FLO Business Mission 2024

As part of the FICCI FLO Business Mission led by National President Joyshree Das Verma, a group of 65 women entrepreneurs and professionals visited Finland, Sweden, Latvia, and Estonia from August 7-16, 2024.

The mission aimed to foster international collaboration, explore new business opportunities, and promote cultural exchange. Designed to strengthen trade ties, share knowledge on innovation and sustainability, and enhance the global presence of Indian women entrepreneurs, this mission was a strategic initiative by FICCI FLO to create pathways for future partnerships, encourage best practices and empower women in business on a global stage.

Helsinki, Finland | August 8, 2024

Empowering Connections: Exploring Helsinki’s Innovation Ecosystem – Meeting Hosted by Helsinki Partners

A business meeting was held at City Hall in Helsinki, hosted by Helsinki Partners, a city marketing, investment, and talent attraction company owned by the City of Helsinki. This organization serves as the primary contact for businesses looking to set up or expand operations, find investment opportunities, or explore career prospects in Finland’s capital. FICCI FLO President, Joyshree Das Verma, highlighted FLO’s efforts in exploring possibilities for enhancing the India-Finland business relationship, particularly among women entrepreneurs. Indian Ambassador to Finland, H.E. Shri Hemant Kotalwar, also addressed the delegates, emphasizing the significance of India-Finland relations and how the FICCI FLO delegation represents a step forward in strengthening these ties.

Potential Outcome: This meeting laid the groundwork for future business collaborations between Indian and Finnish women entrepreneurs, especially in the areas of innovation and sustainability.

Welcome Reception Hosted by Indian Ambassador to Finland

H.E. Shri Hemant Kotalwar and Mrs. Seema Kotalwar hosted a welcome reception at the Indian Embassy in Helsinki, offering delegates an excellent networking opportunity and deeper insights into Finland’s business landscape.

Potential Outcome: The reception facilitated valuable connections that could lead to joint ventures and collaborative projects between Indian and Finnish enterprises.

Stockholm, Sweden | August 10, 2024

FICCI FLO, represented by National President Joyshree Das Verma, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the India EU Trade Council and the Good Government Affair, represented by Chairperson Lena Backer. The MoU was signed in the presence of Saila Quicklund, Swedish Member of Parliament, and Michael Berglund, Senior Advisor to the Chair of Good Government Affairs International. This significant agreement aims to enhance trade and support women entrepreneurs, especially in key sectors such as textiles and apparel, handicrafts, agriculture, food processing, IT and digital services, health and wellness products, sustainable and eco-friendly products, and the tourism and hospitality industry.

Potential Outcome: The MoU is expected to pave the way for increased trade between India and Sweden, offering new opportunities for women-led businesses in both countries. A Swedish delegation will visit India and it has been confirmed for November 2024.

Tallinn, Estonia

India-Estonia Women Business Forum| August 12, 2024

FICCI FLO, led by National President Joyshree Das Verma and accompanied by Presidium members and Past Presidents, hosted the India-Estonia Women Business Forum in Tallinn, Estonia. The event, supported by the Estonian Chamber of Commerce & Industry, provided a platform for networking and collaboration. The forum featured addresses by H.E. Mr. Ajaneesh Kumar, Indian Ambassador to Estonia, and other notable speakers, including Mr. Arvo Anton from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Mrs. Eva-Kristiina Ponomarjov from Enterprise Estonia, and Mrs. Hanah Lahe, Member of the Estonian Parliament.

Potential Outcome: The forum established a foundation for enduring business relationships between Indian and Estonian women entrepreneurs, potentially leading to joint ventures and collaborative projects.

Interaction and Presentation by e-Estonia Officials | August 13, 2024

Delegates attended a presentation by e-Estonia officials at the Indian Embassy, learning about Estonia’s digital society and its various e-services, including e-Tax Board, e-Business, e-Banking, e-Ticket, and e-School. The session showcased Estonia’s advanced digital infrastructure and its potential for international collaboration.

Potential Outcome: Insights from this session could inspire the adoption of similar digital innovations within Indian enterprises, fostering further cooperation in the tech sector.

Visit to Shroomwell | August 14, 2024

Delegates visited Shroomwell, the largest indoor functional mushroom cultivator in Northern-Eastern Europe. Founded by Siim Kabrits, Shroomwell specializes in wellness products and environmental solutions derived from functional mushrooms and fungi. During the visit, delegates explored potential collaborations in the wellness and environmental sectors, which could lead to the introduction of innovative products in the Indian market. Additionally, delegates purchased a variety of Shroomwell’s wellness products, reflecting their keen interest in these offerings and the potential for bringing such products to India.

Potential Outcome: The interest and purchases made by the delegates could pave the way for future business partnerships, potentially leading to the distribution of Shroomwell’s wellness products in India.

Jurmala & Riga, Latvia

FICCI FLO Celebrates Independence Day in Riga | August 15, 2024

FICCI FLO celebrated India’s Independence Day with fervor at the picturesque Baltic Resort and Spa in Jurmala, Latvia. The serene coastal setting added to the significance of the occasion, as members gathered to honor the spirit of freedom and unity. The celebration was marked by patriotic enthusiasm, with delegates coming together to sing the National Anthem, filling the air with a deep sense of pride and patriotism.

Meeting hosted by Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Riga, Latvia

As part of the Business Mission, FICCI FLO delegates attended a meeting hosted by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Latvia. The meeting was an integral part of the mission, highlighting Latvia’s potential as a business partner. The speakers included National President, Joyshree Das Verma ; Dace Melbārde, Parliamentary Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs; Solvita Gulbe, Deputy Director of the Foreign Trade Promotion Department; Angelina Bekasova, Space and Innovation Policy Senior Expert at the Ministry of Economics; Egita Polanska, Economic Advisor for the Minister of Foreign Affairs; Anna Anderson, CEO and Co-Founder of RigaTech Girls, Latvia; and Madara Grinsteine, MARTA Centre Development Cooperation Project Manager.

Potential Outcome: This meeting is expected to result in collaborations that could enhance trade and innovation between India and Latvia, particularly in technology and space policy.

Cultural Immersion and Exploration

In addition to business meetings and forums, delegates also took the opportunity to visit important tourist attractions in Finland, Sweden, Estonia, and Latvia. These cultural experiences enriched the mission, offering a broader understanding of the diverse cultures and landscapes of these countries. This blend of business and cultural exploration not only strengthened professional ties but also deepened mutual respect and appreciation between India and the visited nations.

Delegates also had the opportunity to explore some of the most iconic tourist destinations in each city. In Helsinki, they visited the stunning Helsinki Cathedral and the UNESCO World Heritage site, Suomenlinna Fortress. In Stockholm, they marveled at the historic Gamla Stan (Old Town) and the Royal Palace. Tallinn’s medieval charm was on full display as they explored the cobblestone streets of the Old Town and visited the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral. In Riga, delegates were captivated by the Art Nouveau architecture and the grandeur of Riga Cathedral. Spending two nights on board the cruise liner Silja Serenade was a memorable experience, offering breathtaking views of the Baltic Sea and providing a unique opportunity to unwind and connect with fellow members.