- Brazil presents significant opportunities for international recruitment due to its dynamic economy, diverse industries, and growing need for skilled talent. As Finland's primary trade partner in Latin America, the increasing collaboration between the two countries further enhances opportunities for attracting talent. Brazil's workforce is sizable, with around 100.4 million people of working age—roughly 18 times the population of Finland. Additionally, Brazil is a leader in Latin America for IT investments, ranking 10th globally in 2023, demonstrating its commitment to technological advancement and innovation. Currently, about 1.8 million Brazilians work in the ICT sector, and 6.20 million are fluent in English, making Brazil a prominent tech hub in the region with a rich talent pool for the tech industry.
- Brazilians are increasingly interested in gaining international experience, with an estimated 4.2 million having already moved abroad. Of these, around 1.4 million are living in the European Union. The Brazilian community in Finland has also been growing over the years, and the establishment of the BIF (Brazilians in Finland) Association reflects the positive development of this community in the country.
- Brazil has a strong entrepreneurial culture, with many professionals experienced in startups and skilled at bringing creative solutions to international markets. The country has a high rate of new business ownership and early-stage entrepreneurial activity, ranking fourth globally in 2020, with 23.3% of the population involved in startups. The country a large pool of talented entrepreneurs, developers, and innovators who excel at creating and scaling innovative solutions, being the home of 24 unicorns by 2024.
Country profiles – Brazil, India and Vietnam
Explore Brazil, India, and Vietnam from the perspective of talent attraction. What can these countries offer to your business?
- Brazil
- India
- Vietnam
Brazil – Did you know that?
Brazil has been the world's largest producer of coffee for over 150 years, contributing about a third of the world's coffee production. I am sure that many Finns have tasted Brazilian coffee by now.
Brazil – Significant talent hubs
- São Paulo: As Brazil's largest city (20M residents) and economic powerhouse, São Paulo is a major financial center, with a diverse economy that includes finance, commerce, and industry
- Rio de Janeiro: Known for its iconic beaches and Carnival, Rio de Janeiro is a major tourist destination. The city has a strong presence in the oil, gas, maritime and energy industries.
- Florianópolis: Florianópolis is also becoming a notable technology and innovation hub, with a growing startup ecosystem.
- Belo Horizonte: As the capital of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte is known for its strong industrial base, particularly in mining and metallurgy, as well as a burgeoning tech sector.
- Curitiba: Known for its innovative urban planning and environmental sustainability, Curitiba is a key center for both industrial and technological development in southern Brazil.
- Recife: Often called the "Silicon Valley of Brazil" for its strong emphasis on technology and innovation, Recife also has a significant presence in the cultural and educational sectors.
- Porto Alegre: This southern city is a major economic and cultural center with a diverse economy that includes technology, manufacturing, and services.
Population: 213M (2023) | GDP: 2.05 trillion USD (2023)
Brazil – Statistics and Facts
Brazil – Key industries or economic sectors
- Technology: Growing technology sector with significant investments in fintech, software development, and startups.
- Agriculture: Brazil is a leading producer of coffee, soybeans, sugarcane, and beef.
- Mining: Rich in natural resources, including iron ore, gold, and aluminium.
- Manufacturing: Significant industries include automobiles, machinery, and consumer goods.
- Oil and Gas: Brazil has substantial offshore oil reserves and is a major player in the energy sector.
- Finance: São Paulo is the financial capital of Brazil, home to the B3 (Brazilian Stock Exchange).
- Tourism: Brazil's diverse landscapes, cultural festivals, and historical sites attract millions of tourists each year.
Brazil – Renowned employers
- Petrobras: The state-controlled oil company and one of the largest in Latin America.
- Vale: One of the largest mining companies in the world.
- Itaú Unibanco: One of the largest banks in the world by market value leading innovation in fintech.
- Nubank: Largest Fintech in LatinAmerica host a innovation and tech hub.
- Bradesco: Another leading bank in Brazil.
- BairesDev: Offers expertise in Python, PHP, Java and other Custom Software Development capabilities.
- CI&T: Is software development company based in Curitiba, Brazil with additional offices in Brazil and Miami.
Brazil – Well-known universities and colleges
- Universidade de São Paulo (USP): The largest and most prestigious university in Brazil, renowned for its research and academic programs.
- Universidade Estadual de Campinas (UNICAMP): Known for its strong engineering and technology programs.
- Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ): One of the oldest and most important federal universities in Brazil.
- Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio de Janeiro (PUC-Rio): A leading private university known for its humanities, social sciences, and engineering programs.
- Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP): Another top public university with campuses across the state of São Paulo.
- Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais (UFMG): A prominent federal university known for its diverse academic offerings.
- Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS): A major federal university located in Porto Alegre, noted for its research output.
India – Did you know that?
Just as Finland is known for its stunning lakes, India has a unique floating post office on Dal Lake in Srinagar. Imagine combining the serenity of a Finnish lake with the practicality of a post office that floats on water!
India – The Three Key Points
- India is poised to play a pivotal role in bridging the global demand and supply gap of skilled labour. India is a young nation with ~554 million falling in the age group of 15 to 65 years. Over the last decade, India has experienced an annual growth rate of 15-20% in the global mobility of Indian skilled labour. As international workforce demand grows, countries have been observed to have a sector-focused need for skilled professionals. Whether they are IT engineers, healthcare professionals or construction workforce, India with its unique advantage of an English-speaking population has always been the topmost source country for talent globally.
- Across the length and breadth of this vast country, every region has a special offering. While the Southern states are known for creating a skilled human power servicing the global healthcare industry, the Northern states are driving the construction and civil sector in the Middle East and most recently the European region.
- Over the years, India has firmly established itself as a global IT powerhouse, renowned for its robust technology infrastructure, innovative solutions, and a vast pool of highly skilled professionals. As the world's largest provider of IT services, India is home to some of the most influential tech companies and startups that drive digital transformation across industries. The country's expertise in software development, cybersecurity, and AI makes it a critical partner for Finland not just in talent mobility but also for tech innovations and optimizing global operations. Indian companies with operations in Finland, such as HCL Technologies, Infosys, and TCS, further strengthens the partnership between the countries. Indians are also among the fastest growing expats community in Finland. More than 20,000 Indians are studying in Finland or working in companies like Nokia, Kone, Wärtsilä, and Nordea. Also, Finnish SMEs and startups employ a substantial number of Indian professionals.
India – Significant talent hubs
- Bengaluru (Bangalore): Known as the "Silicon Valley of India," Bengaluru is the country's leading technology and innovation hub, home to numerous IT companies, startups, and research institutions.
- Hyderabad: Another major tech hub, Hyderabad is recognized for its thriving IT industry, especially in software development and biotechnology.
- Pune: Pune has a strong presence in the IT, automotive, and manufacturing sectors, with a growing reputation for education and research.
- Chennai: Known for its robust automotive, manufacturing, and IT industries, Chennai is a key economic center in southern India.
- Chandigarh: An emerging IT and education hub, known for its planned city layout, vibrant tech ecosystem, and renowned educational institutions.
- Gurgaon (Gurugram): Part of the National Capital Region (NCR), Gurgaon is a major hub for multinational corporations, especially in the IT, finance, and consulting sectors.
Population: As of 2024, India has a population of approximately 1.4 billion people. GDP: India has a GDP of around $3.5 trillion USD.
India – Statistics and Facts
India – Key industries or economic sectors
- Information Technology (IT) and Software Services: India is a global leader in IT services, software development, and business process outsourcing (BPO).
- Automobile Industry: India is one of the largest automobile manufacturers globally, with significant production in two-wheelers, cars, and commercial vehicles.
- Pharmaceuticals and Biotechnology: India is a major player in the global pharmaceutical industry, known for producing generic drugs and biotech products.
- Textiles and Apparel: India has a longstanding tradition in textiles, making it one of the world's largest producers and exporters of garments.
- Agriculture: Despite rapid industrialization, agriculture remains a crucial sector, employing a large portion of the population and contributing significantly to GDP.
- Renewable Energy: India is increasingly investing in renewable energy, particularly solar and wind power, positioning itself as a leader in sustainable energy.
India – Well-known universities and colleges
- Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs): Renowned for engineering and technology education, IITs are among the top engineering institutions globally, with campuses in cities like Delhi, Mumbai, and Chennai.
- Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs): Prestigious business schools known for their MBA programs, with campuses in Ahmedabad, Bangalore, Kolkata, and more.
- University of Delhi: One of India’s top universities, known for its arts, sciences, and commerce programs.
- Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU): Located in New Delhi, JNU is famous for its social sciences, humanities, and language studies.
- All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS): A leading medical school and research institution in New Delhi, AIIMS is known for its excellence in medical education and healthcare.
- Birla Institute of Technology and Science (BITS) Pilani: A prestigious institution for engineering and sciences, BITS Pilani is recognized for its strong emphasis on innovation and research.
- Indian School of Business (ISB): Located in Hyderabad and Mohali, Punjab ISB is one of the top business schools in India, known for its executive education and MBA programs.
