Yesterday, August 26, the traditional Export Club event took place, which brought together Estonian ambassadors from all over the world and more than 200 entrepreneurs for the fifth time.
The event took place at the Wise office in the Krulli quarter, and was opened by Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna. He said that the economy and security are closely related and that business diplomacy is one of the most important areas of activity of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
“The vast majority of Estonian exports take place without any state mediation, and that is excellent. At the same time, there are also export and business opportunities that would remain unused without the state support. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs can help both in finding business contacts and in increasing the credibility of our companies in the eyes of foreign partners,” said the Minister.
He added that this is precisely why it is important that our ambassadors and entrepreneurs get together and discuss ways to increase the exports of our companies.
Currently, nearly three-quarters of Estonian exports go to European Union countries, but according to Tsahkna, it is in the country’s interest for our companies to export more to distant markets.
“This way, we will be more resilient to crises and we will also benefit from growing markets. Long-term forecasts show that greater growth will occur in the Persian Gulf region, Southeast Asia, Africa and South America,” said Tsahkna.
Speaking on behalf of Wise, which hosted the Export Club, the company’s CEO and co-founder Kristo Käärmann spoke. According to him, Estonia continues to be an excellent breeding ground for global companies like Wise.
“Estonia has a very strong entrepreneurial culture, and the products and services that originated here help millions of people around the world. At Wise, we help more than 15 million people and companies from Japan to Brazil save nearly 2 billion euros a year on international money movement and management.
Estonia’s diplomatic network helps to attract more and more globally important companies from Estonia,” said Käärmann.
Entrepreneurs and ambassadors were also welcomed by the CEO of Krulli Kvartal Indrek Hääl. During the event, entrepreneurs had the opportunity to meet Estonian ambassadors from almost 40 countries in a speed dating format to introduce their companies and make new contacts for entering foreign markets.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has established business hubs at several embassies, which Estonian companies can use for their work, meetings and events if necessary. Business hubs operate at Estonian embassies in London, Paris, Washington, Riga, Seoul and Singapore. Preparations are still underway in Berlin and Copenhagen.
