Category Archives: Finland

Mayor of Helsinki Jan Vapaavuori has been elected as the new President of the Finnish Olympic Committee.

Jan Vapaavuori has been elected as the new President of the Finnish Olympic Committee ©EOC

Mayor of Helsinki Jan Vapaavuori has been elected as the new President of the Finnish Olympic Committee.

The 55-year-old defeated Susanna Rahkamo 79-54 after the second round of voting at the organisation’s General Assembly.

He will now replace Timo Ritakallio, who was elected for his first four-year term in 2016 but opted against running again.

Vapaavuori became Helsinki Mayor in 2017 but has announced he will not stand for another term at elections due to take place in April.

He has served a long political career with the National Coalition Party, and was as a Member of Parliament between 2003 and 2015.

From 2012 to 2015 he was Finland’s Minister of Economic Affairs.

by Dan Palmer, Insidethegames.biz

Prime Minister Sanna Marin’s New Year’s message, 31 December 2020

Stockholm, Jan.5 (Greenpost) Finnish Prime Minister Sanna Marin has sent a New Year’s message on the New Year’s Eve. The following is the whole text!

What kind of year has 2020 been? It has certainly been a difficult one, one that has taught us many lessons and caused us to stop and think.

 The pandemic year has been a time of collective efforts, and yet it has looked different for each one of us. Some have lost loved ones, others have lost their jobs, and many have had to give up things that are familiar and important to them. This year has been harder for some than for others, but it has made us all stop and take stock.
 
This year, we were forced to make decisions we did not want to make. We had to close schools and libraries, place restrictions on movement, gatherings and business activities, suspend hobbies and implement measures that affected many other aspects of everyday life. These decisions were not made lightly; they were made because they were necessary in order to protect people’s health and lives. At the same time, we tried to mitigate the damage by directing support to people, businesses and municipalities.
 
When it comes to managing the health and economic effects of COVID-19, Finland has fared better than many other countries. Vaccinations have begun, and we can once again see light ahead of us. Although we are moving towards better times, we still need to show restraint, act responsibly and follow the recommendations and guidelines put in place by the authorities. The pandemic is not over yet, and it will take some time to achieve sufficient vaccination coverage throughout the population. With this in mind, we must work remotely if possible, avoid gatherings, ensure good hand, respiratory and cough hygiene, wear masks and get tested for COVID-19 immediately if we experience symptoms. Through our efforts, we can help to ensure that society is safe for everyone and that we will make it through this crisis together.
 
Restraint will also be necessary once the pandemic is over. When we rebuild our societies and economies, we cannot simply go back to our old habits and ways of working. We must build our future on a more sustainable foundation and aim for a balance between humans and nature. Climate change, biodiversity loss and the unsustainable use of natural resources are the greatest challenges facing humanity. We must give up some of our old ways so that our children and our children’s children can live good and dignified lives. At the same time, we can create new business, jobs and wellbeing.
 
Finland is currently drawing up its own recovery plan as part of the European Union’s Recovery and Resilience Facility. Our plan, the Sustainable Growth Programme for Finland, will focus on achieving a fast-track recovery while also advancing the structural reform of the economy and the public services reform that will be necessary in the long term. 

The programme will focus on 

  1. education, research and innovation activities; 
  2. a green transition; 
  3. securing Finland’s international competitiveness; 
  4. strengthening sustainable infrastructure and the digital transformation; 
  5. ensuring the functioning of the labour market, services for the unemployed and the development of working life; and 
  6. improving access to health and social services and increasing their cost-effectiveness.

The recovery of the European economy from the pandemic and the resulting economic crisis is a critical issue for Finland. Finland’s success alone will not be enough to get us through the pandemic – we all need to succeed together. Similarly, we need to work together to restore the European economy in addition to taking measures at the national level. We need to look beyond ourselves. The recovery of Europe is in our interest. 
 
Although 2020 has been dominated by the COVID-19 crisis, we have been resolute in our progress on the reforms agreed on in the Government Programme. We have increased the smallest pensions and basic security, dismantled the activation model, restored the right of all children to full-time early childhood education and care, reduced group sizes in child care, increased resources for all levels of education, decided on extending compulsory education and made secondary education genuinely free of charge, introduced a statutory minimum staffing level in care services, submitted the healthcare and social welfare reform package to Parliament, agreed on the main points of the family leave reform, invested considerably in road, rail and transport infrastructure, decided on the energy taxation reform, made progress on the Nordic labour market service model and implemented the first structural measures to boost employment.
 
In 2021, we must continue these efforts to make our society more socially, economically and environmentally sustainable. We will take action and make changes in a way that keeps all people and regions on board. When building something new, it is also important to recognise the things that work. Finnish society has once again shown its strength in the face of difficulties. We have a well-functioning healthcare system, trustworthy authorities and a stable democracy, skilled and competent teachers, advanced digital capabilities, the ability to adapt quickly to unexpected situations and mutual trust in society, all of which has helped us to cope amidst the crisis. We Finns are known for our guts, perseverance and tenacity.
 
