Report on cost-benefit analysis

A committee charged with reviewing the cost-benefit guidelines in Norway has today submitted its report to the Minister of Finance, Sigbjørn Johnsen. The Committee was appointed on 18 February 2011, has been chaired by Kåre P. Hagen, Professor Emeritus, Norwegian School of Economics, and has comprised experts within the field of economics.

- I am grateful for the thorough work reflected in the Report, and I am pleased to have received a unanimous recommendation from the Committee. Economic analysis is important. The resources available to society are scarce, and prioritization is necessary. Economic analysis should describe all important implications to us decision makers in the best possible manner, thus enabling us to compare alternative investments, says the Minister of Finance, Sigbjørn Johnsen.

The Ministry of Finance will now be circulating the Report for consultation, with a deadline of 15 January 2013 for the submission of any comments.

- It is important for this thorough Report to be subjected to a broad-based and open consultative round. We are hoping for valuable feedback to ensure the best possible future economic analysis framework, says the Minister of Finance.

- I would like to extend my special thanks to the Committee and its Chairperson, Kåre Petter Hagen, Professor Emeritus. The experience and expertise behind the Report makes me confident that it responds to the terms of reference in the best possible manner, concludes the Minister of Finance.

Reference is also made to a separate press release from the Chairperson of the Committee.

Any questions relating to the Report may be directed to:
Kåre P. Hagen, Professor Emeritus, Chairperson of the Committee, telephone 55 95 92 70
Frode Karlsen, Deputy Director General, Head of the Secretariat, telephone 22 24 43 64

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Read more:

• NOU 2012: 16 Cost-Benefit Analysis