Lehtomäki urges clean tech to tap into historic strengths

A week ago, Finland’s Cleantech Sector was ranked third in the top ten Cleantech Cluster Organizations for 2010, in a comparison carried out by US-based Sustainable World Capital. Finland was the leader among the Nordic Countries, following only Austria and the United States. Minister of the Environment, Paula Lehtomäki urged Finnish companies to use their historic advantage in a country of limited resources to conquer the world market when she addressed guests at AmCham’s Annual General Meeting Dinner on Thursday, 11th of March at Hotel Presidentti.

Finland’s limited natural resources, tough climatic conditions, strict environmental legislation and energy-intensive industry have a silver lining after all – it has compelled the country’s expertise in sustainable technology. 

"There is proof we have done something right," said Lehtomäki, in her opening address to more than 90 high-profiled guests from the AmCham community who had gathered for a 1920’s style jazz evening. The Finnish cleantech cluster was also acknowledged for creating 40 new high-growth companies in the country and for its active role in the internationalization of companies. 

“Finns have a way of developing something new and then staying inside with this nice new innovation, ”said Lehtomäki candidly, referring to Finland’s most famed invention, the sauna. “It’s time to come out.” Minister Lehtomäki is a strong proponent of climate change driving new business. As the green tech market is rapidly expanding, she would make it the new growth pillar for the world economy.  For more information on the Energy Committee, contact kristopher.buczek@amcham.fi