This decade may have begun in a way that we could not have anticipated last year, but we can still turn it into a decade of solutions. This will take courage and the ability to work together and withstand uncertainty. The same things that this year has required from all of us.
 
I wish you all a peaceful, safe and better New Year!

Sanna Marin
Prime Minister

Novel coronavirus to be included in generally hazardous communicable diseases – the aim is to prevent the spread of the disease

The severe infection caused by the novel coronavirus will from now on be included in the list of generally hazardous communicable diseases. The amendment to the Government Decree on Communicable Diseases will enter into force on 14 February.

A communicable disease is generally hazardous if it is highly infectious, dangerous and its spread can be prevented by measures (such as a quarantine or isolation) aimed at persons who have contracted the disease, been exposed to the pathogen or are justifiably suspected to have been infected or exposed.

Until now, the infection caused by the novel coronavirus has been considered a communicable disease that is justifiably suspected of being generally hazardous. Based on this suspicion alone, a physician in charge of communicable diseases in public service may decide on quarantining a person who has been exposed to the disease but is without symptoms, and isolating an infected person, as well as ordering persons working in certain tasks to stay away from work. However, the classification as a generally hazardous infectious disease clarifies the situation. 

Like other coronaviruses, the novel coronavirus identified in China may cause a mild or severe disease (COVID-19). There is currently no information available on how common the milder forms of the disease are since the most severe cases are typically detected first at the beginning of an epidemic. The structure of the new virus and its modes of transmission are similar to the previously known coronaviruses SARS and MERS, which cause serious diseases and are already in the list of generally hazardous communicable diseases. 

On 30 January 2020, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared the new coronavirus detected in the Chinese city of Wuhan a Public Health Emergency of International Concern. All countries must therefore actively monitor infections caused by the novel coronavirus, identify cases of the disease early, isolate the infected persons and trace the people who have been exposed to the infection to prevent further infections.

Quarantine is intended for symptomless persons who have been exposed to the disease – isolation is for those who have contracted the disease

The doctor responsible for communicable diseases may assign a person without symptoms or his/her possessions to quarantine if that person has been exposed to a generally hazardous communicable disease. The purpose of quarantine is to prevent the spread of the communicable disease into the population by restricting the person’s movements. The person is normally quarantined at his/her home. The doctor may end the quarantine once it has been confirmed that the person does not have the disease. The quarantine period is usually no longer than a couple of weeks. 

According to the Communicable Diseases Act, a person can be placed in isolation if he/she has been exposed to a generally hazardous communicable disease and had symptoms of the disease. The purpose of isolation is to prevent the spread of the communicable disease into the population by limiting the person’s movements and treating the communicable disease as quickly as possible. The patient is placed in isolation in a hospital, where he/she is examined and treated in accordance with the Health Care Act. 

Chinese demand of Port contribute to Finland’s food export

By Xuefei Chen Axelsson

STOCKHOLM, November 28(Greenpost)– While the trade negotiation between China and the US is underway at a critical time, news from Finland reaching here says that Finland’s exports in the food and beverage sector see a record high this year partly due to China’s demand of pork and other products.

The export forecast for 2019 is EUR 1.75 billion, which, if achieved, would represent a record high.

Entry into new markets, along with an increase in export volumes and prices, have contributed to an increase in the value of exports. Awareness of the growth potential available through exports has grown in the food and beverage sector. New export companies have participated in the Food from Finland programme created by Business Finland and funded by the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry and the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment. The food authorities and other promoter organisations have also significantly contributed towards the export growth.

Products in particularly strong demand this year have included dairy products, oats, other foodstuffs and alcohol products. Countries where export growth has been visible include China, where there has been a particular demand for pork and powdered milk.

The value of food imports to Finland was triple the value of our exports at EUR 4.6 billion in 2018. Many of the products being imported are not produced or manufactured in Finland. In order to reduce the trade deficit, it would be important to increase the added value of exports.

The food industry is a significant industry in Finland

According to preliminary figures for 2018, the total turnover of the food industry was around EUR 11.2 billion, showing an increase of 4% on the previous year. The food industry employs some 38,000 people directly, and as many as 340,000 indirectly.

– Finnish consumers buy domestic, responsibly produced foods, which means the food industry will continue to be a very important sector in Finland. But in addition, Finnish products and raw materials are increasingly finding their way onto the plates and into the glasses of international consumers, too, says Leena Hyrylä, Food Industry Sector Manager at the Southeast Finland ELY Centre.

Food and beverage companies continue to seek growth

The sector barometer for the manufacture of food products indicates that SMEs in the food sector continue to be growth-driven. More than half of the SMEs that responded said they were pursuing growth; 22 per cent said they sought powerful growth, while 43 per cent said they would tap into any growth opportunities available. According to the barometer, SMEs in the food sector, especially in the beverage sector, were more growth-oriented than companies in comparable sectors.

