Oulu
OULU
Oulu is a city in Northern Finland with over 120,000 inhabitants.
It is the business, industry and development capital of Northern Scandinavia.
Today, Oulu is best known for its high technology, but it is also a significant
educational and cultural centre. The city has a long tradition of international
trade; it was the world's leading tar export centre during the 19th century. In
20th century, tar has been replaced by forest industry and high technology, which
have boosted continuous growth in the whole area. (http://randburg.com/fi/oulucity.html)
Hi-tech centre
Oulu is the home of a wide range of hi-tech companies, from large international
corporations to small and medium-sized data technology enterprises. Oulu
Technopolis was the first science park in the Nordic countries and is
today the best-known hi-tech concentration in Scandinavia. The greatest
boost to the economy of the Oulu region currently comes from telecommunications,
which exports more than 50 per cent of its turnover. Other growing branches
are opto-electronics, biotechnology and medical technology.
The Oulu Region has approximately 100 companies in the wood industry. The industries
strength are the wood and log building segment with the annual turnover of about
350 million FIM. Production of the log home industry goes mostly into exports.
Also sawn lumber, planed goods, and cabinet production are produced in quantity
in the region. (http://www.oulu.ouka.fi/ouluseutu/yritykset/english/
yrityshakemisto.php?toiminto=listaa_luokat&&paaid=15)
Resources
Advanced education and research in all areas of modern science have been
essential to the success of the Oulu area. The educational strategy of
the University and other high standard institutes provides experts and
skilled employees for the most demanding purposes. Geographically, Oulu
is centrally located in Northern Europe, especially after the latest changes
in the world economy. Many transport routes from all directions converge
in Oulu. A busy port, modern airport and efficient rail and road connections
guarantee a strong basis for international trade.
Oulu Airport is the second busiest airport in Finland, with about 20 scheduled flights daily from early morning till late at night and charter flights to holiday resorts. Oulu Airport has the capacity to serve up to a million passengers per year.
