Mission Accomplished

Fintrade-Mercer together with Cyberwatch Finland organized a Business Mission for Finnish Cyber Security companies to Hong Kong and Shenzhen. The eventful week consisted of high-level meetings with companies and public authorities. Here is our report.

Shenzhen is the epicenter of developing innovative technology, especially Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), Artificial Intelligence (AI), and robotics. It is no coincidence that Shenzhen is also home for World UAV Federation (WUAVF) and one of the leading UAV Exhibitions in the world.

In June 2019, Fintrade-Mercer and Cyberwatch Finland together with Finnish Cyber Security companies went on a mission to Hong Kong and Shenzhen. First, the dele- gation held high-level meetings in Hong Kong with companies and public authorities, such as the Hong Kong Privacy Commissioner for Personal Data and Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC). The meeting with ICAC was arranged with the assistance from Finnish Ministry of Foreign Affairs. In Shenzhen, the business delegation attended the 4th Shenzhen International UAV Expo and the 3rd Drone World Congress, organized by WUAVF.

During the Congress, Mr. Jari Vepsäläinen, chairman of the WUAVF Legal and Regulation Committee, gave a keynote presentation about EU Regulations for drones. Aapo Cederberg, CEO of Cyberwatch and chairman of the WUAVF Cyber Committee, gave a presentation related to his field of robust expertise. Mr. Cederberg reminded the role of cyber in every society, especially in critical infrastructure. Furthermore, he talked about the role of drones in carrying out cyber operations, for instanc

Mr. Pekka Mäkelä, Jari Vepsäläinen, Aapo Cederberg, Valtteri Väisänen, Norman Ng, and Robbin Bishoen at the UAV Expo.

Mr. Jari Vepsäläinen and Mr. Aapo Cederberg were officially appointed as the Chairman of their respective Committees by WUAVF Chairman Mr. JinCai Yang.

Cyber Security and Regulations are crucial, albeit so far neglected areas in the UAV industry. Recent security concerns call for a change in the industry practices. Increased awareness in cyber security, use of data and data ownership, and changing industry standards have created a unique opportunity for Finnish companies both in Cyber Security and UAV to enter new markets.

In addition to gaining insight on the UAV industry in Shenzhen, the Finnish Delegation held multiple meetings with authorities and company representatives from Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, the Philippines, and South Korea. The representatives and their needs ranged from commercial operators and businesses to high-level government organizations with a specific need for military-grade solutions.

Mr. Frederick Chia, Lan Yubin, and Jari Vepsäläinen at the 3rd Drone World Congress.

Fintrade-Mercer’s established position helped us to arrange these meetings. Indeed, high-level connections in China and Asia Pacific facilitated an access to the negotiation table. Fintrade’s role as a gateway service is crucial for businesses entering new markets, especially in regions where conduct- ing business values personal relationships.

The Business Mission will continue in October 2019, when Fintrade and Cyberwatch organize the first Helsinki Drone Congress. The event takes place on October 1 and is followed by Cyber Security

Nordic on October 2-3. Fintrade-Mercer will play a key role in bringing delegations from Asia Pacific to Finland and connecting them with Finnish UAV and Cyber Security companies. During the Congress, the WUAVF Finland Chapter will be officially established.

We look forward to seeing you all there!

Left: Letter of Authorization for WUAVF Finland Chapter. Middle: Mr. Aapo Cederberg and Mr. Pertti Jalasvirta. Right: Letter of Appointment for Aapo Cederberg to serve as the Chairman of the Cyber Security Committee.

Take a look at the 3rd Drone World Congress in Shenzhen! https://youtu.be/ROBA3OePLf0