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Business

Business Profile: Bergen has been a major trading centre since time immemorial. Up until the early 1980s, trade centred on fishing and shipping until the discovery of North Sea oil heralded an age of new prosperity and industry. The economic boom lasted until 1986, when the international oil crisis led to a drop in prices, bringing recession to Bergen. The city still remains a centre for oil exploration and shipping and a large proportion of the population still depend on fishing for their living, but it has also grown as one of the main centres for environmental and oceanographic research in Norway.

The working population of Bergen numbers some 94,000, whose annual salary averages around NOK216,000. The city's unemployment rate is about 3.5%, slightly higher than the Norwegian national average of 2.7% (Norwegian Central Statistics Bureau).

English, German and French are widely spoken and in the business community the English is of a very high standard.

The main companies based in Bergen are Odfjell Shipping, Vesta Marine Insurance and the Rieber Group (interests include food production and road construction).

The expatriate community consists mainly of British and Americans, with some Swedes, Germans and Danes, they tend to be specialists, working in areas such as engineering and science.

Business Etiquette: Meetings are normally arranged from 0800 in offices, or in restaurants for early afternoon appointments. Visitors should always be punctual and wear either a suit or a jacket and tie, even though Norwegians are fairly informal. If a late morning meeting is arranged, it is good practice to issue a lunch invitation - whoever extends the invitation usually pays for the meal. Traditionally, lunch is a light snack, but in a business context, it may involve a more substantial meal.

Business hours are 0800 to 1600, with employees leaving their offices promptly to return home for middag (dinner), eaten at around 1700. However, an invitation to either dine out or eat at the home of a business colleague will normally be scheduled slightly later.

Criticism of, or jokes about either people or systems, should be avoided as Norwegians place great importance on appearing tolerant.



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