Finnish Know-How in the Spanish Market
From My Internship in Madrid
¡Hola again! My name is Victoria, and as my five-month internship at the Finnish-Spanish Chamber of Commerce (CCHF) is now coming to an end, this final blog post looks at the opportunities Spain can offer Finnish companies that I have observed during my time in Madrid.
Busy workdays flow into lively evenings every day in Spain
Finnish Expertise Has a Place in Spain
Through my work at CCHF and with companies in our network, I have noticed that Finnish technology and engineering expertise is highly valued in the Spanish market. Finnish companies are already active in areas such as telecommunications, energy, industrial technology and construction.
Companies such as Nokia, Wärtsilä and Lumon are examples of Finnish businesses with established operations in Spain. Their presence reflects the demand for specialised technology, engineering expertise and innovative solutions.
It is not only Finnish products and services that are appreciated. During my time in Madrid, I have also noticed that the Nordic way of working is generally well regarded. Finnish and Nordic companies are often associated with reliability, efficiency, innovation and a professional approach to business. The Nordic focus on trust, equality and a healthy work-life balance can also be seen as attractive qualities.
In addition to great business environment, Madrid also offers beautiful sunsets
Opportunities and Local Understanding
My impression is that opportunities for Finnish companies in Spain go beyond simply exporting products. Companies with specialised knowledge, technical expertise and innovative services may find strong potential in this large and competitive market. CCHF plays an important role in supporting Finnish companies interested in the Spanish market by sharing practical insights through webinars and events, while also connecting Finnish businesses with its established local network.
These connections also reflect one of the most important things I have learned during my internship: entering the Spanish market is not only about having a good product or service. Local contacts, language skills and an understanding of the business culture can be equally important. Having the right local network can make it easier to understand the market, find potential partners and navigate the local business environment. For me, this has shown that entering a new market is not only about what you can offer, but also about understanding the market and the people you want to work with.
Victoria Kalaeva
Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/victoriakalaeva