The project is to contribute with Norwegian experiences on town transformation, newspaper Sør-Varanger Avis reports. Kirkenes in the 1990s experienced a major transformation of life and industry when the local iron ore mine closed. The closure forced the local authorities to look for alternative industry.
The Norwegian municipality also has year-long experiences from cooperation with Russian partners, among them the neighboring Pechenga Rayon.
Local authorities believe that cooperation with Teriberka also could help municipality get important first-hand information from the Shtokman development. As BarentsObserver has reported, Kirkenes sees major business opportunities from the Shtokman project. The town has port facilities and service industries which can supplement the bases on the Russian side of the border.
