
Country overview
Norway is a wealthy, open and mixed economy which is primarily service and manufacturing-based. English is very widely spoken and the UK holds a strong economic relationship with Norway and currently stands as the fourth-largest source of Norway’s imports. Doing business in Norway is similar to doing business in the UK and if your product or service is successful in the UK, it is likely you will be successful in Norway.
Norway possesses extensive reserves of petroleum, natural gas, minerals, lumber, seafood and fresh water, and is the largest producer of oil outside of the Middle East.
Like its Nordic and Scandinavian neighbours, Norway ranks highly on the World Economic Forum’s Global Competitiveness Index and possesses high Human Development Index (HDI) indicators.
Norway boasts a sophisticated and affluent consumer market and currently has the fourth-highest per capita income in the world.
As a member of the European Economic Area (EEA) and European Free Trade Association (EFTA), Norway is also a commercial gateway. It offers easy access to the growing northern European markets of the Nordics as well as Germany, Poland and the Baltics. It is a regional hub with excellent, high-quality air, rail and road networks.

About this guide
This guide aims to provide a route map of the way ahead, together with signposts to other sources of help.
The main objective of this Doing Business in Norway Guide is to provide you with basic knowledge about Norway; an overview of its economy, business culture, potential opportunities and to identify the main issues associated with initial research, market entry, risk management and cultural and language issues.
We do not pretend to provide all the answers in the guide, but novice exporters in particular will find it a useful starting point. Further assistance is available from the Department for International Trade (DIT) team in Norway. Full contact details are available in this guide.
To help your business succeed in Norway we have carefully selected a variety of essential service providers as ‘Market Experts’ Click Here.
The guide is available in 4 formats:
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this website
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a ‘free’ downloadable 'mobile device-friendly’ app – available from the iTunes App Store and Google Play store
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a full colour hard-copy brochure (to order your copy please Click Here)
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PDF download/e-flipbook (scroll down to see the download information below)

About IOE&IT
An introduction to the Institute of Export & International Trade
Established in 1935, the Institute of Export & International Trade is the professional membership body representing and supporting the interests of everyone involved in importing, exporting and international trade. Offering a unique range of individual and business membership benefits and a world renowned suite of qualifications and training, the Institute is the leading authority in best practice and competence for businesses trading globally.
To view other videos, please visit the IOE&IT YouTube Channel.
For more information visit: www.export.org.uk
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