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🌍 BLACK SEA CONFERENCE 2024

We are excited to share highlights from the Black Sea Conference 2024, organized by the EAST Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Norway, with support from Jotun and Tschudi Logistics. The event brought together diplomats, business leaders, and government agencies to discuss how to strengthen economic cooperation, innovation, and sustainability in the Black Sea region. The Conference was moderated by the BoD Chair Marit Hiim Haugseth and Deputy Chair Svein Stolpestad.

  1. Innovation and Sustainable Development in the Black Sea Region
    A key focus was on sustainable economic development, where Ambassador Lazar Comanescu, Secretary General of the Black Sea Economic Cooperation (BSEC), highlighted the importance of cooperation, innovation, environmental responsibility, and collaborative approaches to growth. The discussion showcased how regional collaboration, particularly through green technologies and solutions, can pave the way for long-term prosperity in the Black Sea area.
  2. Fostering Cross-Border Investments
    Representatives from development agencies like the Investment Office of the Presidency of Türkiye and Innovation Norway, alongside bilateral chambers such as the Norwegian-Ukrainian Chamber of Commerce and the Norwegian-Bulgarian Chamber of Commerce, shared knowledge and outlined strategies for cooperation in key sectors. The focus was on creating stronger connections between Norwegian businesses and their counterparts in the Black Sea region, with a shared vision of driving sustainable and profitable growth.
  3. Economic Trade within the Black Sea Region
    Arne Melchior, Senior Research Fellow at the Centre for International Economics and Trade (NUPI), provided a comprehensive analysis of the current economic landscape in the Black Sea region. He emphasized the significant trade potential among the countries bordering the Black Sea, driven by a diverse array of natural resources, strategic geographical positioning, and a growing demand for sustainable practices.
  4. Enhancing Trade and Green Innovation in the Black Sea Region
    In her presentation, Gerd Pettersen, Senior Advisor in the Section for Business Promotion and Green Transition at the Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, discussed the vital role of trade in fostering green innovation within the Black Sea region. Pettersen emphasized the need for sustainable practices in economic activities to address pressing environmental challenges while promoting economic growth.
  5. Government Support and Business Financing
    A crucial part of the discussions was on how Norwegian businesses can receive support for their ventures abroad. Elin Graae Linnestad from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Rannveig Solumsmoen Gimse from Innovation Norway explored how EEA Norway Grants have successfully promoted business cooperation between Norway, Romania, and Bulgaria, funding projects that focus on innovation, competitiveness, and sustainability. Meanwhile, Solveig Frøland from EksFin (Export Credit Agency of Norway) detailed how Norwegian exporters can access financing to expand into new markets in the Black Sea region.
  6. Success Stories
    Attendees heard inspiring success stories from companies that have already established a foothold in the region. Bjorn Brandtzaeg of Clean Energy Group shared how their renewable energy projects are contributing to sustainable growth in Georgia, while Safak Karahan of Jotun Boya illustrated the company’s expanding influence across the Black Sea region, especially in the coatings and maritime industries.

Key Conclusions:

  • Multilateral cooperation is crucial to unlocking the full economic potential of the Black Sea region, with opportunities across sectors like green energy, logistics, maritime, and aquaculture.
  • Green innovation and sustainable solutions will be central to future growth in the Black Sea region, with both Norwegian and local businesses contributing to this development.

We are also excited to announce that, due to the success of this event, we will be hosting it again next year on October 7th! Mark your calendars for another opportunity to explore economic cooperation and growth in the Black Sea region.