The Estonian-Chinese Chamber of Commerce held a meeting with representatives from the Chinese Embassy in Estonia aimed at introducing the Chamber and its activities.
The Estonian-Chinese Chamber of Commerce (EECN) held a meeting with representatives from the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in Estonia on March 27, 2023. During the meeting, the Chamber’s representatives introduced the organization and its goals, including the strengthening of economic and cultural ties between Estonia and China.
The representatives also discussed various topics such as tourism, educational exchange, cultural exchange, trade, and investments. The meeting served as an opportunity for both sides to explore potential collaborations and partnerships in promoting bilateral relationships between the two countries.
“We believe that by bringing together businesses from diverse industries and sectors, we can create a vibrant ecosystem that encourages innovation, fosters sustainable development, and contributes to the economic growth of both China and the Baltic and Scandinavian regions,” said Tianze Zhang, director of the Estonian-Chinese Chamber of Commerce.
“We understand the importance of creating strong connections between businesses in China and Estonia,” said Dawid Wiktor, director of the Estonian-Chinese Chamber of Commerce. “Our primary goal is to provide a supportive platform where companies from both countries can collaborate, share knowledge, and access valuable resources to drive mutual growth and success. To achieve this, we offer a wide range of services tailored to the needs of our members.”
The representatives of the Chamber acknowledged that bringing together businesses can encourage and support innovation, foster sustainable development and mutual understanding, and significantly contribute to the economic growth of both the Baltic and Scandinavian regions and China.
Trade relations between Estonia and China
As of 2022, China was one of Estonia’s largest trading partners outside of the European Union. Estonia’s primary exports to China included wood and wood products, machinery, and electronic equipment. Imports from China to Estonia mainly consisted of machinery, electrical equipment, and various consumer goods.
The trade volume between the two countries has grown significantly in recent years, with Estonia experiencing a positive trade balance with China. This growth can be attributed to the increasing demand for Estonian products in the Chinese market and the interest of Chinese businesses in investing in Estonia, particularly in sectors such as technology, renewable energy, and logistics.
According to the Observatory of Economic Complexity (OEC), in 2020:
- Estonia’s exports to China were valued at around $272 million, which accounted for 2.1% of Estonia’s total exports.
- China was Estonia’s 8th largest export destination.
- The top exports from Estonia to China included Wood and Wood products ($110 million), Machinery ($44.5 million), and Electronic equipment ($43.2 million).
On the other side,
- Estonia’s imports from China amounted to around $474 million, which represented 3.7% of Estonia’s total imports.
- China was Estonia’s 6th largest import source.
- The top imports from China to Estonia were Machinery ($173 million), Electronic equipment ($121 million), and Furniture and bedding ($25.6 million).
Culture
These cultural ties between China and Estonia contribute to the development of strong, lasting relationships between the two countries, fostering an environment of mutual respect and understanding. This, in turn, supports deeper economic cooperation, as well as the growth of trade and investment opportunities.
- Diplomatic relations: Since the establishment of diplomatic relations in 1991, both countries have engaged in various cultural exchanges and collaborations. This has led to a greater awareness and understanding of each other’s cultural heritage, customs, and traditions.
- Educational exchanges: Universities and educational institutions in both countries have established partnerships and exchange programs for students, researchers, and academics. These exchanges have played a significant role in fostering cultural understanding and building ties between the younger generations of China and Estonia.
- Language learning: Interest in learning each other’s languages has grown, with language courses and programs being offered in both countries. Learning the language not only helps individuals communicate effectively but also deepens their understanding of the respective cultures.
- Cultural events and festivals: Various cultural events and festivals have been organized to showcase the arts, music, dance, and other aspects of Chinese and Estonian culture. These events provide opportunities for people from both countries to appreciate and learn more about each other’s rich cultural heritage.
- Artistic collaborations: Artists, musicians, and creative professionals from both countries have collaborated on projects, exhibitions, and performances that blend elements from Chinese and Estonian culture. These collaborations serve to create unique cultural experiences and promote mutual understanding.
- Tourism: As tourism between China and Estonia grows, more people have the opportunity to experience each other’s culture firsthand. Visiting cultural sites, engaging with local communities, and sampling the cuisine are all ways in which tourists can immerse themselves in the culture of their destination.