In two months’ time the Faroes largest ever trade expo “Atlantic Fair – International Maritime Exhibition” will be opening its doors.
In the vibrant and industrious fishing capital of the North Atlantic, Klaksvik, the local inhabitants are busying themselves to prepare to host representatives from 190 Faroese and overseas firms as well as thousands of visitors. For the 50,000 plus people living in the Faroes this is an event which provides a rare occasion to highlight the economic activity which has sustained this island nation for so long.
The fishing industry (including fish farming) has been the economic basis on which the Faroes have been transformed into one of the richest nations in the world. Atlantic Fair is aimed at celebrating and consolidating this legacy as well as to explore opportunities to develop it further so that the society as a whole can benefit and continue to look forward to the prospect of a bright and exciting future.
A feeling of optimism currently pervades the Faroes. This is reflected in the record number of immigrants a significant proportion of whom are Faroese people returning home. Tourist arrivals are also at their highest ever level. The planned introduction of direct flights to New York and Paris later this year by the national carrier, Atlantic Airways, will place the Faroes at the centre of an impressive international transport network. This is a country with an enviable quality of life in which people have large amounts of disposable income. For both local and overseas firms it provides a potentially lucrative market in which to introduce their products.
One of the initiators, and now the Managing Director, of Atlantic Fair, Áki í Skemmuni, has high hopes for the forthcoming Expo. Against the backdrop of a booming Faroese economy he is confident that the event will fulfil the challenges of reflecting a comprehensive range of contemporary developments in the maritime field. He would like to extend a personal welcome to the renowned fishing port of Klaksvik where Atlantic Fair is taking place from 21 to 23 May.
A whole 190 firms from 20 different countries will be participating in the Expo which is now fully booked. It will open at 10:00 on Tuesday 21 May. Opening times will be from 10:00 to 17:00 on the first two days. On the last day Thursday 23 May closing time will be 16:00. The event is housed in the large and spacious Sports Hall in the city centre. At the opening ceremony the Mayor of Klaksvik will officially welcome guests whilst the Prime Minister of the Faroes will officially open the Expo.
