Successful Finland delegation opens doors for new business in Newmarket

NEWMARKET, ON, Oct. 18, 2012 /CNW/ - A recent business delegation to Finland has created more than 30 potential partnerships and business opportunities between the Town of Newmarket and Finland.

"Newmarket has a strong home grown economy and while we greatly value our local businesses and the integral relationship with our Chamber of Commerce, we must also look to expand our markets beyond our municipal and Canadian borders," says Mayor Tony Van Bynen. "Today's technology makes the world more accessible and will help Newmarket continue to gain international recognition and capitalize on global opportunities for our community and local businesses."

From September 17-21, members from the Town of Newmarket, Southlake Regional Health Centre, York University, York Region and various members of Newmarket's business community visited Finland to identify economic development opportunities and create a network with Finnish businesses interested in expanding in North American markets.

The delegation included Helsinki, the Otaniemi technology hub in Espoo and Tampere, Finland and a brief visit to Estonia. The outcome of the 5-day business venture was five potential distribution arrangements, three potential technology trials, eight potential clinical trials, two collaborative development  opportunities, five clinical implementation opportunities and 30 referrals.

The Town of Newmarket was successful in achieving the two primary objectives for the delegation which included:

• Identifying and following up on contacts with Finnish businesses in all sectors that express interest in North American markets.
• Supporting Southlake in its research and innovation growth objectives by largely focusing on the areas of health sciences and research.

"Southlake has achieved great success with respect to improving the health and wellness of the communities we serve through innovative projects and collaborations," said Dr. Dave Williams, President and CEO at Southlake. "We have worked closely with the Town of Newmarket for years on joint initiatives because we are mindful of the fact that we are able to accomplish so much more by working together with a common cause, passion, and vision."

Finland was chosen as a strategic location for the delegation because they are a world leader in technology development, innovation and product commercialization. Finland is particularly strong in the health sector and information and communications technology, two areas of focus that align with Newmarket's economic development strategy.

To further strengthen relationships with Finland, Newmarket will host a delegation from Finland in 2013. For further information please visit www.newmarket.ca/finland/ or scan the QR code.

SOURCE: Town of Newmarket

Media contact:
Amber Harrison
Senior Communications Specialist, Corporate Communications
Tel: [phone], ext. 2046
E-mail: [email protected]