“We have discussed the situation in a number of industries; shipping, offshore, electro installation, hydro power, garages and more,” said Bjerke. “I was pleased to listen to the business leaders’ take on the current situation and I was impressed by how they have handled the restructuring that has been necessary in many industries,” said Bjerke.
He had prior commitments in Arendal Tuesday and decided to extend his visit to include an informal meeting with key clients and business leaders at the bank’s Arendal office.
Anne-Grete Ellingsen (GCE NODE), Øyvind Boye (Nymo), Dag Songedal (Norsafe), Helene Falch Fladmark (NCE Eyde) and Tom Nysted (Agder Energi) were among Bjerke’s guests during the two-hour long meeting.
“I applaud Bjerke’s efforts to take the temperature on the private sector in our region. It is very useful to have a direct dialogue with the top executive of the largest Norwegian bank and for him to be up-to-speed on our situation,” says Ellingsen.
Added Bjerke: “The temperature in the Agder region is good, especially considering the sudden drop in oil price and the brutal downsizing of some major companies. Agder has shown an incredible ability to restructure and consolidate during this phase,” says Bjerke.
