Kari Ståhlberg also participated in the discussions with UPM’s messages.
“China and its future development are important for UPM in many ways. We bring sustainable products made in Changshu to the markets and we are a responsible employer,” said Kari Ståhlberg.
“From a trade perspective, we are an important importer of products to China, and an important exporter of our China-made products to the Asian markets. So, it’s also important to understand local developments and to be able to communicate our views to the various stakeholders in Chinese society.”
Captions:
Main picture: (UPM Specialty Papers China) Ms. HE Lihui, Chairman, China South Publishing and Media Group Co., Ltd. and Kari Ståhlberg signed an agreement while Ms. LIU Chun, Vice President of China Chamber of Commerce for Import and Export of Machinery and Electronic Products (CCCME), Jyri Häkämies, Director General, EK, and Lassi Noponen, Director General, Business Finland witnessed the signing sessions.
Picture 2: (UPM Pulp China) Mr. CAO Weiliang, Vice General Manager, China Paper Corporation, and Kari Ståhlberg shaking hands after the agreement was signed.
Picture 3: (UPM Raflatac) Mr. XUE Guoxiao, Representative, Yantai Changyu Group Co., Ltd. and Kari Ståhlberg from UPM signing an agreement.
