Overwhelming response from businesses to our Kyiv office

Norwegian businesses have responded positively to the Minister of Trade and Industry's call to help rebuild Ukraine.

'Many Norwegian companies offer solutions and services that meet Ukraine's needs. Investment in and trade with Ukraine, as well as cooperation with Ukrainian companies, are important for keeping the economy going and building resilience. Norwegian businesses want to contribute, and I have been committed to ensuring that we support their efforts,' says Minister of Trade and Industry Cecilie Myrseth.

Since March this year, 119 companies have been in contact with our office in Kyiv. More than a third operate in the defence sector, while others provide solutions for construction, energy and healthcare. This aligns well with Ukraine's actual needs as it rebuilds and defends the country.

'Norwegian businesses are driven by a desire to help secure a free Ukraine. They are not motivated by short-term profitability, but in the long term, profitability will also be important,' says Ole Henæs, head of our Kyiv office.

Ole Henæs was appointed head of our newly established office in Kyiv in March this year. This is the first time we have opened an office in a country at war.

'The country is being rebuilt now – we cannot wait until the war is over if we are to succeed,' says Henæs.

'We work very closely with the Norwegian Embassy and the Norwegian-Ukrainian Chamber of Commerce in Kyiv. We also benefit from our regional offices across Norway, which refer many companies to us,' says Henæs.

If you have a solution that Ukraine needs, the route to market can be short.

'Things move quickly in Ukraine. If you have the right product and can deliver, you can get to market fast,' says Henæs.

Many Norwegian companies are already successfully supplying Ukraine. One of them is ScanWater, which develops and supplies water and sanitation solutions for emergency preparedness and crisis situations.

Another company is Bergen Engines, which has signed a major contract to supply gas-powered engines to help secure Ukraine's electricity supply.

Together with Team Norway and other partners in Ukraine, we will connect Norwegian companies with Ukrainian needs.