India – Renowned employers
- Tata Consultancy Services (TCS): One of the largest IT services companies in the world, TCS is a key player in the global technology landscape.
- Infosys: A major IT services company, Infosys is known for its innovation in software development and consulting services.
- Reliance Industries: A conglomerate with diverse interests, including petrochemicals, telecommunications, and retail, Reliance is one of India’s largest companies.
- Wipro: Another leading IT services provider, Wipro has a significant global presence and is known for its work in digital transformation.
- HCL Technologies: A global IT services company with expertise in various technology domains, HCL is a key player in the tech industry.
- Mahindra & Mahindra: A major automotive manufacturer, Mahindra is known for its range of vehicles, including SUVs and tractors.
- Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories: A leading pharmaceutical company, Dr. Reddy’s is known for its generic drugs and research in new therapies
Vietnam – Did you know that?
Vietnamese cuisine, known for its fresh ingredients and balanced flavors, is among the healthiest in the world. Finns definitely have a taste for it, with over 20 Vietnamese restaurants in Finland. If you've ever tried 'Pho' in Helsinki, you've enjoyed one of the world's top-rated dishes, scoring 4.44/5 from TasteAtlas readers!
Vietnam – The Three Key Points
- Entrepreneurship is the heartbeat of any team and deeply ingrained in Vietnamese culture. In Vietnam, this spirit is fueled by resilience, hard work, and a relentless pursuit of self-improvement and global growth. The cultural focus on family also plays a vital role, with many businesses being family-run and passed down through generations, reflecting a legacy of innovation and determination.
- Vietnam is a standout investment destination in Southeast Asia, boasting a GDP growth rate of around 6% annually over the past decade and a strategic location in the APAC region. Having a Vietnamese team member is a significant advantage for tapping into the vibrant Asian market.
- Vietnamese talents are celebrated for their risk-taking and openness to new opportunities. With top global rankings in reading, math, and science—15th globally according to the Global Talent Competitiveness Index 2020—and 5th for high-value exports, they are well-suited to excel in Finland's open learning environment. In the tech sector, Vietnamese technical skills rank 2nd in APAC and 22nd worldwide by the Global Skills Index 2020, and are among the top 10 for skill value according to the World’s Best Developers survey.
Vietnam – Significant talent hubs
- Ho Chi Minh City: Vietnam's largest city and economic center, known for its thriving technology, finance, and commerce industries.
- Hanoi: The capital city, a major hub for government, education, and technology.
- Da Nang: A coastal city with a growing reputation as a technology and startup hub, as well as a famous tourism destination.
Population: Approximately 98.7 million (as of 2023). GDP: Approximately $433 billion (as of 2023), with an average annual growth rate of around 6-7% in recent years.
Vietnam – Statistics and Facts
Vietnam – Key industries or economic sectors
- Manufacturing: A major contributor to Vietnam's economy, focusing on electronics, textiles, footwear, consumer goods, and automobiles.
- Agriculture: A significant sector, particularly in the Mekong Delta, producing rice, coffee, and seafood.
- Services: Growing rapidly, including tourism, retail, finance, and information technology.
- Technology: A fast-growing sector, with a focus on software development, e-commerce, fintech, and outsourcing.
- Tourism: Offers a rich tapestry of experiences, from stunning landscapes and historical sites to vibrant cities and unique cultural traditions, drawing visitors from around the world.
Vietnam – Renowned employers
- Vingroup: Diversified conglomerate with interests in real estate, technology, and healthcare.
- Nestlé: A leading global food and beverage company with extensive operations in Vietnam.
- Coca-Cola: A significant presence in the beverage industry, including production and distribution.
- Intel: Known for its semiconductor manufacturing and technology investments.
- Toyota: Prominent in the automotive sector with a strong presence in manufacturing and sales.
- Samsung Electronics Vietnam: Major player in the electronics and technology sector.
- Vietnam Oil and Gas Group (PetroVietnam): The largest state-owned enterprise in the energy sector.
Vietnam – Well-known universities and colleges
- Vietnam National University, Ho Chi Minh City: A comprehensive public university with a strong emphasis on research and education and multiple campuses.
- Vietnam National University, Hanoi: A prestigious public research university system in Hanoi, Vietnam, with 12 member universities specializing in science, engineering, technology, business, and more.
- Ho Chi Minh City University of Technology: A leading university in engineering and technology.
- Foreign Trade University: Specializes in economics, business, and international trade.
- FPT University: A private university focused on technology and innovation
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