Business Opportunities: Norwegian Businesses in Stavanger Unite for Ukraine’s Reconstruction

Yesterday, NUCC had the pleasure of co-hosting the event “Business Opportunities: Rebuild Ukraine” in Stavanger together with Næringsforeningen i Stavanger-regionen and the Embassy of Ukraine in Norway. The open lunch meeting at Rosenkildehuset brought together business leaders, public authorities, and political representatives to discuss how Norwegian competence, capital, and capacity can contribute to Ukraine’s reconstruction — while also creating long-term partnerships and business opportunities.

The program opened with welcome remarks by Harald Minge (Næringsforeningen i Stavanger-regionen) and Kjartan Svaland Tveitnes (Norwegian-Ukrainian Chamber of Commerce), setting the scene for a discussion focused on concrete engagement rather than abstract support.

The Ukrainian Ambassador to Norway, Oleksiy Gavrysh, emphasized the importance of sustained international cooperation for Ukraine’s economic recovery, highlighting opportunities for Norwegian investments and long-term business partnerships. His message was followed by a strong political perspective from Dag Mossige of Stavanger municipality, who spoke about the role local governments can play as facilitators and door-openers for businesses looking to engage with Ukraine.

NUCC’s contribution focused on providing a factual status update on Norwegian business engagement in Ukraine, including practical insights into how companies can operate in a country at war and where the most promising opportunities currently lie within reconstruction and recovery.

Representing Innovation Norway’s Kyiv office, Ole Henæs presented the Rebuild Ukraine framework and ongoing efforts to connect Norwegian enterprises with Ukrainian reconstruction projects. The session on business experiences featured short presentations by:

• Odd Khalifi, Itera
  
  
• Asle Ravnås, GOE-Chalk
  
  
• Espen Lea, Cemonite
  
  

Each shared real-life perspectives on operating in Ukraine, including market conditions, challenges on the ground, and the value of close cooperation with Ukrainian partners.

The event concluded with a moderated panel discussion and Q&A, bringing together the ambassador, business representatives and political stakeholders to address concrete needs, partnership models, and next steps for Norwegian companies interested in engaging in Ukraine’s rebuilding process.

We thank all speakers and participants for their valuable contributions and engagement. The strong turnout confirms the growing interest within the Stavanger region to take part in Ukraine’s recovery — through responsible business, long-term cooperation, and meaningful partnerships.

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