About

The Arctic Economic Council (AEC) is an independent organization that facilitates Arctic business-to-business activities and responsible economic development through the sharing of best practices. AEC was created by the Arctic Council during the 2013-2015 Canadian chairmanship.

What is our goal?

We work to facilitate responsible business and economic development of the Arctic and its communities. Our goal is to share and advocate for best practices, technological solutions, and standards. We support market accessibility and provide advice and a business perspective to the work of the Arctic Council. 

Our members represent a wide range of businesses operating in the Arctic—from mining and shipping companies to reindeer herding and indigenous economic development corporations. This mix of interests across business sectors ensures that our work is carried out in an inclusive and sustainable manner. Representing the wide variety of Arctic businesses, it is important for the AEC to also be the voice of small and medium-sized enterprises.

What are our selected business areas?

• Maritime transportation
• Communications and IT
• Aviation
• Energy, including oil, gas and renewable sources
• Mining
• Tourism
• Blue economy
• Human Resources Investments and capacity building

Five Overarching Themes

The five overarching themes form the basis of the work of the AEC. They are identified by the Arctic business community.

1. Fostering strong market connections within the Arctic as a vital part of international value chains
2. Encouraging public-private partnerships for infrastructure Investments
3. Promoting stable and predictable regulatory frameworks
4. Facilitating knowledge and data exchange between industry and academia
5. Embracing traditional indigenous knowledge, stewardship and small business

How to join us?

Among our representatives, we have experience in doing business across the Arctic. Local knowledge is often key in operating in the Arctic. Engaging with the AEC gives you the opportunity to access both local and indigenous knowledge.

The AEC is open to corporations, partnerships and indigenous groups that have an economic interest in the Arctic. We are open to membership applications from Arctic and sub-Arctic entities. For further information on how to become a member of the Arctic Economic Council, please click “Membership” underneath and feel free to contact the AEC: info@arcticeconomiccouncil.com

Contact us

E-mail: info@arcticeconomiccouncil.com

Arctic Economic Council
Postboks 448 Sentrum
9255 Tromsø
Norway

Visiting address
Samuel Arnesens gate 5
9008 Tromsø
Norway