The number of openings was the highest in trade where 17.7 percent of the companies chose to start operation. In professional, scientific and technical activities the enterprise openings was 17.1% followed by construction (14.0 %).

Examined by region, the number of enterprise openings was highest in Uusimaa, where they totaled 3.296. This was closely followed by Helsinki (3.200) and Tampere (725)

If we look back on the last quarter of 2009, 10.010 firms closed their business. It should be mentioned that this figure has decreased by 11.5 percent compared to the same quarter in 2008. Most closures were found within trade (19.4 percent) where 1.973 companies chose to close down.

The fact that the number of closures has decreased and the number of enterprise openings have increased suggest that the country is now in a better situation than last year. The country also offer good investment opportunities for foreign companies.


                                                                                         Cecilia Helland