Central Europe and Russia
The Central Europe and Russia Region consists of Russia (three
offices), Poland, Czech Republic, Hungary and Turkey. In practice
the region consists of three distinct market areas – Russia,
Central/Eastern Europe and Turkey – which have somewhat different
priorities, opportunities and challenges.
Bjørn Hansen manages this region.
The focus in this region as a whole has been on seafood, oil and
gas, maritime sector, environment and renewable energy, ICT,
defence technology and EU/EEA projects. Interest from business and
industry is significant and growing, especially in Russia and
Poland.
New office in Murmansk
The offices in Russia have focused in particular on projects and
individual marketing assignments related to seafood and the
maritime sector, as well as oil and gas. Russia is potentially a
very interesting market for the oil and gas technology industry,
especially in relation to the northern regions, and in the autumn
of 2006 a new office opened in Murmansk, which was financed by the
Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Local representative from INTSOK
INTSOK has a local representative at the Moscow office, who, in
addition, to pure INTSOK assignments, also assists individual
companies, now with a greater focus on the northern regions.
Increased tourism
The number of tourists from Russia is increasing, and in 2006 the
Moscow office carried out a number of activities, including press
and delegation trips, for which there has been a very good
response. In 2006 the office organised four trade fairs with
Norwegian participation, including two related to tourism. Some of
the most important challenges for work in Russia are related to
the scope of the bureaucracy and complicated regulatory system,
slow and unexpected administrative decisions and a complicated tax
regime.
Significant bureaucracy
Companies experience significant bureaucracy at all levels of
government, especially in connection with obtaining the necessary
permits and licenses, as well as customs declarations. Companies
also experience that the regulatory framework for sales and local
operations can be rather unpredictable – especially with regard to
obtaining the necessary permits and licenses, customs
declarations, and the introduction of new rules and regulations.
Increased interest from Norwegian companies
In 2006 the markets in Central and Eastern Europe showed growth of
4 to 6%, and this has resulted in increased interest in these
markets from Norwegian companies as well. The primary focus has
been on assistance for partner searches for distribution and local
production in the aforementioned sectors.
EEA funds
In 2006 the offices in Poland, Hungary and the Czech Republic
assisted the Ministry of Foreign Affairs with information work in
connection with the EEA funds. It has been a significant challenge
to get Norwegian participation for these projects. The entire
process is bureaucratic and takes a very long time, and the level
of interest is very limited as a result of this. In addition, the
local authorities enforce the regulations in such a way that it is
difficult for potentially interested Norwegian partners to gain
entry to these projects.
Focus on environmental technology
In 2006 the offices have searched in particular for new market
opportunities in renewable energy and environmental technology. A
number of seminars related to defence and security technology were
held in Poland and Slovakia, all with good Norwegian and local
representation.
Good growth in Turkey
Turkey is experiencing continued economic growth of around 6%
annually, which has also resulted in significant activity,
especially in the maritime and ICT sectors. Turkey is negotiating
for membership in the EU, which would result in an increased
interest and opportunities for Norwegian industry.