Norwegian Government launches Brazil strategy

The Norwegian Government has launched its strategy for Norway’s cooperation with Brazil. Several ministers took part in the launch, demonstrating the importance Norway attaches to its relations with Brazil.

Foreign Minister Jonas Gahr Støre commented: “It is important for us to cooperate closely with an important actor like Brazil. We now have the opportunity to develop our relations with Brazil into a partnership. The strategy will be an important tool for the Government in this process.”

Brazil is Norway’s most important cooperation partner in Latin America. The Brazil strategy is intended to strengthen, deepen and further develop ties between the two countries in areas such as business, climate change and environment, indigenous peoples and human rights, culture and knowledge development.

Minister of the Environment and International Development Erik Solheim said: “Norway and Brazil work closely together on environmental issues and climate change. Brazil is one of the countries that is doing most to combat climate change. I look forward to making further progress on our cooperation on rain forest preservation.”

Brazil is a major actor in international politics and the global economy. With a population of 203 million, Brazil is the world’s seventh largest economy. It has become a very important partner for Norway in general, and for Norwegian business and investment in particular.

“Brazil offers great opportunities for a wide range of Norwegian businesses. The strategy sets out how the Government will work to promote Norwegian business activities in Brazil,” said Minister of Trade and Industry Trond Giske, who also proposed the establishment of a bilateral commission on trade.

The strategy has been developed in close cooperation with a number of actors in Norwegian society. It provides a comprehensive framework for a partnership in which knowledge and sustainability figure prominently.

Minister of Petroleum and Energy Ola Borten Moe said: “Norway and Brazil are both major energy nations. We have had a valuable dialogue on petroleum issues for several decades. The Norwegian petroleum industry is well positioned for further growth in Brazil due to its technology, expertise and experience of working on the Norwegian continental shelf.”

Minister of Fisheries and Coastal Affairs Lisbeth Berg-Hansen commented: “Brazil is an important market for Norwegian seafood. We are now going one step further by entering into cooperation on sustainable fisheries and aquaculture management. As early as next week a Norwegian delegation will travel to Brazil and meet with representatives of the Brazilian authorities to flesh out the plans for our future cooperation.”

Mr Støre and Mr Solheim will visit Brazil next week to present the strategy to their Brazilian counterparts. Mr Giske visited the country in February together with a large Norwegian business delegation.