Programme

8.30 a.m.

Registration and welcome coffee

9.00 a.m.

Welcome address:

• Mr Jyri Häkämies, Director General, Confederation of Finnish Industries EK
• Mr Jacek Krawczyk, President of the Employers' Group, EESC

Keynote speech: Growth and Competitiveness in Europe: Case Finland

• Dr Olli Rehn, Minister of Economic Affairs, Government of Finland

9.30 a.m.

How can EU strengthen its position as a global player?

• Mr Philippe de Buck, Rapporteur for the recent EESC opinion on TTIP, Member of the Employers' Group, EESC

Trade challenges and opportunities from a Finnish business perspective

• Ms Johanna Ikäheimo, Vice Chairman, Confederation of Finnish Industries EK, Charmain Lappset Group

9.45 a.m.

Panel 1: Overview on ongoing trade agreements: what's at stake?

• H.E. Mr Charles Adams, US Ambassador to Finland
• Ms Signe Ratso, Director, Trade strategy and analysis, market access, DG TRADE
• Mr Matti Anttonen, Under-Secretary of State, External Economic Affairs, Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Questions & Answers

Moderator: Mr Jacek Krawczyk, President of the Employers' Group, EESC

10.30 a.m.

Coffee break

10.45 a.m.

Panel 2: How can trade agreements bring more competitiveness and growth for all?

• Ms Dilyana Slavova, President of the REX Section, EESC
• Ms Hanna Deringer, Policy analyst, European Centre for International Political Economy
• Mr Esa Kaunistola, Vice-chairman, EK Trade Policy Committee, Director, EMEA IP, Standards and Trade Policy, Microsoft
• Ms Li Andersson, Chairperson, Left Alliance, Member of Parliament
• Mr Aleksi Kuusisto, Adviser International Affairs, the Central Organisation of Finnish Trade Unions SAK

Questions & Answers

Moderator: Mr Timo Vuori, Executive Director, ICC Finland, Member of the Employers' Group, EESC

12.00 p.m.

Concluding remarks:

Mr Jonathan Peel, Vice-President of REX Section, Member of the Employers' Group, EESC