Fears long-lasting financial crisis
Chairman of Finnmark County Council, Runar Sjåstad, believes the financial crisis could hit the northernmost Norwegian region hard, especially if it turns out to be long-lasting. The fisheries are the most vulnerable, he says.
- We are most concerned for the county’s fisheries-dependent communities on the coast. A decline in sales will have serious impact on the fisheries sector, Sjåstad told the Norwegian Broadcasting Corporation.
If the crisis turns out to be long-lasting, Sjåstad fears it can hit other sectors of Finnmark’s economy.
- In the long term, I fear we will not be able to make the most of our potential within the oil- and gas sector, mining or the building and construction industry. The longer the crisis lasts, the harder will the impact be.
January 26 the Norwegian government unveils another package of measures to stimulate the economy. Sjåstad believes this is a step in the right direction, but hardly enough to stop the financial crisis.
- Finnmark County will be very active in making the most of this package of measures, Sjåstad states.
