There was indeed a lot of lightness in the darkness as the Swedish and Finnish Chambers of Commerce, for the fifth consecutive year, kicked off the New Year's Business Season together.

Just like last year, we could welcome a full house to Radisson BLU Sky Hotel's Seasons Restaurant and this time our theme was Pööriöö. Given the last weeks' low temperatures, I believe all of us looked forward to the coming pööriöö, the summer solstice in June!

Welcomed with a warming Pööriöö Vodka shot from Altia, we mingled and continued with a Pööriöö Buffet specially made for us by Seasons Restaurant, and we could also enjoy a selection of cocktails based on Pööriöö Vodka. There wouldn't be any real kick off without music, and this year the Estonian singer Liisi Koikson and the Swedish musician Christian Harrysson entertained us with a mix of well-known songs.

It isn't a coincidence that the Swedish and Finnish Chambers of Commerce in Estonia join forces for this annual New Year's Business Season Kick Off. Our two countries continue to be Estonia's biggest partners in commerce, trade and investments, representing nearly half of all foreign direct investments in Estonia and almost 1/3 of all Estonian exports of goods go to the Swedish and Finnish marketplaces.

On behalf of the SCCE, I would like to thank Radisson BLU Sky Hotel's Season Restaurant, Pööriöö Vodka, Altia, Liisi Koikson and Christian Harrysson for a very nice evening. My thanks also go to Kelli Püss and FECC for a very good cooperation. And last but not least, my thanks also go to all our members for creating a great Kick Off spirit throughout the evening.

Sincerely,

Kristiina Sikk

SCCE Ombudsman