Luncheon speech at the ONS Conference

Your Majesty, Mr Mayor, Ladies and Gentlemen.

I want to use this opportunity to thank our hosts today, Stavanger kommune, and not only for today´s excellent lunch here at hotel Atlantic.

I would also like to emphasise Stavanger´s role as Norway´s ”oil capital” through almost a quarter of a century. In these times of turbulence in the international markets for petroleum products, the ONS conference here in Stavanger is a solid manifestation of the continued importance of the oil and gas industry to Norway in general, and to the Stavanger region in particular. No other region in Norway has been as influenced by what we often refer to as the Norwegian ”petroleum adventure”. We have a saying in Norway, ”it takes a strong back to endure the good times.”

The Stavanger region today serves as a proof of ”a strong back” to cope with the dramatic growth and changing circumstances under which the Norwegian petroleum sector has had to develop. To a greater extent than any other local authorities in Norway, the politicians and administration in Stavanger have had to adapt to these changes in the environment.

Stavanger has many times had to face challenges imposed on the region by external factors. More than anything, I believe that a crucial factor in coping with these challenges is an ability to maintain a long term perspective on the development of this region. Whereas some may be inclined to let their mood as well as their planning perspective, fluctuate along with the crude oil prices, Stavanger has shown the ability to see through day-to-day developments and focus on both the industry´s and the nation´s long-term demands for stability.

Being myself a representative of the inhabitants of the west-coast, I of course like to believe that these characteristics are common to the population of the Norwegian coastline. Whatever the reasons may be, I once again would like to thank Stavanger for the role they are playing in, also in the forseeable future, to our very important oil and gas industry.

This year´s ONS conference is being arranged for the 13th time. I am confident that the conference will continue to develop in both participation and importance in the years to come. I will once again, on behalf of my government, emphasise Stavanger´s importance in this respect, and look forward to being invited back on a later occasion.