Norwegian-Ukrainian Chamber of Commerce established

Press release
Fornebu
3 minute read
On Wednesday 20 November the formal establishment of the first ever Norwegian-Ukrainian Chamber of Commerce took place at Telenor's headquarters in Norway. The Chamber will have as its main ambition to promote increased trade and business relations between Ukraine and Norway.

In the presence of the Ukrainian ambassador to Norway, Olexander Tsvietkov and the Norwegian ambassador to Ukraine, Olav Berstad, the Charter and ambitions of the new Norwegian-Ukrainian Chamber of Commerce (NUCC) were signed and agreed upon during a ceremony at the main headquarters of Telenor at Fornebu, Norway. NUCC's first elected Chairman is Thor A. Halvorsen, Senior Vice President in Telenor.

The Charter of the newly formed NUCC underlines that its vision is to work for increased business cooperation between Ukraine and Norway. The Chamber should on commercial basis be offering services such as advice and information on the economic conditions in Norway and Ukraine; be running events like seminars and conferences and presenting surveys of import, export and investment possibilities in both countries. Members can be businesses and private persons as well as organisations taking an interest in cooperation between Norwegian and Ukrainian businesses.

H.E. Olexander Tsvietkov, Ukraine's ambassador to Norway, said in a comment that he was very happy to witness the formation of the Chamber. "Norway and Ukraine have long traditions of good working relations dating back to the Viking times. This is why now, introducing full governmental support and protection of foreign investments, Ukrainians wish Norwegians to continue to be a "spearhead" in our mutual business and technological entrepreneurships."

The Norwegian ambassador to Ukraine, H. E. Olav Berstad also underlined the importance of the establishment of the Chamber. "This is a clear evidence of the will from both sides to further increase the already well established business relations between Norway and Ukraine. Telenor's presence as one of Ukraine's major foreign investors through its ownership in Ukraine's largest mobile operator Kyivstar may stand as an example to others wanting to enter Ukraine, which has developed significantly over the past years, both financially and politically, in spite of temporary difficulties. Ukraine could be very promising not only in the areas of communications but also in high technologies, ship building, gas and oil production as well in the employment of highly trained labour," says Berstad.

Press contact:
Dag Melgaard, Telenor ASA. Tel: (+47) 901 92000
Email: dag.melgaard@telenor.com