Author: Saara Fu

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Event Report: FinnCham South China at SIUF 2025

FinnCham South China had the pleasure of attending the Shenzhen International Underwear Fair (SIUF), one of the most important fashion and textile industry events in China. The Chamber was represented by Chairwoman Ms. Saara Fu, who took part in a range of official activities during the multi-day event.

Key Highlights

  • Opening Ceremony: FinnCham participated in the grand opening, witnessing a strong presence of both domestic and international brands.
  • Roundtable Discussion: Chairwoman Saara Fu joined other speakers in a panel on innovation and sustainability in the global fashion industry.
  • Television Interview: Ms. Fu gave an interview on-site, highlighting Finland’s approach to sustainability in fashion, where eco-consciousness is not just a trend but a long-standing, embedded practice. She also discussed consumer expectations, the second-hand market, and circular economy models in Finnish fashion.
  • Fashion Shows & Exhibitions: The delegation explored new collections and technological displays, observing growing demand for sustainable practices across the Chinese fashion sector.
  • Fair Showroom Visit: Ms. Fu visited to fair showrooms and networked with textile and clothing manufacturers.
Photo Credit: SIUF2025

Key Observations

  • There is momentum in China toward sustainability and innovation, driven largely by consumer demand—particularly among younger buyers.
  • Companies are actively investing in new textile processing technologies, and AI integration is becoming more visible throughout the design-to-logistics chain.
  • Despite this progress, internal market competition remains intense, making innovation and brand differentiation critical.
  • In terms of design, the exhibition featured a creative mix of futuristic and utilitarian aesthetics, classic Western influences, and inspirations from traditional Chinese fashion, highlighting the global fusion shaping the industry today.

Event Snapshots

Casual and futuristic looks
A snapshot of the styles shown at SIUF2025
MiiOW brand show with some casual looks
Photographers were especially interested in certain types of looks
Ms. Fu had a long chat with the people from this textile supplier
New materials and solutions were also shown at the fair
Besides Ms. Fu, there was some Finnish representation at the event
Not just clothes – all sorts of really cool machinery were shown in the exhibition pavilion
SANDYASI’s stall was very lively
Ms. Fu at SIUF

Looking Ahead

FinnCham South China looks forward to continued dialogue with industry stakeholders and welcomes collaboration with Chinese and Finnish companies driving responsible, forward-thinking innovation in fashion and textiles.

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Member Event Uncategorized

ANDRITZ visit in Foshan, Guangzhou

FinnCham South China Business Visit: ANDRITZ, Foshan

FinnCham South China is pleased to invite its members to an exclusive factory visit at ANDRITZ in Foshan, Guangdong, on Friday, April 11, 2025. This visit offers a unique opportunity to explore the operations of a global leader in hydropower, pulp and paper, metals, and environmental and energy solutions.

About ANDRITZ

ANDRITZ China is dedicated to providing cutting-edge industry plants, equipment, digitalization, and automation services across multiple industries. With a factory area covering over 100,000 square meters in Foshan, the company plays a crucial role in the manufacturing sector in China. The visit will provide insights into their advanced production processes and innovative solutions. ANDRITZ has its headquarters at Graz, Austria, but Pulp & Paper business is originated from Finland. ANDRITZ acquired Kone Wood at 90’s and Ahlström Machinery early 2000.

Why Attend?

The event is designed to offer members a deeper understanding of how Finnish businesses operate in China, particularly in industrial and manufacturing sectors. The visit will also serve as an excellent opportunity to network with fellow professionals and exchange ideas, and gain firsthand knowledge of sustainable business practices and industry advancements. 

In addition to the ANDRITZ factory tour, FinnCham South China will provide a brief introduction about its activities, highlighting ongoing initiatives and ways members can engage more actively in the Chamber’s network.

Following the visit, members are welcome to continue discussions and unwind at an optional, self-paid afterparty at nearby Lintiandian in Foshan, providing a relaxed atmosphere to strengthen connections and end the week on a positive note.

Event Details

  • Date: Friday, April 11, 2025
  • Time: 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM
  • Location:
    Foshan Tianbao Road
    P.R. China
    9 Tian Bao Road, West City Industry Zone, Chancheng District
    528000 Foshan, Guangdong
  • How to get there:
    • You can take Line 2 subway from Guangzhou South Station to either
      • 张槎站 and switch to bus 157 and ride four stops until 消防特勤队站, or
      • 智慧新城站 and walk or take a taxi.
      • Map (Baidu)
  • Who Can Attend: FinnCham South China & Hong Kong members. Non-members who would like to join the event, leave your contact information in the sign up survey and we will get back to you.