SMEs in the food sector were more optimistic about the general outlook for the economy than other Finnish SMEs and those engaged in comparable sectors. However, expectations are down on the previous year.

The business environment is changing rapidly, placing a stronger focus on the consumer and on continued renewal. The food sector is influenced by current trends and themes such as climate change, demographic changes, scarce resources, digitalisation and technological advancement in general. Consumer awareness and expectations for products and food services are rising. Responsibility, wellbeing and domestic origin are rising trends.

Business Sector Services

  • A network of expertsled by the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment
  • compiles, analyses and communicates information avout the business enviroment for decision-making purposes
  • the objective is to facilitate the succes, growth and internationalisation of Finnish companies.

SME sector reports are based on an annual SME Barometer commissioned by the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment, the Federation of Finnish Enterprises and Finnvera Oyj. The SME Barometer conducted in the autumn of 2019 is based on responses from representatives of 6,133 small and medium-sized enterprises. The survey was conducted in summer 2019. Responses were provided by 196 SMEs in the food sector.

Chinese has a saying that the earth is round and if the sun is not shining in the east, it must be shining in the west. Or if not in the north, it must be in the south. Please do not just hang yourself in one tree.

Shenzhen Promotion and Communication Presentation held in Stockholm

By Xuefei Chen Axelsson

STOCKHOLM, Sept. 24 (Greenpost) — Shenzhen Promotion and Communication Presentation was held in Stockholm on Tuesday.

Zhang Qiaozhen, President of the General Chamber of Commerce, Cao Diefeng, Counsular of Education at the Chinese Embassy, Fan Kun, Vice President of Shenzhen Overseas Communication Association and dozens of masters or Phd students from universities in Stockholm attended the presentation.

President Zhang congratulated the presentation. She explained that the goal of her Nordic-Shenzhen General Chamber of Commerce is to promote the communication between Shenzhen and Nordic countries. We have helped nordic enterprises to go to Shenzhen and Guangzhou to attend trade and high tech fairs as well as cultural exhibitions。Today we have Shenzhen delegation coming to Sweden to present Shenzhen to you. Let’s welcome Fan Kun, Vice President of Shenzhen Overseas Communication Association.

Fan Kun said Shenzhen used to be a small fishing village with a population of only 30 thousand. Now it is one of the most innovative cities all over China.

Shenzhen aims to become a roll model for Chinese cities by 2030 and 2049 and it can even be the world’s model city. Shenzhen has wonderful environment with the lowest in PM 2.5. The city is very young and vital. It is very good for young talented people to work in Shenzhen. The treatment is very good if you can have good project or achievement, said Fan.

Cao Diefeng in the middle

Counsular Cao encouraged the students to go to Shenzhen to work saying that they can have a good communication to take this opportunity.

Liu Huadian from Shenzhen Overseas Communication Association said the average age in Shenzhen is just 33 years old. So the city is the youngest one in China. The net increase of population reached by half a million to over 13 million . There are many volunteers in Shenzhen and people from Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan reached 150 thousand by the end of last year. Shenzhen is very open and all the information about talented people from overseas are published on website.

They also answered questions from the students.

Shenzhen has become an admirable city for talented people. The exchange and promotion seminar was organized by Shenzhen Overseas Communication Association.

Nordic-Shenzhen General Chamber of Commerce Established in Stockholm

By Xuefei Chen Axelsson

STOCKHOLM, Sept. 24(Greenpost) — Upon the forthcoming 70th anniversary of Chinese National Day, Nordic-Shenzhen General Chamber of Commerce was established in Stockholm on Tuesday and a grand ceremony has been held in the Chinese Cultural Center in Stockholm.

Chinese Ambassador Gui Congyou and Fan Kun Vice President of Shenzhen Overseas Communication Association granted the plaque of the Chamber of Commerce to Zhang Qiaozhen, President of the Nordic-Shenzhen General Chamber of Commerce.

Ambassador Gui expressed his sincere congratulations to the establishment of the General Chamber of Commerce and hopes that it will make further contributions to cooperation between China’s Shenzhen and Nordic countries.

Fan Kun, Vice President of Shenzhen Overseas Communication Association, made a speech about Shenzhen.

“Shenzhen’s Per capita GDP is very high in China and science and innovation level is also very high while the average age in Shenzhen is very low or the lowest in China with an average of 30 years old and the PM 2.5 is the lowest in China,” said Fan.

“That means Shenzhen is a city that is very good for young talented people to realize their dreams.” said Fan.

Han Xiaodong, Counsular of Commerce at the Chinese Embassy talked about bilateral trade and investment.

“In fact, in recent two years, Sweden enjoys surplus in export to China and China’s investment to Sweden increased substantially. This is a good trend because it indicates that the consumption level in China is increasing and investment level also increased.” said Han.

He congratulated the establishment of the General Chamber of Commerce and hopes that it will contribute more to bilateral exchange in trade and investment as well as other areas.

