Apart from environmental issues, cooperation in the Baltic Sea region covers all collaboration where the aim is to solve problems faced by the region and to develop safe living conditions for citizens of the countries bordering on the Baltic Sea. The sectors encompassed by the cooperation include transport, energy, trade, the economy, tourism, health and innovations.

In many respects, the Baltic Sea region is of major importance for Finland and for Finns. As much as over 80 per cent of our foreign trade is shipped across the Baltic Sea. About half of our import trade and 40 per cent of our export trade is conducted with countries in the Baltic Sea region.

About half of the tourists arriving in Finland come from countries around the Baltic Sea. Equally often, these countries are the destination of the trips abroad taken by Finns. Similarly, about 50 per cent of immigrants come to Finland from the Baltic Sea region. Student exchange and cultural exchange programmes are also proof of the importance of the region for Finland. 
Naturally, the Baltic Sea has immeasurable value for Finns in terms of recreation.

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Source: Baltic Sea Cooperation
Photos:
Tourist and Convention Bureau's Material Bank/Viking Line