British Ambassador in Finland visited Kuopio

The British Ambassador in Finland, Mrs Laura Davies, visited Kuopio with her delegation on October 6. The discussions covered many topics that are important to Finland, the UK, and Kuopio.

Global security and local expertise

The morning of the visit was spent focusing on global security, which is important for Kuopio. The program began with a visit to the Karelia Air Force Base, from where the tour continued to Luola, a sports and event venue that also serves as a civil defense shelter. In Luola, the group was joined by Kuopio Mayor Soile Lahti and Asko Muhonen, a specialist in global security projects. The visitors were particularly impressed by Luola’s role as a dual-use facility.

Global security was also discussed at a lunch meeting organized by KPY in Novapolis, which was attended by the City Council Chairman Aleksi Eskelinen, the second vice -chairman of the city council Harri Auvinen, and the vice -rector of Savonia University of Applied Sciences Mikko Vuoristo.

After the morning session the trip continued with a visit to the jewelry manufacturer Lumoava Oy to learn about Kuopio’s expertise.

Business outlook and visit to Kuopio Lyseo

In the afternoon, discussions continued on business and economic themes at the City Hall. Participants in the discussion included Mayor Soile Lahti, Regional Director Tytti Määttä, CEO of FinVector Oy Matthias Krieger, Team Finland Growth and Internationalization Coordinator, North Savo ELY Centre expert Markku Koponen and Kuopio City Relations Manager Anu Häiväläinen.

The short presentations focused in particular on Kuopio’s expertise in its strong areas, such as welfare technology.

– The visit by the British ambassador confirmed Kuopio’s position as a global partner. Discussions emphasized the importance of health technology, medicine development, and defense technology. Cooperation with the UK supports Kuopio’s strategy of being the capital of good living, where sustainable growth, internationality and happiness go hand in hand with business development, – Anu Häiväläinen said, describing the meeting.

At the end of the tour, the delegation visited Kuopio Lyseo High School and learned about its IB program. After the visit, the ambassador also planned to try a local delicacy – kalakukko pie.

“Kuopio is full of faith in the region and in its own actions”

Overall, the expertise available in Kuopio and Northern Savo, as well as Kuopio’s strategic location, are currently attracting a widespread interest. Mayor Lahti was delighted and pleased with the attention Kuopio has received.

– The ambassador also paid close attention to Kuopio’s lake scenery, which she had first seen from the plane and then from the heights of Novapolis. Taking into account the quality of life factors we described, she also understood why Kuopio has been Finland’s second most attractive city for five years in a row and has grown as well as it has. Kuopio has a charm that we locals don’t always even recognize! This is a significant opportunity for international tourism and we want to take advantage of it both in Kuopio and throughout our region.

Ambassador Davies was particularly impressed by the consistency of all the presentations he saw and the confidence of the Kuopio residents in their own activities. Her final comment even included a little Savonian-style clever joke.

“Kuopio is full of faith in its own activities and the region. The region is really lively, vibrant, and energetic. Everyone here seems to have such a similar way of talking about the region and things that either you are really disciplined in this, or it must be true,” Laura Davies said.