Join us for an exclusive business forum that brings together all Finnish Ambassadors in Latin America and the Caribbean, companies, financiers, and sector experts to explore new opportunities across one of the world’s most dynamic and diverse regions.
Organized in collaboration with OP Corporate Bank, the Finnish Latin America Business Council, Business Finland, Helsinki Region Chamber of Commerce and Enterprise Europe Network, the event will offer a strategic overview of Latin American markets with a spotlight on sustainable business areas such as mining, energy, built environment, bioeconomy, and circular innovation.
Through high-level panels, company cases, and direct diplomatic insight, participants will gain actionable knowledge on financing cases, market entry strategies, and the evolving political-economic landscape in key countries including Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Mexico, Peru and the Caribbean.
The forum will also include a dedicated networking area where participants can connect with Business Finland’s Senior Advisor from the Latin America region to discuss about the current business opportunities.
Program
13.00 Registration & Welcome Coffee
13.30 Opening Remarks
Mr. Timo Ritakallio, President and Group CEO, OP Financial Group
13.40 Overview of Business Opportunities in Latin America
Ms. Heidi Virta, Senior Director, Head of Region, Sao Paolo, Brazil, Business Finland
13.50 Ambassadors’ perspectives: The future of Mining in Latin America
Moderated by Mr. Nicolas Vassallo, Senior Advisor, Andean Region Business Finland
Ms. Nicola Lindertz, Ambassador of Finland in Argentina
Mr. Kari Puurunen, Consul of Finland in Sao Paulo, Brazil
Ms. Johanna Kotkajärvi, Ambassador of Finland in Chile
Mr. Ari Mäki, Ambassador of Finland in Mexico
Mr. Antti Rytövuori, Ambassador of Finland in Peru
14.20 OP Trade Finance Customer case – Valmet
Corporate view on doing business in Latin America and the supporting trade finance solutions
Ms. Minna Viinikangas, Director, Trade and Export Finance, Valmet Corporation
Mr. Antti Niemelä, Director, OP Corporate Bank plc
14.40 What’s Next for the Energy Transition? Exploring Opportunities in Latin America and the Caribbean
Moderated by Ms. Sofia Ramos, Senior Advisor Brazil, Business Finland
Mr. Antti Kaski, Ambassador of Finland in Colombia
Mr. Ari Mäki, Ambassador of Finland in Mexico
Mr. Pertti Ikonen, Roving Ambassador for the Caribbean
Mr. Lauri Peltola, CEO, Coolbrook Oy
15.00 South America’s Forestry Sector: The Next Big Investment Game Changer
Moderated by Mr. Roberto Requejo, Senior Advisor, Andean Region, Business Finland
Ms. Nicola Lindertz, Ambassador of Finland in Argentina, Paraguay and Uruguay
Mr. Kari Puurunen, Consul of Finland in Sao Paulo, Brazil
Ms. Johanna Kotkajärvi, Ambassador of Finland in Chile
15.20 Greetings by Finnish Latin American Business Council
Ms. Kirsi Seppäläinen, Chair, Finnish-Latin Business Council
15.25 Farewell to the Finnish Ambassadors of Colombia and Peru and introduction of their successors
15.35 Closing Remarks
Ms. Katja Keitaanniemi, CEO, OP Corporate Bank plc
15.45 Networking & Coffee
16.30 End of the Event
Welcome!
