Seminar in Helsinki: Exploring Opportunities in South America’s Forestry Sector – Over 60 Participants

Key presentations included:

✅ Wilson Andrade, CEO of ABAF (Bahia Association of Forest-Based Companies), discussed business opportunities in Brazil’s forestry industry. ABAF represents major pulp companies such as Veracel (a joint venture with Stora Enso), Suzano, and Bracell, as well as 300 small and medium-sized wood producers.

✅ Lucia Basso, Director of SPF (Society of Forestry Producers, Uruguay), presented insights into Uruguay’s forestry sector, where SPF members own 90% of the country’s plantation forests.

✅ Rafael Lira and Hector Avila from CMPC highlighted forest management, operations, and projects in Latin America.

✅ Claudio Torres, Operations Manager at Foraction Chile, introduced a new sawmill investment project in Chile.

✅ Rene Nunoz, Director of ACOFORAG (Chilean Association for Forest Contractors), discussed the technological needs of Chilean forest contractors.

South America holds around 15% of the world’s plantation forests, and the region has seen significant investments in pulp production in recent years. In Brazil, a ”pulp boom” is underway, with major companies such as Arauco, CMPC, Suzano, and Bracell announcing pulp and paper investment projects worth approximately €18 billion.