In addition, SKBIC contributes to broader the contact among entrepreneurs and develop the economic ties between the regions by realization of small projects, exhibitions, meetings, seminars and fairs.
The Swedish-Karelian Business and Information Centre started as a project supported by SIDA (Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency) in 1995. However, it operates in the framework of Agreement on cooperation between the Republic of Karelia, Russia and Västerbotten county, Sweden since 1999.
This institution has steadily enhanced cross-border cooperation and gained solid experience of participation in international projects. Hereunder we highlight some projects the Swedish-Karelian Business and Information Centre has implemented:
- Industrial Partnership of the Republic of Karelia (Russia) and Västerbotten County (Sweden) (2005–2007). – TACIS CBC Programme
- The W.A.S.T.E. project (2011-2013) supported by the Nordic Council of Ministers.
- Renewable Energy in the North-West Russia (2013-2014), supported by the Nordic Council of Ministers.
- Green Economy (2014-2015), supported by the Nordic Council of Ministers.
- People’s Parks (2017), supported by the Nordic Council of Ministers.
- No Limits in Life (2017-2018), supported by ICLD, Sweden.
The Swedish-Karelian Business and Information Centre also successfully run own project such as:
- The Northern Bridges project (2009-2010) – cooperation between NGOs in Västerbotten and Karelia.
- The Women’s entrepreneurship from west to East project (2011–2013). The purpose was to develop women’s entrepreneurship and stimulate women to start own business and promote own companies.
- The Business in social sphere project (2008). The purpose was to exchange experience with partners in Oulu, Finland and Umeå, Sweden in the field of private entrepreneurship in the social sphere.
For further information visit the Swedish-Karelian Business and Information Centre website and facebook page.
For detailed information about the ongoing and past projects: http://skbic.ru/en/4544/