Chief Economist: Reconstruction of Ukraine has “genuine potential” for Finland

Finnvera’s chief economist Mauri Kotamäki visited Talousaamu to tell what could burst the ketchup bottle of corporate exports. There is a lot of talk about the export potential of Ukraine’s reconstruction for Finnish companies, and Kotamäki was asked to what extent this is wishful thinking.

“Wishful thinking is perhaps the fact that the demand is not terribly high yet. The country is at war, at any time a bomb can fall on a facility, and that is of course a problem for business and export and import operations,” said Kotamäki.

“But that potential is absolutely genuine. Every investment there is an investment in the future, when you get to know the system and the people. That’s a very good thing,” Kotamäki adds.

With this, according to Kotamäki, export efforts to Ukraine are not insignificant at all.

“On the other hand, energy infrastructure is a really strong sector in Finland. There are a lot of opportunities there.”

Kotamäki was also asked whether there should be more action in Ukraine than at present.

“The other Nordic countries are there to a slightly greater extent, but it is a really difficult situation. Furthermore: the country is at war. It is extremely difficult to operate in such an environment.”

Talousaamu’s weekend special was hosted by Talousaamu’s producer Mari Haavisto. You can watch the entire broadcast below.