On 13 April 2026, São Paulo will host a new international forum designed to connect global investors with port infrastructure projects. The IAPORTS Investment Round 2026, organised by International Association of Port Development in partnership with B3 – São Paulo Stock Exchange, will bring together decision-makers from across the maritime, infrastructure and financial sectors to explore new investment opportunities in port development.
The event will take place at the Brazilian stock exchange and is expected to gather more than 250 senior leaders from the global port ecosystem, including port authorities, terminal operators, infrastructure investors, development banks and technology companies. Designed as an invitation-only platform, the initiative aims to create a focused environment where infrastructure projects and capital markets can engage directly.
According to the organisers, the forum was created to bridge the gap between international capital and concrete port infrastructure opportunities. “The IAPORTS Investment Round was created to connect global capital with real port infrastructure projects,” explained Raquel Kibrit, Executive Director of IAPORTS, highlighting São Paulo’s growing role as a venue for strategic investment dialogue in the maritime sector.
A platform connecting investors and port infrastructure projects
At the heart of the event is a programme structured around investment presentations, thematic discussions and targeted meetings between project developers and financial institutions. Participants will include infrastructure funds, venture capital firms, development banks and government investment agencies seeking opportunities in port expansion and logistics infrastructure.
The forum will feature more than 130 curated one-on-one matchmaking meetings, organised in 9 dedicated rounds, designed to accelerate dialogue between investors and project owners. These structured sessions aim to facilitate partnerships around port infrastructure expansion, energy transition projects and new logistics technologies.
In addition to private meetings, the agenda includes a series of expert presentations covering investment strategies, infrastructure development and emerging trends shaping global port systems.
Brazil positioning itself as a hub for infrastructure investment
Hosting the event at the São Paulo stock exchange highlights the growing connection between capital markets and long-term infrastructure financing. For Brazil, the initiative also represents an opportunity to showcase the country’s port infrastructure potential to international investors.
The forum benefits from the strategic support of ApexBrasil, the national agency responsible for promoting foreign investment in the country. Brazilian authorities see the platform as a way to strengthen the country’s visibility within global infrastructure investment flows and connect international investors with concrete projects in the port sector.
Representatives from several institutions involved in port development and infrastructure finance are expected to participate, including organisations such as World Bank and major port authorities and technology providers.
Decarbonization and innovation shaping the next generation of ports
Beyond investment opportunities, the discussions will also focus on some of the major transformations affecting global ports. Topics on the agenda include port decarbonization strategies, energy transition initiatives, digitalisation and the development of smart ports.
Among the presentations scheduled during the forum are case studies on sustainable port operations, infrastructure expansion strategies and technology-driven solutions aimed at improving efficiency and resilience in global logistics chains. The programme also includes discussions on maritime security technologies and the role of multilateral institutions in financing infrastructure projects.
These themes reflect broader changes across the port sector, where operators are increasingly investing in clean energy solutions, automation and digital platforms to adapt to new environmental regulations and growing trade volumes.
Structured matchmaking to accelerate investment decisions
Running in parallel with the presentations, the matchmaking sessions are expected to play a central role in the event. Port authorities, infrastructure investors, development banks and technology companies will meet in targeted discussions aimed at identifying partnership opportunities and advancing concrete projects across the global port ecosystem.
The programme will conclude with a VIP networking reception bringing together international delegations, investors and senior port leaders for informal discussions and potential collaborations.
By combining infrastructure projects, financial institutions and policy stakeholders in one venue, the IAPORTS Investment Round positions itself as a new platform for accelerating investment in port infrastructure at a time when global logistics systems are undergoing profound transformation.
