New business office opens in Kyiv today

Norway is now establishing an operational presence in Kyiv through Innovation Norway’s new office, which will be co-located with the Norwegian-Ukrainian Chamber of Commerce (NUCC)’s new Norwegian-Ukrainian Business Hub.

“Investment in and trade with Ukraine, and cooperation with Ukrainian companies, is vital to keep the economy going and build resilience. Many Norwegian companies offer solutions and services that meet Ukraine’s needs. This office can help them become an important part of the effort to rebuild Ukraine,” says Minister of Trade and Industry Cecilie Myrseth.

Innovation Norway has appointed Ole Henæs as Country Director for Ukraine, and he is now in place in Kyiv. Henæs will help businesses navigate the various instruments available for those wishing to contribute solutions for Ukraine’s reconstruction. He will also be an important contact point for Norwegian companies seeking entry into the Ukrainian market and in need of market insight and guidance.

“Innovation Norway has extensive contact with businesses across the country, and we will use our network to strengthen cooperation between Norwegian and Ukrainian enterprises. We will also assist businesses in navigating international support schemes so that Norwegian and Ukrainian companies together can take advantage of the opportunities available through initiatives from the EU and other key actors,” says Håkon Haugli, CEO of Innovation Norway.

With support from Norad through the Nansen Support Programme, the Norwegian-Ukrainian Chamber of Commerce (NUCC) is expanding its presence in Kyiv with a new Norwegian-Ukrainian Business Hub. This hub will serve as a practical tool to connect actors, facilitate direct contact, share knowledge, and drive bilateral trade and investment between Norway and Ukraine. Activities will be carried out in close cooperation with Innovation Norway, the Norwegian Embassy in Kyiv, and other Norwegian and Nordic partners.

“This new Business Hub will function as an advisory center and work to support small and medium-sized enterprises in Ukraine. We want Ukrainian companies to gain access to the tools, expertise, and networks that can help them succeed in Norway and the Nordic markets — thereby increasing value creation and competitiveness in Ukraine,” says Kjartan Svaland Tveitnes, CEO of the Norwegian-Ukrainian Chamber of Commerce.