“Young Entrepreneurs – Norwegian-Ukrainian Business Development”
During April - May 2015 Norwegian-Ukrainian Chamber of Commerce in partnership with Kyiv School of Economics and Universitetet i Nordland have launched business educational program “Young Entrepreneurs – Norwegian-Ukrainian Business Development”. Among over 100 applicants 16 young entrepreneurs were selected to become a part of Ukrainian-Norwegian cooperation, with Alexander Lozitskyi, STU alumni, one of lucky ones.
The program was designed to explore the opportunities in doing Norwegian-Ukrainian business and develop them into real business cases. It is a unique combination of educational, cultural and business components. Organizers did their best to introduce Norwegian culture, explain differences in doing business in Ukraine and Norway and facilitate international cooperation.
In the framework of the program, participants visited Bodo, Oslo, Kyiv, Lviv and Chernihiv, had meetings with successful Norwegian and Ukrainian companies, business associations, government officials and local authorities. Together with Andrii Sadovyi, Mayor of Lviv, and Deputy Head of Chernihiv City Council, young entrepreneurs have been discussing potential opportunities for international business in Ukraine. Representatives of Norwegian companies shared with participants lessons they have learned operating in Ukraine. Great value to the program was added by meetings with CEOs of Egersund Seafood, Pelagia, Innocode, Innoco, Itera, Elopak, Lagros, leaders of Agro-Lviv, wholesale market Shuvar and LLC Sady Prykarpatya.
Alexander Lozitskyi:
“That was a fantastic experience! I had a chance to visit one of the developed countries in the world – Norway, and learnt how to make business with companies from there. It was rewarding and exciting to be a part of the team of exceptionally talented people from Ukraine and Norway – some of them had their own up-and-running international business, some achieved outstanding professional results. Because of such cooperation, we delivered a challenging business case of exporting Ukrainian products to a real Norwegian company – huge European retailer. We worked hard, and played hard as well (“smiling’”) – having cool parties and team-building events.
The amazing time I spent together with other participants and unique knowledge I gained have made a positive print on my personal development and skill set. I encourage joining the Program next year!”