President Zhang Qiaozhen has said that she will do her best to promote bilateral trade and investment as well as science and technology exchange and innovation. She has helped Nordic companies to go to Shenzhen and Guangzhou and other places to participate in trade fair or exhibitions. They also received delegations from those areas to nordic countries.

Zhang said that they also announced the branches in Danmark, Finland, Iceland and Norway and issued plates to them.

Meanwhile, two strategic agreements have been signed between Zhang Qiaozhen and Tian Yubiao and another Swedish company for future cooperation.

出席庆典仪式的还有瑞典老一代华侨侨领,中国饭店创始人朱佩媛女士,瑞典最早的华人学校杨校长,以及在瑞典的北欧华人商会会长周画女士,瑞中友好协会执行会长夏雨女士,北欧中医药中心董事长田雨飙先生,碧云学院创始人范秀兰女士,畅通国际有限责任公司王凯虹女士,瑞典卡罗琳斯卡医学院曹义海教授以及高校专家学者,留学生等各界华人华侨100多人。来自海内外各界商会、各行各业机构发来贺信、贺电上百封。为成立庆典增加了喜庆气氛。

Zhu Peiyuan, senior founder of Chinese restaurant in Sweden, Yang Liran, Founder of Ruijing Chinese School, Zhou Hua, President of Nordic Chinese Association, Xia Yu, Executive President of Swedish Chinese Friendship Association, Tian yubiao, President of Nordic Chinese Medicine Center, Fan Xiulan, Founder of Biyun Academy and Professor Cao Yihai from Karolinska Institutet were among the over 100 guests at the ceremony.

Zhang Qiaozhen said Nordic Shenzhen General Chamber of Commerce is another important platform for Shenzhen to go abroad. They focus a lot on high tech, high tech industries, IT, Internet and R &D and help introduce enterprises with high potential and innovative enterprises. They will provide good services and commercial model design, legal matters consultation and one to one or P to P service. They also established an incubator to realise the scientific achievements and provide a bridge between nordic innovative enterprises with Chinese market.

We shall become an effective bridge between China’s Shenzhen and nordic countries and help Shenzhen enterprises to go abroad and Swedish or Nordic enterprises to Shenzhen, said Zhang.

Right after the ceremony, a meeting on promoting Shenzhen was also held with participation of Chinese students from different universities in Stockholm.

Photo and Text by Xuefei Chen Axelsson

The EU playing field – opening event of Finland’s Presidency

By Xuefei Chen Axelsson

STOCKHOLM, July 3(Greenpost)– According to Finlands government, Finland will celebrate the opening of its Presidency of the Council of the European Union with a free summer party in Töölönlahti Park on 8 July.

Europe Information of the Ministry for Foreign Affairs, the Prime Minister’s Office, the European Commission and the European Parliament invite all comers to enjoy a summer day of informal EU-themed events in Kansalaistori (Citizen’s Square).

Finland and the European institutions will join forces to host the “EU playing field” tent, where citizens and decision-makers will meet to discuss the presidency and the European Union. Some more laid-back activities will also be on offer in the tent: play table football or get your face painted in biodegradable glitter colours. The tent will be open from 11.00 to 20.00.

Finland has picked climate change, one of the presidency priorities, as the party’s climactic theme: Plastic Mama, a work of enviromental art byKaisa Salmi, will be mounted in Kansalaistori Square. Made of recycled plastic by the artist and a thousand volunteers, Plastic Mama is a baroque dress that will soar to a height of ten metres.

Here are just some of the other things to do at the summer party in Töölönlahti Park: enjoy a picnic, play backyard games, try out your dance moves, tie a bouquet of flowers or a birch switch for the sauna. Highlights also include music performances and the opening of a junior football tournament, the Helsinki Cup.

The presidency will also feature prominently at SuomiAreena, a public debate forum in Pori (15–19 July) and at the Europe Forum in Turku (29–31 August).

China grants first export licence for Finnish fish products

By Xuefei Chen Axelsson

STOCKHOLM, Jan. 10(Greenpost) — In connection with an export promotion visit by the Finnish Food Authority and Permanent Secretary Jaana Husu-Kallio from the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, China has granted its first export licence for Finnish fish products. The export authorisation granted by the Chinese authorities is specific to certain establishments, and it currently applies to one Finnish fish product manufacturer, according to a press release from the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry.

The export licence concerns Finnish fish only, while Norwegian salmon cannot be exported to China via Finland. The licence is applicable to certain fish species and products, including frozen, salted and smoked Finnish salmon, rainbow trout, common whitefish (lavaret) and roach fish.

– Promoting the blue bioeconomy is one of the Finnish Government’s key projects. The opening of the Chinese markets for fish products means enormous opportunities for the whole fisheries sector in Finland. The global demand for fisheries products from our clean waters keeps growing, says Minister of Agriculture and Forestry Jari Leppä.

