International trade
International trade and external economic relations are a central part of Finland’s foreign and security policy. They support our competitiveness, employment and wellbeing.
Explore the trade promotion services
The Ministry for Foreign Affairs and Finnish embassies promote the export and internationalisation of Finnish companies.
Report on International Economic Relations and Development Cooperation
The report on international economic relations and development cooperation complements the report on foreign and security policy with more detailed trade and development policy measures. The aim is to better support Finland’s commercial and economic interests in developing markets and to increase the economic independence of countries by strengthening the responsibility of developing countries for their own development.
Current affairs
Export control training for exporters of dual-use items
The Ministry for Foreign Affairs is inviting companies exporting dual-use items to take part in export control training on Tuesday 2 June 2026.
New national general authorisations facilitate exports to South Korea and exports by public authorities
The Ministry for Foreign Affairs has made decisions on two new national general export authorisations for dual-use items. The first authorisation, FI002, reduces administrative burden on public authorities exporting dual-use items. The second authorisation, FI003, allows companies to export dual-use items to South Korea by notifying the Ministry for Foreign Affairs.
Minister Tavio to join President Stubb and his spouse Innes-Stubb on state visit to Lithuania
Minister for Foreign Trade and Development Ville Tavio will visit Lithuania on 13–15 May 2026 as a member of the official delegation accompanying President of the Republic Alexander Stubb on his state visit. Minister Tavio will also attend the programme for the business delegation.
National ICE Pact coordinators to meet in Helsinki
National coordinators of the Icebreaker Collaboration Effort (ICE Pact) from Canada, Finland and the United States will meet in Helsinki on 5–7 May 2026. Finland will host a three-day meeting for the countries’ government representatives to advance the goals related to icebreaker construction and Arctic cooperation.
Maria Paaso appointed as Special Adviser to Minister for Foreign Trade and Development Tavio
Minister for Foreign Trade and Development Ville Tavio has invited Maria Paaso to serve as his Special Adviser. Paaso started in her new post on 27 April 2026.