Brazil: Petrobras’ New CEO Welcomes Finnish Delegation

The newly appointed CEO of Petrobras, Maria das Graças Silva Foster, welcomed the Prime Minister of Finland, Jyrki Katainen, at the Company’s headquarters in Rio de Janeiro yesterday (Feb. 15).

The Scandinavian nation is seeking opportunities for its industry as a supplier of goods and services to Petrobras.

Graça Foster highlighted the Company’s interest in Finnish companies setting up in Brazil, so they can help Petrobras meet the local content requirements set forth in its projects. “We would like to help you come to Brazil, and you will help us to grow and improve our results,” said the CEO.

The Finnish delegation included representatives of several companies that supply the oil and gas industry, some of which are already established in Brazil, such as chemicals manufacturer Kemira, naval and offshore engineering company Deltamarin and Wärtsilä, a supplier of services for vessels and thermoelectric power plants.

Petrobras’ executive manager for Strategy, Celso Lucchesi, presented the Company’s 2011-2015 business plan to the delegation and the General Manager for the Strategic Development of the Goods and Services Supplier Market, João Henrique Rittershaussen, gave a presentation on local content.

He was of the opinion that companies that produce, create jobs and pay taxes in Brazil can be considered Brazilian companies. “It does not matter where the company or the investment comes from,” he remarked.

Also representing Petrobras at the meeting were Exploration & Production Director, José Miranda Formigli, Petrobras Biocombustível’s Ethanol Director, Ricardo Castello Branco, Executive Manager for Materials, Marco Aurélio Ramos and Research Center Executive Manager, Carlos Tadeu Fraga.

Prime Minister Jyrki Katainen was also accompanied by Finland’s Minister for European Affairs and Foreign Trade, Alexander Stubb, Finland’s Ambassador in Brazil, Jari Luoto, and Brazil’s Ambassador in Finland, Norton Rapesta.

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Offshore Energy Today Staff, February 16, 2012; Image: Petrobras