I am pleased that we have joined forces with the Thai-Norwegian Chamber of Commerce to organise the Norway-Asia Business Summit (NABS) 2023 in Bangkok.
Business promotion is a key priority of the Embassy. The government of Norway has set ambitious targets to increase exports other than oil and gas by 50% by 2030 and at the same time cut overall greenhouse gas emissions by at least 55%. In order to reach the export target, the government has launched an export reform programme in which the government and businesses are working closely together. Our Foreign Missions, Innovation Norway, Business Associations and various Chambers of Commerce are making collective efforts to facilitate Norwegian trade and investments worldwide. Hence, Team Norway cooperation is closer than ever.
NABS 2023 is the first summit since the Covid-19 pandemic where participants will have the opportunity to meet representatives from all Norwegian Foreign Missions in Asia as well as representatives from Innovation Norway and the respective Chambers of Commerce.
Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) are important tools for market expansion. In Asia, Norway has, as party to the European Free Trade Association (EFTA), FTAs with Hong Kong, Indonesia, Korea, the Philippines, and Singapore. We are also in negotiations with India, Malaysia, Thailand, and Vietnam. I would like to highlight the substantial progress achieved in the negotiations with Thailand and the shared commitment by both sides to successfully conclude the negotiations by 2024. Besides accelerating economic growth and maximizing value creation, our FTAs also contribute to global growth and sustainable development throughout the value chain.
Norway is pioneer in technology and innovation. NABS 2023 will showcase Norwegian innovative solutions that could contribute to the green transition in Asian countries. With 60% of the global population, Asia is most impacted by environmental issues and climate change. Green transition in sectors such as agriculture, energy, digital economy, and transport would help the Asian region to meet net-zero targets. NABS 2023 will be a platform where Norwegian energy sector expertise could meet demands in Asia and help the region in achieving a successful energy and climate transition.
Besides accelerating business cooperation, NABS 2023 will also strengthen Norway – Asia partnership towards a sustainable future.
I wish you have a remarkable summit in Bangkok.
Sincerely,
H.E. Mrs. Astrid Emilie Helle
Ambassador of Norway to Thailand and Cambodia
