“The Reykjanes region is one of Iceland’s most dynamic growth areas, with tremendous opportunities ahead. It is a privilege to play a part in shaping the region’s future, and it was incredibly valuable to bring together so many people who share a commitment to its success,” says Pálmi Freyr Randversson, CEO of Kadeco.
The conference “Reykjanes as a Driver of Growth” was held at Hljómahöll in Reykjanesbær on Wednesday 14th. Its aim was to highlight the opportunities in the Reykjanes region and its role as a driver of growth for Iceland as a whole.
Speakers at the conference included Pálmi Freyr Randversson, CEO of Kadeco; Mark O’Connell, founder and Executive Chairman of international advisory firm OCO Global; Berglind Kristinsdóttir, Managing Director of Samband sveitarfélaga á Suðurnesjum; and Sveinbjörn Indriðason, CEO of Isavia.
The panel featured Sigríður Margrét Oddsdóttir, CEO of the Blue Lagoon; Páll Erland, CEO of HS Veitur; Jón Kjartan Jónsson, Managing Director of Samherji Fish Farming; Styrmir Hafliðason, CEO of Verne; and Member of Parliament Halla Hrund Logadóttir. Bergur Ebbi moderated both the conference and the panel discussion, frequently highlighting the energy and creativity found throughout the region.
Opportunities in the Reykjanes region were a recurring theme throughout the conference. The presentations and discussions reflected a strong belief in the region’s potential to drive growth for Iceland as a whole. A clear long-term vision and strong collaboration were highlighted as essential to continued growth, as was the importance of ensuring that this growth contributes to a stronger community for everyone.
“Twenty years have passed since Kadeco was established, and milestones like this give us an opportunity to pause and reflect on what has been achieved, while also looking ahead to what comes next,” says Pálmi Freyr Randversson, CEO of Kadeco.
“Our task now is to create more high-quality jobs, strengthen education and ensure that growth translates into a better community for the people who live here. We have significant opportunities within our reach, and by working together we will be even better positioned to attract them. Success in the Reykjanes region matters to all of Iceland.”
Mark O’Connell expressed optimism about Iceland’s future and the potential of the Reykjanes region to attract foreign investment. He discussed the factors that have slowed foreign investment in Europe, including uncertainty, weak economic growth, tariffs and complex regulation, and how Iceland and the Reykjanes region can turn these trends to their advantage.
In his view, it is important to identify the opportunities for foreign investment and actively pursue them to further strengthen the region. Attracting investment, he argued, begins with effectively promoting Iceland as a brand.
“There are significant and still untapped opportunities in the Reykjanes region. The infrastructure is already in place, and the region stands out for its access to green energy, proximity to a deep-water port and an international airport. In addition to these strengths, the K64 development strategy has established both a clear vision and a mandate to capitalise on these opportunities.
“At the same time, changes in the global environment have made investors more cautious and slower to make decisions than before. Regions that can present a clear and compelling value proposition to investors will therefore have an advantage.
“The Reykjanes region has everything it needs to stand out and contribute to growth across Iceland. What is needed now is to communicate that message more clearly and with greater impact to the right audiences,” says Mark O’Connell.
A large number of guests attended the conference, which concluded with refreshments to mark Kadeco’s 20th anniversary.
We would like to thank all our guests, speakers and participants for joining us.
