Turku Chamber of Commerce Advocacy Work:
The Turku Chamber of Commerce, in its statement on the national 12-year transport system plan Transport 12 (Liikenne 12), emphasizes the need for a stronger focus on the needs of business and freight transport, as well as international accessibility.
”Finland’s logistical competitiveness should be featured more prominently in the plan, especially the needs of businesses, says Krista Ahonen, the Impact Manager of the Turku Chamber of Commerce.
The Transport 12 plan is a 12-year strategic document that addresses Finland’s entire transport system at a national level across all modes of transport.
The statement notes that municipalities cannot be left to cover the funding of major transport projects, which should be the responsibility of the state. Transport routes are an investment for the whole country, so their planning and funding should be the responsibility of the national government. For example, the Helsinki-Turku rail investment supports Finland’s international connections and improves cooperation, especially with Sweden and the rest of Europe. The statement notes that the development of the rail line should be considered as a part of the investment in cross-border routes, such as Rail Baltica and other parts of the TEN-T network.
Rail Link Between Turku and Stockholm
95% of Finland’s exports are transported by sea, but in the plans for Western Finland, sea port connections and the vital road connections supporting them are not sufficiently highlighted.
”Turku Chamber of Commerce proposes that a rail connection between Turku and Stockholm be added as an option in the overall plan. Seaports in Western Finland should be recognized as vital for Finland’s supply,” says Krista Ahonen.
In Southwest Finland, the TEN-T core network includes the ports of Turku and Naantali, Turku Airport, the E18 highway, and the rail connection between Turku and Helsinki. The core network must be in compliance with the EU regulation requirements by the end of 2030, and therefore the E18 construction project between Raisio and Naantali needs be expedited.
”In order for the ports to continue serving the country’s foreign trade and our member companies widely, the routes leading to them, including the lower road network, must be kept in proper condition. This requires not only repair investments but also new investments to improve conditions,” says Ahonen.
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