Event Program

  • Introduction to ANDRITZ
  • Factory tour
  • Short presentation by FinnCham South China & Hong Kong
  • Networking and refreshments at the roof top.
  • Optional afterparty at Lintiandian (self-paid)

This event is a great opportunity for members to gain business insights, make new connections, and enjoy a Friday afternoon in an engaging setting.

How to join the event?

To register for the event, please sign up here: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/GKX6C2Z

For more information, feel free to contact us at contact@finnchamgd.org. 

We look forward to welcoming you to an insightful and enjoyable visit to ANDRITZ!

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event Member Event

Celebrating Success: FinnCham South China Attends New Metso Service and Supply Center Opening in Foshan

On January 9th, FinnCham South China had the honor of representing the Finnish business community at the grand opening of a new Metso Greater Bay Area Service and Supply Center in Plainvim Intelligent Industrial Park Foshan, hosted by Metso.

The event was a wonderful celebration of progress, collaboration, and tradition. Attendees were treated to a beautiful opening ceremony, featuring a vibrant and symbolic lion dance. This traditional performance not only brought energy and excitement to the occasion but also highlighted the rich cultural heritage of the region.

The traditional lion dance

It was delightful to connect with the talented and inspiring people behind this exciting new venture. Events like these underscore the importance of fostering strong relationships within our network and celebrating the achievements of our members.

FinnCham South China is committed to supporting and showcasing the incredible work of our member companies. This special day in Foshan was a testament to the value of collaboration and community in driving success.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to Metso for inviting us to join this milestone event. We look forward to seeing the positive impact of their new service and supply center, and exploring further opportunities for collaboration.

Together, let’s continue building bridges, strengthening partnerships, and creating opportunities for a brighter future.

Chairwoman’s USK – New Metso Service and Supply Center, Foshan

Warm regards,
Saara Fu
Chairwoman, FinnCham South China

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English event

FinnCham South China at the 2nd Greater Bay Area State-Owned Enterprises Supply Chain Collaboration Conference & Supply Chain Collaboration Exhibition

In the middle, Dr. Chen from ISEFC.

FinnCham South China at the 2nd Greater Bay Area State-Owned Enterprises Supply Chain Collaboration Conference & Supply Chain Collaboration Exhibition

In December, FinnCham South China had the honor of representing Finland at the 2nd Greater Bay Area State-Owned Enterprises Supply Chain Collaboration Conference & Supply Chain Collaboration Exhibition, at the invitation of the Finnish Water Forum and the International Scientific Exchange Foundation of China.

FinnCham South China and Finnish Water Forum represent

Finnish Water Forum and FinnCham South China joined a round table discussion on issues related to water sustainability, technology, and cooperation between Finland and China, which was organized as a part of the SOE Supply Chain Collaboration Conference. The event brought together experts, policymakers, and business leaders, such as UPM, from Finland and China to discuss solutions for one of the world’s most pressing challenges: sustainable water management.

The Chamber’s representative engaged with key stakeholders and gained valuable insights into global water technology advancements. Finland’s reputation as a leader in water science and innovation was highlighted throughout the discussions, and there was a shared enthusiasm for collaboration between the two countries.

Key Highlights from the Event:

  1. Networking Opportunities: Several high-ranking professionals and organizations across multiple industries were engaged, creating a network for potential future partnerships.
  2. Strategic Insights: Panel discussions emphasized the importance of integrating science and technology into water management. Finland’s best practices in water technology were warmly received and seen as a model for sustainable development.
  3. Collaboration Opportunities: The event showcased an eagerness from all sides to share expertise, jointly develop innovative solutions, and craft impactful projects together.
  4. Finnish media representation: The Chairwoman was one of the few foreign representatives at the event, and was given an opportunity to say a few words to the media about Finland’s eagerness to cooperate and share best practices related to water sustainability:
    媒体专访：芬兰水务协会驻华首席代表臧松涛；芬兰中国商会华南区主席Ms. Saara Fu – 第二届粤港澳大湾区国有企业供应链协同交流会_智慧中国
Opening ceremony
The UPM stand at the exhibition

The Chamber was happy to see UPM from Finland represented at the exhibition, and the Chairwoman thanks for the excellent paper sample.

Looking Ahead:

The Chamber aims to facilitate connections between Finnish businesses and international partners to further these initiatives. Members interested in pursuing collaborative opportunities in water technology or related fields are encouraged to reach out to discuss potential next steps.

Join the Next Step:

A high-level event about water sustainability is in the plans for May 2025 in Chengdu. Members interested in participating or supporting this initiative are invited to contact the Chamber for more details. Stay tuned for more!

Together, these connections can be turned into impactful outcomes. Let’s continue building bridges, finding solutions, and working toward a sustainable future.

Chairwoman’s USK – Canton Fair Complex area, Guangzhou

Warm regards,
Ms. Saara Fu
Chairwoman, FinnCham South China