Latin America offers major growth opportunities for Finnish companies – Latin America Business Forum 2026
Finland's future depends on exports and international trade. That is why it is essential for Finnish companies to continuously find new markets, new partnerships and new opportunities for growth beyond Europe. The Latin America Business Forum 2026, held in Haaga-Helia, demonstrated that Latin America is one of the most promising regions for trade with Finnish expertise and innovation.
21.09.2026
Corporate collaboration
Authors
Data center boom and green transition drive growth
The Latin America Business Forum 2026 brought together Finnish companies, export professionals, diplomats and business leaders from across Latin America in Haaga-Helia’s Pasila campus. The message was clear: substantial investments are underway throughout the region, creating significant opportunities for Finnish companies.
Currently growth in the region is being driven by data centers, renewable energy, mining, AI, communications technologies and logistics. Finnish ambassadors from Brazil, Mexico and Chile highlighted hundreds of planned data center projects worth billions of euros. These investments require expertise in energy efficiency, digital infrastructure and sustainable technologies, all areas where Finland has globally recognized strengths.
Strong demand for Finnish expertise
Circular economy solutions also emerged as a major business opportunity. Governments and businesses across the region are seeking sustainable ways to combine economic growth with responsible resource management, creating demand for both Finnish technologies and operating models.
The forestry sector is another area of strong potential. Large-scale investments in pulp and biomass production are transforming several Latin American countries, opening the door for long-term partnerships in forestry technology, industrial processes and sustainable resource management.
A concrete example is UPM's major investment in the Paso de los Toros pulp mill in Uruguay. The investment created a need for new industrial skills and education. Haaga-Helia coordinated a consortium of Finnish education providers to work with Uruguayan partners to develop relevant study programmes, teacher competencies and new approaches to learning.
Collaboration is key to Finland's future
Lifelong learning and closer cooperation between businesses, education and research creates innovation ecosystems that strengthen Finland's global competitiveness.
The Latin America Business Forum 2026 demonstrated that Finnish companies are well-positioned for trade in one of the world's fastest-growing investment regions. The message was both encouraging and urgent: opportunities are expanding, investment momentum is strong, and demand for Finnish expertise is growing. Now is the time to act.
The Latin America Business Forum 2026 was co-organized by the Finnish-Latin American Business Council, the Ministry for Foreign Affairs in Finland, Enterprise Europe Network, the Helsinki Region Chamber of Commerce and Haaga-Helia. Special thanks to Roberto Requejo and Heidi Virta for co-hosting the event, as well as to all the panelists, ambassadors, and speakers present.
