Estonia Business Travel Guide

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• GDP: US$13.4 billion (2005).
• Main exports: Machinery and equipment, wood and paper, textiles and food products.
• Main imports: Machinery and equipment, chemical products, textiles and food.
• Main trade partners: Finland, Sweden, Germany, Russia and Latvia.

Economy

The Estonian economy is growing quickly, partly due to several Scandinavian companies relocating their operations to the country, and to Russian oil transit through Estonian ports. Estonia also has a thriving information technology sector, and trade with the West is strong. The country's unemployment rate was just 7.9% in 2005 and around Tallinn the rate was impressively about 0%.

Other than oil-shale, which is present in significant quantities and provides the basis of the country’s power generation, Estonia has few raw materials of its own and relies mostly on imported commodities to produce finished goods. However, Estonia’s infrastructure, particularly the road network, is well-developed by regional standards.

Business Etiquette

Prior appointments are necessary. It may take time to arrange a meeting, and it is best to reconfirm before setting off. Business is conducted formally. Business cards are exchanged after introduction. Successful meetings are often followed by drinks in a pub.

Office hours: Mon-Fri 0800-1800.