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.

Activity:

  • Simulating a networking scenario: Introducing oneself Nordic-style.

Day 3: Natural Resources and Business Opportunities

Morning

  • Overview of Natural Resources in the Nordics:
    • Norway’s oil and gas industry.
    • Sweden’s forestry and mining resources.
    • Finland’s pulp and electronics industry.
    • Denmark’s wind energy and agriculture.
    • Iceland’s fisheries and geothermal energy.
  • Sustainability Practices in the Nordics:
    • Nordic leadership in renewable energy and green technology.
    • Environmental regulations affecting business.

Afternoon

  • Key Business Opportunities and Trends:
    • Nordic innovation in IT, healthcare, and sustainability.
    • Popular trade areas between China and the Nordics (e.g., furniture design, food, tourism).
    • E-commerce and logistics opportunities in the Nordics.
  • Case Studies: Chinese businesses entering the Nordic market.

Activity:

  • Group discussion: Identifying the best entry points for business in the Nordic region.

Day 4: Legal Framework and Business Organizations in the Nordics

Morning

  • Nordic Legal Systems Overview:
    • Legal frameworks in the Nordics (civil law systems).
    • Enterprise registration and tax systems.
    • Importance of GDPR and data privacy.
  • Business Regulations:
    • Contract law and labor laws.
    • Consumer rights protection.

Afternoon

  • Business Organizations and Government Support:
    • Nordic business culture and the role of chambers of commerce.
    • Government attitudes toward foreign investments.
  • Compliance Challenges for Chinese Companies:
    • Common issues and solutions.
    • Nordic competition law and anti-monopoly regulations.

Activity:

  • Case Studies: Successes and failures of Chinese companies in the Nordic region.

Day 5: Business Practices and Future Collaboration

Morning

  • Business Environment and Trends in the Nordics:
    • Digitalization and innovation in Nordic business.
    • Free trade in the Nordics and cooperation with the Belt and Road Initiative.
  • Building a Nordic Business Network:
    • Using professional platforms (e.g., LinkedIn).
    • Collaborating with Nordic chambers of commerce and investment agencies.

Afternoon

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

Activity:

  • Individual Presentation: Creating a brief Nordic market entry plan, presenting it, and receiving feedback.

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.