Summer is a busy season for Qeqertalik Business Council. Alongside our daily work to strengthen business and tourism development, we use the summer months to engage in dialogue with both national decision-makers and the local communities that form the foundation of our work.
Recently, we had the pleasure of welcoming the Prime Minister of Greenland, Jens-Frederik Nielsen, and the Minister for Environment, Nature, Energy and Research, Jørgen Rosbach, to our office in Aasiaat. In addition, we held a constructive online meeting with Member of the Danish Parliament (Folketing), Naaja Nathanielsen.
The purpose of these meetings was to provide an overview of Qeqertalik Business Council’s organisation, strategy and efforts to promote business and tourism development across Kommune Qeqertalik, while also discussing future opportunities for collaboration and growth.
During the visit from Naalakkersuisut, we presented our organisational structure, Board of Directors and strategic priorities, together with our day-to-day work in business advisory services, entrepreneurship support, skills development and destination development. We also introduced the many projects and activities taking place throughout the municipality, along with our long-term vision and development plans leading up to the end of 2027.
A significant part of the dialogue focused on the development projects currently being pursued by Qeqertalik Business Council. Topics included tourism micro-infrastructure, new visitor experiences in Aasiaat and Qeqertarsuaq, the FoodLab initiative, an Innovation Centre, improvements to visitor facilities, the planned national park and several long-term flagship development projects.
The visit was characterised by an open and constructive dialogue. Naalakkersuisut expressed strong recognition of the results achieved by Qeqertalik Business Council in recent years and highlighted how the organisation has delivered significant outcomes despite operating with relatively limited resources. Particular attention was given to the importance of local business advisory services and financial guidance for entrepreneurs, which were recognised as key elements in supporting the creation and growth of new businesses.
The discussions also covered opportunities to further strengthen the framework for entrepreneurship and business development. Tourism development, including cruise tourism, accommodation capacity, restaurants, Airbnb and the continued development of tourism infrastructure, also formed an important part of the dialogue.
Shortly afterwards, we held an online meeting with Member of the Danish Parliament Naaja Nathanielsen. During this meeting, we likewise introduced our organisation, strategy and areas of work, while presenting a number of our current initiatives, including recommendations submitted to the Municipal Council and the flagship projects intended to support the long-term development of Kommune Qeqertalik.
The meeting also provided an opportunity to discuss financing opportunities and potential partnerships. Drawing on her experience as both a Member of the Danish Parliament and former Naalakkersuisoq, Naaja Nathanielsen shared valuable knowledge about funding programmes, foundations and development opportunities that may be relevant to several of the organisation’s current and future projects.
For Qeqertalik Business Council, maintaining close dialogue with national politicians and public authorities is an important part of our work. It enables us to highlight local needs and opportunities, create greater understanding of the challenges and potential within Kommune Qeqertalik, and ensure that local development initiatives are connected with relevant national programmes and funding opportunities.
At the same time, our summer activities continue throughout the municipality. Over the coming weeks, we will visit a number of settlements to meet with residents, businesses and local stakeholders. The purpose is to listen to local ideas and needs while ensuring that future development continues to be shaped in close cooperation with the people who live, work and operate businesses throughout Kommune Qeqertalik.
We believe that strong dialogue—both locally and nationally—is essential for creating sustainable growth, a vibrant business community and the continued positive development of tourism in Kommune Qeqertalik.
