Norway takes part in EXPO, Aichi 2005 through a joint Nordic pavilion. The themes of the pavilion are energy, the sea, the forest, Nordic society and lifestyle, and design. Norway regards its participation as a great occasion to show what it has to offer, as well as to learn from Japan’s achievements.

Monday April 11, is Norway’s Day at EXPO. His Royal Highness, The Crown Prince Regent of Norway and the Minister of Trade and Industry, Mr. Borge Brende, will participate in the national day events.

• EXPO focuses on the link between nature and technology. This gives us an opportunity to highlight our strengths in finding modern technological solutions to meet the challenges of nature. To a large extent this is how we make a living in Norway. In addition, we regard it as an important contribution to turn around a global development that increasingly threatens our environment, says Mr. Brende.

The larger goal of the visit to Japan by The Crown Prince Regent and the Minister of Trade and Industry is to emphasize Norwegian-Japanese business cooperation and to profile Norway as a modern knowledge and technology based country. The Minister is accompanied by a large business delegation.

• We are very happy that EXPO 2005 takes place in Aichi, Japan. Japan is a big market of 125 million quality-conscious consumers. Japan is also a world leader in a number of areas important to Norway. This is why we have such a strong interest in broadening our partnership with Japan, Mr. Brende comments.

Norwegian companies have done well in the Japanese market within fields such as seafood and maritime industries. Norwegian seafood constitutes almost 50 per cent of Norwegian export of products to Japan. Norwegian ships’ gear and maritime technology have long traditions in the Japanese market. Japan is the second largest market for Norwegian shipping services. In addition, Japan is a very interesting partner for Norwegian companies in areas like energy, health care, design and furniture.

• The potential for cooperation with Japan has never been greater. By focusing on selected areas where Norwegian industry and technology are strong, the Japanese market presents great opportunities. The Norwegian government has great expectation of the bilateral Science and Technology Agreement from 2003. The Agreement has established a good basis for further business and technology cooperation, Mr. Brende states.
• I am looking forward to participating in a series of seminars related to renewable energy, seafood, design, development issues, tourism and gender equality. These topics reflect shared interests between Norway and Japan, the Minister says.

The Minister of Trade and Industry, Mr. Brende, will return to Japan in May for a maritime conference.

Eli Arnstad from the Trondheim based Enova guiding the Minister of Trade and Industry, Mr Borge Brende, and His Royal Highness, The Crown Prince Regent of Norway, at the Norwegian stand.