Norwegian industry in Indonesia

Check against delivery

Your Excellency Minister of Marine Affairs and Fisheries Ibu Susi,

Your Excellency Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources Bapak Sudirman,

Ladies and gentlemen,

I am delighted to meet you – representatives of Norwegian industry in Indonesia. The Government attaches great importance to supporting Norwegian industry abroad. For me personally it is important and useful to be able to meet you, so that I can learn about your activities and pass on your advice to my colleagues in the Government.

You are quite clearly in Indonesia at the right time. The story of Indonesia over the last 15 years has been remarkable. Economic growth has been above 5 % every year since 2010, and the country has South-East Asia’s largest economy and the world’s 16^th largest. Indonesia is set to become one of the world’s top 10 economies by 2025.

The President has an ambitious agenda. It includes a significant upgrade of the country’s infrastructure and energy sector, and enhancing Indonesia’s maritime potential. In other words, there are plenty of opportunities here for Norwegian companies.

Indonesia and Norway share maritime history and traditions. Norwegians have been drawn to this beautiful archipelago ever since Norwegian sailors first visited Batavia in the 17^th century.

Both in the past and today, shipping has been a cornerstone of the Norwegian economy. We have the most modern shipping fleet in the world.

Over the last 50 years, Norway has built its fortune by managing its natural resources responsibly, and not least by grasping the opportunities offered by the sea. Oil, natural gas, the service and supply industry and fisheries products are all among Norway’s most important export products.

Currently, around 35 Norwegian companies are operating in the Indonesian market, mainly in the energy and maritime sectors. I am confident that concluding the negotiations on a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement between Indonesia and the EFTA countries would further increase bilateral trade between our countries and encourage even more Norwegian companies to invest in Indonesia.

Once again, thank you all for being here today. I look forward to accompanying the Minister of Fisheries – Ms Susi Pudjiastuti - and the Minister of Energy Mr Sudirman Said - around the room to meet with you. I have been informed that both of you are working with speed and dedication to improve and reform the fisheries and aquaculture sector as well as the energy sector.  I know that the Norwegian companies present here today can be of assistance in your efforts.

As we walk around to mingle, I urge the companies to be honest and open.  I would like to hear about the opportunities and challenges you face in Indonesia. My Indonesian colleagues and I have the same goal – to see you succeed in Indonesia.

Thank you.