The Finnish Government favors imports and direct foreign investment. In 1993, laws restricting foreign ownership were abolished to confirm the already commonly accepted liberal treatment of foreign investments in Finland. The value-added tax is 22 percent. The Finnish financial market is a typically European environment where banks and financing institutions have a dominant role. All principal Finnish banks have extensive networks with U.S. banks, maintaining relationships with banks in every state as well as all larger financial center banks.
Financing is also available through the stock exchange and the government's financing systems.
These subsidies are available for foreign companies as well. However, as pre-condition foreign companies have to comply with Finnish business laws and be accustom to the Finnish business practices. However, the Ministry does not finance private organizations directly. The projects the Ministry is involved in are largely carried out together with municipalities. Ms. Harju-Autti is aware of the current public and private tourism infrastructure projects and financing possibilities.