Tom Westermark

Energy Vasa – business and people

I’m Tom Westermark, recently appointed Honorary Consul in Ostrobothnia in Finland. I’m based in Vaasa, were I live with my family. After many years in Gothenburg, working in the shipping business we moved back to Vaasa some years ago. Currently I’m CEO for a private foundation, Harry Schaumans Stiftelse, which mission is to support science, education and culture in the Swedish-speaking region of Ostrobothnia. The major part of the funds is invested in properties in Vaasa. The foundation also owns a media company publishing three newspapers in Swedish in Ostrobothnia. Speaking Swedish, as my mother tongue like many others in Vaasa, we are able to communicate easily with our Nordic fellows.

International trade and business has always been a trademark for Vaasa and the region of Ostrobothnia at the West coast of Finland. Connections to Sweden and other Nordic countries have historically been significant and successful – and still are.

The region of Vaasa is famous for successful business in the sector of energy technology. Major companies in the sector are Wärtsilä, ABB and Danfoss (former Vacon). A huge number of other companies together with the universities and other organizations are part of the cluster. It is actually the leading cluster of Energy technology in Scandinavia. Best way to explore the possibilities for cooperation and business is to visit the annual fair, Energy Week of Vaasa, which takes place in March.   http://energyvaasa.vaasanseutu.fi/energyweek/ 

Other business sectors of interest for Denmark are agriculture and the fur farming. Sailing yachts and motor boats are produced by different companies. Most famous brands are Swan, Baltic Yacht and Targa.

The people in Vaasa and Ostrobothnia are very active in different cultural and sport activities. Always something going on.

Best Regards

Tom

Consul Tom Westermark