Opening the export licences has been prepared as a collaborative effort by the export team of the Finnish Food Authority (until the end of 2018 the Finnish Food Safety Authority Evira). The Chinese authorities have been provided with comprehensive analyses on the manufacture of fish products in Finland, and the authorities have visited Finland to inspect the production facilities.

China Finland Year of Winter Sports begins

By Xuefei Chen Axelsson

STOCKHOLM, Jan. 10(Greenpost)– China Finland Year of Winter Sports has begun, announced Finnish Ministry of Education and Culture in a press release reaching here today.

The year 2019 was designated as the China Finland Year of Winter Sports at the meeting of the Finnish and Chinese presidents in spring 2017. Finland is the first country with which China has agreed on this type of winter sports partnership. The thematic year and the preparations for the 2022 Winter Olympics in Beijing are expected to boost Chinese interest in Finnish winter sports expertise.

According to Minister for European Affairs, Culture and Sport Sampo Terho, the thematic year presents excellent opportunities for Finland in terms of both winter sports expertise and the commercial aspects of the industry.

“Because Finland is the first country with which China has agreed on this type of winter sports partnership, this gives Finland significant visibility and a competitive advantage compared to other winter sports countries leading up to the 2022 Beijing Olympics and Paralympics. Finland has a great deal of opportunities and a lot to offer, particularly when it comes to coaching, building venues for winter sports, sports technology, manufacturing sports equipment and teaching physical education in schools,” says Minister Terho.

The thematic year is focused on four main themes: 1) training and coaching, 2) sustainable development and equality, 3) travel and tourism and 4) competitive and performance sports.

Minister Terho will travel to Beijing to attend the opening of the thematic year, which will take place on 15 January 2019. The closing of the thematic year will be held in Rovaniemi in December.

The thematic year is made up of more than 60 different events, with highlights including the Chinese New Year celebration in Helsinki in February, the “Women’s Month” of April, when Finland hosts both the Women’s World Ice Hockey Championships and the World Synchronized Skating Championships, and three events – Helsinki Education Week, the SMASH sports technology event and GoExpo Winter – taking place in November. As the “Country of Honour” at the 2019, World Winter Sports Expo in Beijing, Finland will have the opportunity to present its knowhow in various areas of winter sports.

In addition to the thematic year, Business Finland has established the Winter Sports Cluster growth programme, which aims to develop cooperation and export opportunities for Finnish businesses with an eye towards the 2022 Winter Olympic and Paralympic games in Beijing.

High-level visits boost cooperation

The Finnish and Chinese presidents agreed on the 2019 joint year of winter sports during President Xi Jinping’s state visit to Finland in April 2017. To coordinate the arrangements for the thematic year, Finland and China established a working group in charge of the joint programme during Sampo Terho’s visit to Peking and Harbin in March 2018.

The year of winter sports is a joint initiative of various ministries, cities, the Finnish Olympic Committee, the Finnish Paralympic Committee, individual sports associations and sports institutes.

Svensk-kinesiskt samarbete kan digitalisera världens skogsindustri

Av Xuefei Chen Axelsson

STOCKHOLM, Dec. 30 (Greenpost) — Det svenska innovationsbolaget OTMETKA utvecklar system för att individuellt märka och spåra timmer i en automatisk process. Spårbarhet av timmer handlar inte bara om att säkerställa att virke avverkas lagligt och från rätt plats, utan också om en transaktion av data och därmed pengar. Nu vill OTMETKA bland annat med kinesisk hjälp digitalisera världens skogsindustri med sin smarta lösning.

– Morgondagens 4G/5G kopplar upp skördarna alltmer. Vet vi värdet på varje avverkad skogskubikmeter är det lätt att inse att digitaliseringen av skogen är en miljardindustri, säger Bengt Sörvik, CEO och grundare av OTMETKA, ett svenskt bolag med många patent inom skogsindustrin.

Varje år avverkas bara i Sverige skog för 35–40 miljarder SEK och under 2017 uppgick sågverksindustrin samlade exportvärde till 26,7 miljarder SEK. I princip all skog i Sverige är underkastad miljöcertifiering, FSC eller PEFC. Därmed finns också krav på att redovisa timrets ursprung, vilket idag sker med administrativa och ineffektiva pappersmetoder.

– Vi digitaliserar skogen ned på varje enskild stock och helt automatisk. Det är fel att dyrt insamlad produktionsinformation bara kastas bort efter att trädet är uppkapat till timmer, säger Sörvik.

Bygger på gammal beprövad teknik
OTMETKAs system för individmärkning av timmer bygger på en enkel, beprövad och äldre teknik med stämpelyxa. Det är en yxa som användes förr för att märka timmer då det flottades på älvarna till sågverken. Det var innan vägnät och lastbilstransporter var utbyggda.

Genom att skapa en matris av vridbara stansar i fasta lägen skapar OTMETKA en i princip oändlig nummerserie där tre saker kombineras: 1) positionen där trädet växte, 2) produktionsdata från skördarens dator och 3) en unik kod för varje enskild stock. Det patentskyddade systemet heter OtmetkaID och skapar globala, unika koder. När stocken kommer till sågverket läses den av med kamerateknik.

