Today (22nd), Lauri Matti Raunio and his team from the Finnish Trade Center visited the Taichung City Government, where they were greeted in person by Mayor Lu Shiow-yen. The discussions between the two parties covered areas such as economic and trade matters, technology, and tourism. “It’s truly enviable!” Mayor Lu remarked. She highlighted that, according to the UN's World Happiness Report, Finland has maintained its status as the world's happiest country for seven years in a row. Additionally, at the end of last year, Taichung topped various polls and was also rated as the happiest city nationwide. Today’s meeting, therefore, represents a heartening convergence of the happiest city and the happiest country, and both sides are looking forward to future collaborations that will foster new opportunities.
Mayor Lu humorously pointed out that Finland’s status as the world's happiest country explains why both the representative and deputy representative were beaming with joy. Representative Lauri Matti Raunio shared that Finland’s seven-year streak as the world's happiest country is largely attributed to its well-developed social and public services, healthcare, and infrastructure. overall safety, and the country’s relatively low risk of natural disasters. Finland is a very safe country with relatively few natural disasters. Additionally, its people maintain a strong work-life balance. These factors have made Finland the happiest country in the world. Expressing a keen interest in learning from others—especially from Taichung, Taiwan’s happiest city—she hopes that exchanging experiences will contribute to Finland securing its title as the world's happiest country for an eighth consecutive year.
Mayor Lu highlighted that since assuming his role, Representative Lauri Matti Raunio has prioritized strengthening ties between Finland and Taiwan in several areas, including quantum computing, cybersecurity, telecommunications, and clean energy. In recent years, the development of AI has also demonstrated that Taichung is not only strong in traditional industries such as machinery and machine tools but also plays a crucial role in Taiwan’s semiconductor, wafer, and AI sectors. Mayor Lu looks forward to potential discussions on collaboration between the two parties in these sectors.
Representative Lauri Matti Raunio pointed out that Finland and Taiwan both excel in high technology and share a common goal of advancing quantum computing, AI, and semiconductor development. He also recognized Taichung’s strong capabilities in machine tools and mechanical components and expressed a desire for more industrial collaboration. Furthermore, he emphasized Finland’s extensive experience in cybersecurity and acknowledged Taiwan’s expertise in IT. With these strengths, he hopes for closer cooperation in cybersecurity to safeguard citizens from cybercrime.
Mayor Lu recalled her visit to Finland years ago, where she was impressed by its pristine environment and diverse culinary offerings. Recognizing that Taiwanese people have a strong passion for international travel, she expressed optimism about further strengthening tourism ties between the two regions. She also playfully noted that Representative Lauri Matti Raunio, as the champion of the inaugural Belau Omal Marathon, might be the best runner in Taiwan’s diplomatic community. Given that Taichung, branded as a “cool city,” actively promotes marathons with around 50 races annually—ranging from family-friendly runs to themed IP events—she extended a warm invitation for him to experience a marathon in Taichung.
At today’s visit, Finnish Trade Center Representative Lauri Matti Raunio and Deputy Representative Jere Tala attended the meeting. On behalf of the Taichung City Government, Mayor Lu Shiow-yen, Deputy Mayor Cheng Chao-hsin, Director Hsieh Chia-chen of the Secretariat, and Director Chang Feng-yuan of the Economic Development Bureau participated in the meeting.