Stofnun fyrirtækja fyrir innflytjendur
Valgerður Sverrisdóttir iðnaðar- og viðskiptaráðherra
Ladies and gentlemen, dear future entrepreneurs,
It is a pleasure for me to have the opportunity to address this gathering which consists of people from all around the world. There must be representatives from at least 15-20 nations here today.
First of all, I however do want to congratulate you all on your graduation. I hope you have gained useful knowledge from the course which will be of value for you in the future.
As you may know, Iceland went through a dramatic economic transformation in the last century; from being among the poorest nations in the Western hemisphere to enjoying one of the highest living standards in the world.
This would not have happened without the entrepreneurial spirit of the nation which has brought us from having to rely on only one export sector. We now rely on various knowledge-based industries, in fields such as biotechnology, prosthetics, pharmaceuticals and information technology.
It has been said that the character of people is somehow shaped by the land, the soil, and the country where they are born and grow up. Since Iceland is shaped by the active forces of volcanoes and glaciers, Icelanders must be full of contradictions. It is clear that you, our new Icelandic entrepreneurs, come from varied backgrounds. You bring with you still more diversity and strength.
Therefore, I see the added value of combining old Icelandic traits and new blood, which you bring, to create even greater prosperity and well-being.
Once again, congratulations with your achievement and I wish you ongoing success in the future.
Thank you.