In northern Norway, the prospecting and production of oil and gas is moving on to new regions. The resulting demand, investments and business provide great opportunities for companies based in northern Scandinavia, BusinessOulu believes.
BusinessOulu is responsible for implementing the city of Oulu’s industry policies and providing local companies with development services. Oulu is, with its 190,000 inhabitants, the largest city in northern Finland and has a large concentration of technology and science companies and research institutions.
In 2013 BusinessOulu started a Nordic program, which so far has resulted in 40 companies from northern Finland submitted quotations and started doing business in Norway. The organization has set an objective of increasing exports from the Oulu region in Finland to Norway by 50 million euros, the organization’s web site reads.
On Tuesday the Finland House (Suomi-Talo) will be opened in Tromsø. The house is meant to serve as a marketing channel and cooperation venue for northern Finland. The establishment will also help local companies adapt their products and services to the Norwegian market and Arctic conditions, and boost demand for them.
A new direct flight route Oulu-Luleå-Tromsø has had its first test flight, and will probably open later in 2014. BusinessOulu hopes the route will play a major role in the realization of the region’s growth targets for companies, exports, university cooperation, and conference and recreation tourism.
According to market surveys, the demand for a direct international flight route will grow significantly in the coming years. The direct Arctic Airlink flight route will open up new markets, make it easier and faster to travel in the Nordic countries, enable growth and create new potential for business in the region.
