Aust-Agder County Council
Key Competitive Attractions
Aust-Agder County is situated at the Skagerrak coast, and stretches from Gjernestangen at Risor to Kvasefjorden at Lillesand. Its administrative and industrial centre is Arendal.
Approximately 77% of the county’s population live on the coast, where the main developed areas are.
Economy:
Arendal and the surrounding coastal towns are popular tourist attractions, so tourism is an important sector for the region.
Manufacturing is also an important sector; the main products are fabricated metal and wood material for construction and furniture.
Shipping and Maritime has a long tradition in the region, including boat building, machinery and equipment, offshore and shipping activities. Aust-Agder is a renowned maker of both wooden and synthetic leisure boats, producing the largest amount of leisure boats in Norway.
A high-tech cluster of international stature makes the electronic industry important in Aust-Agder.
Agriculture in Aust-Agder is a major industry, including fruit, vegetables, wood production for construction, and farming. Aust-Agder is one of Norway’s leading lumber producers.
There are numerous business parks and a science park in Aust-Agder. Food gardens provide skills, networks and public services, and sometime can help start-up companies find affordable office space. For more information on food gardens, please click here.
Assistance and Support For New Business Investors
Aust-Agder County Council collaborates with its municipal authorities to promote and implement regional industrial development, which is why, in Aust-Agder, it is possible for investors to apply for up to NOK 200,000 for promoting or developing new or established businesses.
The Council also provides information about premises, recruitment, and financing.
