Gateway to Nordic Business

A Comprehensive 5-Day Introduction for Chinese Entrepreneurs

Training Objectives

This five-day training program aims to equip participants with the essential knowledge and skills to succeed in Nordic markets. By the end of the course, participants will:

  1. Understand the Nordic Region: Gain insights into the history, culture, and socio-economic landscape of Denmark, Sweden, Norway, Finland, and Iceland.
  2. Develop Cultural Competence: Learn Nordic customs, values, and etiquette to build effective relationships with local partners.
  3. Explore Business Opportunities: Identify key industries, natural resources, and sustainable economic opportunities in the Nordics.
  4. Navigate Legal Frameworks: Understand Nordic regulations, trade policies, and business structures to ensure compliance and success.
  5. Build Strategic Partnerships: Develop skills to collaborate with Nordic businesses, tailoring strategies to local markets.
  6. Apply Knowledge Practically: Create market-specific business plans, address cross-cultural challenges, and simulate real-world scenarios.

Day 1: Nordic Overview and Human History

Morning

  • Overview of the Nordic Region:
    • Geography and distribution of natural resources.
    • Introduction to the Nordic countries (Denmark, Sweden, Norway, Finland, Iceland).
    • The Nordic Council and regional cooperation.
  • Brief History and Culture of the Nordics:
    • The Viking era and its influence on the Nordics.
    • Nordic traditions in religion, art, and education.
    • Modernization and globalization of the Nordic region.

Afternoon

  • Nordic Social Values:
    • Equality and inclusiveness: From gender equality to environmentalism.
    • The Nordic model: High welfare, high taxes, and social trust.
  • The Impact of Nordic Culture on Business:
    • Collaborative and win-win approaches.
    • Reserved communication style and privacy emphasis.

Workshop:

  • Roleplay: Comparing business etiquette between the Nordics and China.

Day 2: Nordic Customs and Interpersonal Relationships

Morning

  • Nordic Customs:
    • Food culture: From Danish open sandwiches to Norwegian salmon.
    • Key festivals and traditions (e.g., Christmas, Midsummer).
    • Daily social habits and dos and don’ts.
  • Building Interpersonal Relationships:
    • How to build trust with Nordics.
    • Communication styles and time management.

Afternoon

  • Nordic Workplace Culture:
    • Flat organizational structure and democratic decision-making.
    • Work-life balance as a priority.
  • Tips for Business Negotiation in the Nordics:
    • Understanding the meaning of "silence."
    • Avoiding invading personal space.

Day 3: Nordic Business Opportunities

Morning

  • ESG Framework & Nordic Best Practices:
    • Three ESG Dimensions.
    • Norway’s Leading CCS Projects.
    • Denmark Building Energy Efficiency.
    • IKEA Supply Chain Labor Practices.
    • Finland Community Engagement Projects.
    • Nordic Corporate Governance Practices
  • Circular Economy in the Nordics:
    • Circular Economy & Zero Waste Concepts.
    • Case - Renewcell Textile-to-Pulp.

Afternoon

  • Sustainable Practices and Business Opportunities:
    • Case - PrecisionFarm Platform .
    • Case - Hellesylt Hydrogen Hub.
    • Case - Metsä Group.
  • Business Opportunities & Collaboration Models.

Day 4: Legal Framework and Business Organizations in the Nordics

Morning

  • Legal Systems & Business Registration Processes:
    • Legal frameworks in the Nordics
    • Enterprise registration and tax systems.
    • GDPR and Compliance Checklist.
  • Business Organizations & Government Support:
    • Nordic chambers of commerce and industry associations.
    • Nordic government attitudes toward FDI and support policies .

Afternoon

  • Trade Compliance & Environmental Standards:
    • EU Trade Regulations & Tariff System.
    • Nordic Environmental Certifications & Waste Directive.
  • Compliance Challenges & Competition Law:
    • Common Compliance Pitfalls.
    • Core Competition Law.

Day 5: Business Practices and Entry Strategy

Morning

  • Digital Trends & Business Models:
    • Core drivers of digital transformation.
    • Cases: PrecisionFarm and Nordea Green Bond.
  • Market Entry Strategy Design:
    • Main market entry modes .
    • Market entry risk assessment and Go-to-Market plan.

Afternoon

  • Planning Your Nordic Business Strategy:
    • Assessing potential risks of entering the Nordic market.
    • Crafting an entry strategy: Partnerships, independent investment, or joint ventures.
    • Case: Geely’s Acquisition of Volvo
  • Summary and Q&A:
    • Recap of the 5-day course, addressing questions and developing action plans.

Activity:

  • Workshop: Go-to-Market Plan for Entering Stockholm Market

Post-Training Support

  • Provide relevant training materials and references.
  • Recommend resources such as Nordic business chambers and industry associations.
  • Offer customized consulting services for deeper exploration of Nordic business opportunities.