Bergen, Norway’s second-largest city, is a traditional business center, especially in the shipping and energy industries. This region is open to collaboration with foreign partners and focuses on numerous promising projects, such as the construction of large offshore wind farms. The Norwegian government strongly supports the development of green technologies and invests not only in the construction of new wind farms but also emphasizes the strengthening of existing hydropower plants. Their modernization and construction will require significant efforts in the coming years, efforts that cannot be accomplished without the participation of foreign suppliers. Czech companies can also take advantage of this potential. The Czech participation in the OTD fair provided an ideal opportunity to establish contacts and present cooperation opportunities.

Nearly 200 exhibitors took part in this year’s OTD, with the number of visitors estimated at around 10,000. Major Norwegian and international energy and technology companies such as Vår Energi, ABB, Tesla, and Oceaneering were among the participants. Other key energy players, like Equinor and Aker Solutions, offered B2B matching and specialized conferences for potential suppliers. This year, a Czech booth was also set up at OTD, thanks to a project supported by the Czech Embassy in Oslo and the representation office of CzechTrade Scandinavia. The companies TOS Varnsdorf, Strojosvit, and MS Protech introduced themselves to Norwegian partners.

In addition to the two-day fair, Czech companies had the chance to meet a representative from the regional agency Invest in Bergen as part of the accompanying program. They discussed opportunities for business cooperation in the Vestland region. Meeting with a representative of the law company Stiegler, which specializes also in public procurement issues, focused on the specifics of the public procurement process in Norway. Stiegler is also prepared to provide consultancy services to Czech companies in other areas of interest, such as relocated workers.

The interest for the Czech booth at the fair and the accompanying meetings revealed the promising potential of Czech engineering companies for Norwegian partners. Czech participants viewed the offered opportunity very positively. Only two international energy-themed trade fairs are held regularly in Norway, making participation in these events all the more significant. The Czech Embassy in Oslo will continue to actively support strengthening cooperation between Czech and Norwegian entities in the energy sector in the future.

OTD Bergen

OTD Bergen

OTD Bergen

OTD Bergen