Global molnbaserad lösning för skogen
OTMETKAs affärsidé är att sälja teknik och information som licensierade tjänster via molnlösningar, som alla inom industrin enkelt kan koppla upp sig mot. Genom att erbjuda egna lösningar, men även partners plats i affärsmodellen, räknar bolaget med att bygga ett ekosystem av tjänster med ett övergripande mål om att effektivisera skogsbruket och använda råvaran ännu bättre.

– Då svenskt och finskt skogsbruk leder utvecklingen i världen och OTMETKAs metod kan appliceras över hela världen, räknar vi med att intresset kommer att växa snabbt. Vi tecknade nyligen ett samarbetsavtal med Salzburgs universitet i Österrike om att införa utökade biometriska analyser av stockens egenskaper ihop med OtmetkaID, säger Sörvik.

Huawei ny teknikpartner 
Just nu håller OTMETKA på att få sitt internationella genombrott. Bolaget har bland annat slutit avtal med franska globala certifieringsbolaget Bureau Veritas om att bygga en fullständig Blockchain-lösning från skogen via sågverksindustrin till slutkunden. Nyligen har också heminredningsjätten IKEA bjudit in OTMETKA till IKEA Bootcamp, för det ska hjälpa till att säkerställa råvarans ursprung.

Via kinesiska ambassaden har OTMETKA också träffat tekniktunga Huawei, som har flera nya tekniska lösningar inom skogsindustrin baserade på uppkopplad mobil internetteknik. Här hoppas Bengt Sörvik på ett samarbete för att ta fram nya produkter och tjänster:

– Huawei är en stark teknologi partner med entreprenörsanda och globala ambitioner. Vi på OTMETKA kan erbjuda Huawei våra djupa kunskaper inom skoglig artificiell intelligens, AI.

Tillbaka till rötterna i Kina
OTMETKA har också tagit de första kontakterna med Bank of China, via Counselor of Commerce Mr Han Xiaodong. Även kontakter med tre kinesiska skogsorganisationer – China Wood Protection Industry Association, China Timber & Wood Distribution Association och China National Forest Products Industry Association – är tagna.

– Det vore kul om våra olika tagna kinesiska kontakter kunde utvecklas till ett affärsmässigt och tekniskt samarbete. Min far föddes 1921 i Shanghai då min farfar arbetade på det svenska företaget Ekmanska Handelshuset i staden. Själv deltog jag i 1987 års Swedish Mount Everest-expedition från den norra sidan, en officiell expedition med inbjudan från de kinesiska myndigheterna. Vi klättrade nästan samma led som den stora kinesiska expeditionen gjorde 1963, säger  Sörvik.

Sweden-China Cooperation can digitalize world’s forestry industry

By Xuefei Chen Axelsson

STOCKHOLM, Dec. 30(Greenpost) — The Swedish innovation company OTMETKA develops systems for individually labeling and tracking timber in an automatic process. Traceability of timber is not just about ensuring that the work is done lawfully and from the right place, but also about a transaction of data and thus money. Now, OTMETKA wants, with help from China to digitize the world’s forest industry with its smart solution.

– Tomorrow’s 4G / 5G connects the harvesters more and more. When we know the value of each harvested forest cubic meter it is easy to realize that digitization of the forest is a billion industry, says Bengt Sörvik, CEO and founder of OTMETKA, a Swedish company with many patents in the forest industry.

Every year, only Swedish forests are harvested for SEK 35-40 billion and in 2017 the sawmill industry totaled export value to SEK 26.7 billion. In principle, all forests in Sweden are subject to environmental certification, FSC or PEFC. Thus, there is also a requirement to report the origin of the timber, which today takes place with administrative and inefficient paper methods.

– We digitize the forest down on each individual log and completely automatically. It is wrong that expensive harvested production information is only thrown away after the tree is harvested for timber, says Sörvik.

Building on old proven technology

OTMETKA’s individual labeling system is based on a simple, proven and older technique with marking hammer. It’s an ax used to mark timber as it floated on the rivers to the sawmills. It was before road and truck transport were expanded.

By creating a matrix of rotating punches in fixed positions, OTMETKA creates a basically infinite number series that combines three things: 1) The position where the tree grew, 2) Production data from the harvester’s computer, and 3) A unique code for each individual log. The patented system is called OtmetkaID and creates global, unique codes. When the stock comes to the sawmill, it is read by camera technology.

Global cloud-based solution for the forest

OTMETKA’s business idea is to sell technology and information as licensed services through cloud solutions, which everyone in industry can easily connect with. By offering its own solutions, but also partners’ place in the business model, the company expects to build an ecosystem of services with an overall goal of streamlining forestry and using the raw material even better.

