Alone at the top in Norway!

'People further south may think that Troms, Finnmark and Svalbard still live on fresh cod and rare reindeer steak from ‘where no one would think anyone could live’,’ Figenschau laughs, before continuing enthusiastically:

- Fortunately, the truth is rather different. We process more and more of the raw materials we harvest from the sea and the wilderness right here in the north, before they find their way to discerning gourmets abroad who are willing to pay for quality. Sled-loads of yen, dollars and Chinese renminbi flow back the other way, fuelling further innovation and growth in our region.

She highlights Gamst Shilovai Vardø as a good example.

- With our support, the company has become one of Norway's leading exporters of live and frozen king crab to premium markets in the US, Canada, Dubai, South Korea, China, Vietnam and Europe in just a few years.

Equally impressive is Finnmark Rein in Kautokeino, the world's largest producer of reindeer meat. The company has taken part in our Global Growth export programme, which helps ambitious companies succeed in new markets. One key event is the annual Grüne Woche exhibition in Berlin.

'We can report that the platters of reindeer loin, reindeer shank and other pure reindeer meat attract quite a crowd,' says Figenschau, adding that there are several excellent opportunities to showcase the ingredient.

She encourages businesses in Troms, Finnmark and Svalbard to think differently, think exports and think of us. The markets out there have cast their nets. Now they are waiting for us to fill them!

'For many years, we have also supported a strong group of companies developing world-class technology and products. Just look at Kongsberg Satellite Services in Tromsø and Svalbard,' says Figenschau.

Thanks to its geographical location, the company can download data from every orbit the satellites make around the Earth, making it the world's most widely used data reception station.

'Together with the space centre on Andøya, it also attracts international investors who drive growth to even greater heights. It also creates attractive jobs for young people graduating from our universities and university colleges,' says Figenschau.

She also praises Barel, a company based in Kirkenes.

- Who would have thought that a company on the Barents Sea had developed advanced lighting equipment for harsh environments, including oil installations, gas production facilities and the aviation industry?

Figenschau says they have much to be proud of. Troms, Finnmark and Svalbard make up the region with the highest level of year-round tourism in Norway.

'These tourists are willing to pay. They are not the kind who arrive in motorhomes packed with crates of beer and bratwurst, then leave with cod and saithe they have caught themselves,' she says with a laugh.

Visitors come primarily for the Northern Lights, the midnight sun, the mountain plateau and whale-watching safaris. Our regional office is therefore working to develop and coordinate these experiences, helping the area attract even more dollars, euros and renminbi.

Sorrisniva in Alta is a shining example. This year-round destination offers a unique experience. Japanese, Chinese, American and other seasoned travellers fill Instagram and Facebook with photos of themselves smiling in front of the igloo hotel, riding a sled beneath the Northern Lights or enjoying reindeer tenderloin in the gourmet restaurant.

We have helped pave the way for all of this.

'We have both the expertise and the determination to help ambitious companies enter new markets,' Figenschau says.

At our offices in Tromsø, Alta and Vadsø, you will find specialists with expertise in a range of areas, including funding schemes from us and the EU.

'Don't hesitate to get in touch. Make 2024 the year you set your sights on becoming a world leader,' the office manager urges.