Ukrainian SMEs explore opportunities: a study trip to Norway for market insights

Supporting Ukrainian companies by purchasing Ukrainian products and services helps sustain the Ukrainian economy and create jobs in the country. As a bilateral chamber, we have made this a focus for our projects, trying to turn these words into action.

Therefore, last week, together with IOM Ukraine and the Norwegian Embassy in Ukraine, we organized a study trip for 15 Ukrainian SMEs to Norway to provide them with insights into the Norwegian market. The purpose of the visit was to help our guests understand how the market works and to research whether their products align with market needs, as well as customer expectations. The visit included meetings, workshops, as well as visits to Norwegian companies and B2B meetings for networking opportunities, which could potentially lead to bilateral cooperation.

Understanding the complexities of the Norwegian market is crucial for Ukrainian companies aiming to establish a presence here. It is essential to understand how Norwegian companies operate, their values, and how their consumers behave. This comprehensive awareness forms the foundation for successful market entry. Also it is vital for Ukrainian companies to identify products that align with the Norwegian market in terms of quality, design and consumer preferences. Effective communication strategies are also crucial, both for engaging potential business partners and for connecting with their customers.

Our goal is for Ukrainian SMEs to be well-informed and equipped with an accurate knowledge of the Norwegian market. They should clearly understand what is required to successfully sell their products in Norway. Additionally, we aim to shift the Norwegian consumer's perception. While empathy for Ukraine’s situation is appreciated, it is important that Norwegian customers recognize and support Ukrainian products not just out of solidarity but for their quality. Through visits like this one, we want to allow Ukrainian producers to demonstrate that they can compete on equal terms in the Norwegian market.

We would like to thank everyone who participated - your time and dedication in meeting with our guests made this project a huge success! We would also like to say thank you to our partners at IOM Ukraine for co-funding the project and helping to facilitate the trip, as well as extend our gratitude to the Norwegian Embassy in Ukraine for their support. We appreciate our cooperation very much!

Our firm belief is that face-to-face communication and direct interactions between companies are crucial for discovering synergies for cooperation. Additionally, we are convinced that supporting Ukrainian SMEs is an essential strategy for strengthening the Ukrainian economy. Stay tuned for our future projects and activities!

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