– Swedish and Finnish forestry leads the world’s development, and OTMETKA’s method can be applied worldwide, we expect interest to grow rapidly. We recently signed a cooperation agreement with the University of Salzburg in Austria to introduce extended biometric analyzes of log properties along with OtmetkaID, “says Sörvik.

Huawei new technology partner?

At the moment, OTMETKA is committed to gaining its international breakthrough. The company has, among other things, signed an agreement with the French global certification company Bureau Veritas to build a complete Blockchain solution from the forest through the sawmill industry to the end customer. Recently, IKEA Home Decoration giant IKEA has invited OTMETKA to IKEA Bootcamp, as it will help ensure the origin of the raw material.

Through the Chinese embassy,  OTMETKA has also met with technology Huawei, which has several new technical solutions in the forest industry based on online mobile internet technology. Here, Bengt Sörvik hopes to collaborate to develop new products and services:

– Huawei is a strong technology partner with entrepreneurial spirit and global ambitions. We at OTMETKA can offer Huawei our deep knowledge in forest artificial intelligence, AI.

Back to the roots in China

OTMETKA has also taken the first contacts with the Bank of China, through  counselor of Commerce Mr. Han Xiaodong. Contacts with three Chinese forest organizations – China Wood Protection Industry Association, China Timber & Wood Distribution Association and China National Forest Products Industry Association – have been taken.

– It would be fun if our various taken Chinese contacts could be developed into business and technical cooperation. My father was born in Shanghai in 1921 when my grandfather worked at the Swedish company Ekmanska Handelshuset in the city. I myself participated in the 1987 Swedish Mount Everest expedition from the north side, an official expedition with the invitation of the Chinese authorities. We climbed almost the same route that the Great Chinese expedition made in 1963, says Sörvik.

In future, only charges provided by law could be collected from clients of health and social services

By Xuefei Chen Axelsson

STOCKHOLM, Dec. 14(Greenpost)–The Government is proposing a new Act on Client Charges in Health and Social Services that would apply to health and social services organised by counties. In future, only service charges provided by the Act on Client Charges in Health and Social Services could be collected from clients.

The aim is that the service charges would be reasonable and not prevent people from using the health and social services they need.

The client’s own county would charge the client. Counties could also charge less than the maximum fee, or let their residents use services free of charge. The client would always pay the same sum for the same service organised by the county, irrespective of who provided the service. The county would use the same client charges for services provided by the county itself and for services bought from other service providers against the client’s health and social services voucher or personal budget. The service provider would be allowed to charge for unattended appointments that had not been cancelled.

As before, there would fixed client charges and client charges based on the client’s ability to pay (income-related charges). When determining income-related charges, only the clients’ continuous, regular income would be taken into account, not their property. Regulations concerning forest income would remain unchanged.

Scope of application of payment ceiling becomes broader

The aim is not to change the level of the current annual payment ceiling (EUR 683). In future, the following costs would be included when calculating whether the client’s total costs reach the payment ceiling: appointment and processing charges for oral health services, charges for temporary home nursing and hospital at home, charges for prehospital emergency medical services, and charges paid from the person’s income support.

Providers would be allowed to charge the same sums for distance services as for services received during traditional appointments. Charges for distance services would be included in the client’s costs for the payment ceiling. Payment practices in primary services and specialised services would be harmonised. In future, each appointment to a doctor, nurse or therapist would be charged separately, as well as each appointment for serial treatment.

The obligation to monitor when the client reaches the payment ceiling would be transferred from the client to the county.

The provision obliging to reduce or waive a charge would be made more effective and the provision would be extended to cover even the charges for short-term institutional healthcare. Clients should be informed about the possibility to apply for payment reduction. Payment reduction would be preferred rather than granting income support.

Free-of-charge health services to minors and for preventive purposes

In future, health services to minors would always be free of charge. The change would also apply to institutional healthcare and specialised medical care.

As before, preventive services would mainly be free of charge. Appointments to outpatient care services relating to mental health and substance abuse problems would be free of charge.

Charging criteria for home care, service housing and institutional care will be harmonised

The Act on Client Charges in Health and Social Services would lay down charges for long-term service housing. In the same connection, the principles for income-related charges for long-term or continuous and regular services would be harmonised.

Continuous and regular home care would be comparable to ordinary long-term service housing because both arrangements bring services to the clients’ homes and the clients do not need services 24 hours a day. The income limits for home care charges would be raised.

Long-term service housing with 24-h assistance would be considered equal to long-term institutional care as both service arrangements provide clients with intensive 24-hour care. The Act would require that a client shall have at least EUR 160 at his or her personal disposal in service housing with 24-h assistance. In institutional care, the sum is EUR 108.

The Act is scheduled to enter into force on 1 January 2021.

People found guilty of serious offences could in future lose their Finnish citizenship

In future, people found guilty of certain serious offences could lose their Finnish citizenship. Such offences would include treason, high treason and offences against the vital interests of Finland committed with terrorist intent. The Government submitted a proposal to amend the Nationality Act to Parliament on 5 December.

