Prime Minister Rinne and Google CEO announce news of huge investments for Finland

Prime Minister Antti Rinne and Google CEO Sundar Pichai met in Helsinki on Friday 20 September. At a joint press conference, Prime Minister Rinne and CEO Pichai announced the news of Google’s huge new investments to be made in Finland.

“This is excellent news for Finland. My Government is working hard to make sure Finland attracts more investment. The programme of investment in Finland and Europe that Google announced today is considerable. For Finland, it means an investment of EUR 600 million in the Hamina-based data centre, and also two wind power projects that will produce 250 megawatts of clean electricity. Such projects again show that Finland is an excellent place to invest in,” said Prime Minister Rinne. 

“Finland’s strengths include stability and security, a high level of expertise, well-functioning governance and efficient administration, and a high level of trust within society. These are significant factors in the global competition to attract investments. They are also factors we intend to further enhance. My Government is confident that when we are active in addressing global issues and megatrends, this will generate sustainable economic growth. That is why we are investing in skills and education.”

“Finland is a great example of how the internet can help drive economic growth, and we look forward to partnering with the Finnish Government in the months and years ahead. Together we can make sure everyone benefits from a strong and sustainable digital economy,” said CEO Pichai.

Prime Minister Rinne explained that in addition to discussing the investments with CEO Pichai, the two of them also had fruitful discussions on digitalisation, the digital economy, enhancement of knowledge and expertise, and climate issues.

“I was also told that with the wind power investments, the Finnish data centre’s power needs will be met almost entirely by emissions-free electricity. I am pleased that the climate has been taken seriously in these plans.”

Inquiries: Dimitri Qvintus, Special Adviser to the Prime Minister in Media Relations and Communications, tel. +358 50 477 7362, Pilvi-Elina Kupias, Special Adviser to the Prime Minister in EU Affairs, +358 50 465 6395, Päivi Anttikoski, Director of Government Communications, tel. +358 40 536 4821