High technology and know-how in the metal, plastic, forestry and wood product
industries, well-educated workforce and gateway between EU and Russia
The region of North Karelia is only a one-hour flight from Helsinki, the capital city of Finland. The key areas of the region’s business and technology infrastructure are in the metal, plastic, forestry and wood product industries, however, information and communications technology, the stone industry, welfare technologies/services and specialized areas, such as micro-optics/nanotechnology, are all areas of rapid growth in the region. The 170,000 inhabitants of our region enjoy a pleasant living environment.
Well-educated and skilled workforce
There are several educational institutions situated in North Karelia, with a total of 18,000 students. The University of Joensuu has approximately 7,000 students, North Karelia Polytechnic has 3,200 students and 21 educational departments and North Karelia Educational Federation of Municipalities has about 50 programmes for 7,600 students.
European Union Objective 1 Programme investment funds available
The first priority of the EU Objective 1 Programme will be to develop strong production chains in the forest, food, metal, engineering and tourist sectors and new, growing sectors, such as information technology and electronics, social services, and environmental technology.
Co-operation for research and business development
Joensuu, the capital city of North Karelia is the European centre of forest/wood expertise. Joensuu is the location of the European Forest Institute (EFI), an international forest research organisation with over 140 member organisations from 36 different countries. The Finnish Forest Research Institute (Metla) and Centre for Wood Technology (PUUGIA) are also situated here.
Joensuu Science Park promotes the progress of company networking. The main fields are metal, plastic, forestry, wood, information technology and also media and content production. The science park provides facilities for incoming businesses and new businesses. There are versatile business development services, such as Business Incubator Service (IDEKA) and Business Innovation Centre BIC Carelia.
The North Karelian metal industry has especially long traditions. The Centre of Plastic and Metal Technology provide research/development and educational services within the plastic, metal and electronics industries.
Transport and cross-border operations
Joensuu International Airport also provides its services, while Joensuu’s harbour supplies a channel to the world via the Baltic Sea. Thus, there are efficient transport alternatives to and from North Karelia by road, rail, air and water.
North Karelians are knowledgeable concerning procedures for border crossings. Thanks to the Niirala border crossing, the markets in St. Petersburg (7 million inhabitants) and Petroskoi (340,000 inhabitants) are now easily accessible. Cross-border operations are continuously developing. One advantage specific to Finland over other European countries, is that Finland and Russia share the same rail gauge.
The Regional Council of North Karelia
| The Regional Council of North Karelia has the significant role of establishing
facilities for successful business and aiding in the development of co-operation
and connections. Financing for the EU’s Objective 1 Programme is under the direction
of the Regional Council of North Karelia. North Karelia offers good opportunities for investors, business partnerships and co-operation. Welcome to Eastern Finland’s centre of economic growth! Don’t hesitate to contact us! For more information and advice about establishing contacts, companies and organisations in our region: |
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Regional Council of North Karelia, Torikatu 9, FIN-80100 JOENSUU, Finland Tel. +358 13 265 4100, Fax +358 13 265 4130, www.pohjois-karjala.fi |
mail:
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Last modified May 05, 2008
Ten Alps Communications Ltd t/a Sovereign Publications
Copyright © 2008 Sovereign Publications