An individual could lose their citizenship only if they are also a citizen of another country and have sufficient de facto ties to their other country of citizenship. Finnish citizens by birth could also lose their citizenship.

“Individuals convicted of treason and terrorist crimes have lost their loyalty to Finland and the Finnish people. In such cases, even the loss of citizenship would, under certain conditions, be justified,” says Minister of the Interior Kai Mykkänen.

According to the proposal, an individual could lose their Finnish citizenship if found guilty of an offence against the vital interests of the state for which the most severe punishment provided is at least eight years of imprisonment. Such offences include compromising Finland’s right to self-determination, incitement to war, treason and espionage. The loss of citizenship would also require the individual to have been sentenced to at least five years of unconditional imprisonment.

A person could also lose their citizenship if they are convicted of an offence with terrorist intent, such as a breach of the prohibition on chemical weapons, aggravated trafficking in human beings, hostage taking, a nuclear explosive offence, kidnapping or killing. A further condition is that the crime in question was committed against the vital interests of Finland.

The Finnish Immigration Service would decide on the annulment of citizenship based on the criminal conviction

The decision on the annulment of citizenship would be made by the Finnish Immigration Service. The decision could be made based on a legally valid criminal conviction issued in Finland. The individual could appeal against the decision of the Finnish Immigration Service to an administrative court.

The proposed amendment is part of the Government’s action plan on asylum policy, according to which measures will be taken to criminalise participation in the activities of any organisation classified by the UN and the EU as a terrorist organisation, travelling abroad with intent to commit a terrorist offence and the funding of such travel. After this, measures will be taken to lay down provisions on the possibility of annulling the Finnish citizenship of people with dual citizenship who have participated in terrorist activities.

 

Government proposes new powers for police to intervene in use of drones in certain cases

By Xuefei Chen Axelsson

STOCKHOLM, Nov. 8(Greenpost)–The police need greater powers to intervene in the use of unmanned aircraft, or drones. At the moment, the police have a limited capability to respond to security threats caused by drones. On 8 November, the Government submitted to Parliament a proposal for amending the Police Act, according to a statement from the government reaching here.

“Unmanned aircraft systems have become very popular, and this has created new kinds of security threats for which we aim to prepare with this proposal. Drones can be used for preparing or committing offences, such as covert filming or photography or industrial espionage. In addition, inexperienced or reckless drone users may pose a risk to their environment,” says Minister of the Interior Kai Mykkänen.

In future, the police could intervene in the use of drones when this is necessary to maintain public order and security, for example. Greater powers are also necessary for preventing offences and safeguarding significant state events.

The aim of the proposal is improve safety and security in society. The police could, if necessary, intervene in the use of drones by using force or such technical equipment that helps to disturb the connection between the drone and its remote control system or to take over control of the drone remotely. The police could forbid the use of drones, for example at the scene of an accident to prevent drones equipped with cameras being used to take photos or videos of victims of the accident and/or to prevent the disturbance of the work of the authorities.

Prime Minister Sipilä says to engage China and US while meeting EU president Jean-Claude Juncker

 By Xuefei Chen Axelsson

STOCKHOLM, Nov. 8 (Greenpost)–Prime Minister Juha Sipilä and President of the European Commission Jean-Claude Juncker met today, on 8 November, in Helsinki, according to a statement from government office reaching here.

In their meeting, Sipilä and Juncker had a wide-ranging discussion on the development of the EU and the challenges it will face in the future. The leaders also discussed Finland’s upcoming Presidency of the Council of the European Union, as well as the country’s priorities for the Commission’s new five-year work programme.

Sipilä and Juncker’s discussions focused on topics including the EU’s measures to respond to migration, questions concerning international trade and the development of the EU’s internal markets.

“When it comes to migration, we must focus above all dealing with the root causes and engaging in cooperation with the countries of origin. We also need more effective control of the EU’s external borders, including reform of the Common European Asylum System. During its Presidency term, Finland is committed to continue seeking a way forward in migration issues in a pragmatic and result-oriented manner,” commented Prime Minister Sipilä.

Sipilä and Juncker agreed that strengthening the rules-based international system of trade must continue to be a top priority of the EU’s trading policy.

“The EU has to maintain its leading role in modernising the World Trade Organization (WTO).  At the same time, we must work to engage the United States and China in this process,” Prime Minister Sipilä said.

Prime Minister Sipilä and European Commission President Juncker also discussed the development of the EU’s defence cooperation and preparedness for hybrid threats, the status of the Brexit negotiations, cooperation between the EU and Africa, climate issues and the EU’s new multiannual financial framework.

In addition to European Commission President Juncker, Sipilä met today, on 8 November, with Bulgarian Prime Minister Boyko Borisov. Today’s discussions were part of a series of meetings leading up to Finland’s term as President of the Council of the European Union. Prime Minister Sipilä will meet with the heads of all EU Member States before the start of Finland’s Presidency term.

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