Vantaa is an excellent city for businesses. It is an international hub that allows companies to expand globally with ease. Vantaa has also been known—at least in the past—for its straightforward and business-friendly decision-making, writes Reino Meriläinen, Director of the Vantaa Unit at the Helsinki Region Chamber of Commerce.
Strengthening Collaboration Between Business, Policymakers, and Officials
Vantaa needs stronger cooperation between the business sector, political decision-makers, and city officials. For the city to grow competitively, decisions supporting economic vitality must be based on the real needs of businesses. When discussions focus too heavily on complex macroeconomic principles, the fundamental reality is overlooked: companies make their location and investment decisions based on their specific criteria. It is also essential to actively encourage companies already established in Vantaa to remain in the city.
At the Chamber of Commerce, we are keenly following the election of the new city council, especially the selection of members for the Economic and Employment Committee. This committee has the critical task of ensuring that local businesses are heard in the decision-making process—a mission we are happy to support in any way necessary.
Land-Use Decisions Must Be More Flexible and Agile
To support Vantaa’s economic vitality, decisions related to land use and business locations must be business-friendly and forward-thinking. The city must be willing to make decisions that enable new companies to establish themselves in Vantaa while allowing existing businesses to grow and expand. This means smoother and faster permitting processes, visionary urban planning, and long-term strategies that align with future growth objectives.
A key element in supporting economic vitality is also infrastructure development. One of the new city council’s responsibilities will be to ensure that the Vantaa light rail project is completed smoothly and on schedule. Currently, the first operational year is projected to be 2029. By then, it would be beneficial for the city to have made additional investments along the route to maximize its expected return on investment.
Investing in Talent and Education
It is also essential that the city invests in a new competence center. Companies in Vantaa urgently need skilled workers to remain competitive in the future. At the Helsinki Region Chamber of Commerce, we expect the new city council to take responsibility for ensuring that the Tikkurila Competence campus project is carried out with ambition and purpose. The area’s development should not be limited to just buildings—its impact must go beyond physical infrastructure.
Looking Forward to Collaboration
Above all, we look forward to working with the new city council and its members. The Helsinki Region Chamber of Commerce is happy to provide materials and support council members in matters related to economic development.
This article was translated by an AI. Please find the original here.
