Speech at Norwegian-Egyptian Business Seminar in Cairo

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Ministers, Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen,

Geographical distance separates us. Differences in history and cultural heritage separate us. Yet, Norway and Egypt enjoy a close and friendly relationship, a relationship that has been further strengthened due to the involvement of both countries in the Middle East Peace Process.

Norway and Egypt are partners in this process.

The link between business and politics should never be underestimated. Trade and economic co-operation are means of achieving growth and economic well-being.

They are also important in a broader context. They help to forge links between people. They foster human and cultural contacts. This enriches us all.

Developing economic relations is part and parcel of any attempts at building peace. Norway and Egypt share this perspective. We believe that greater economic co-operation in this region is a foundation for a comprehensive and lasting peace in the Middle East.

Bilaterally, Norway and Egypt share an ambition; we want to lay the foundation for a future where our citizens enjoy security, safety, freedom and prosperity. We want to protect our sovereignty, strengthen our security, facilitate an efficient market economy and secure stable social structures.

On this background we develop our economic relationship. Still, however, the economic ties between our two countries are somewhat modest.

The volume of trade continues to be dominated by a few items. This leaves us with the challenge both to increase and diversify our trade relations. The full picture should also take into account the service sectors:

The Norwegian merchant fleet’s use of the Suez Canal as well as my countrymen’s visits to this ancient country, steeped in history.

Ample opportunities do exist for increased trade, as well as industrial and technological co-operation. I welcome the negotiations between the European Free Trade Association EFTA and Egypt on the establishment of a free trade agreement.

Tariffs and trade barriers will be removed, markets opened. I am certain that this agreement will be a vehicle for our joint efforts. The aim is to increase our bilateral trade and further improve economic relations.

We are greatly encouraged by the promising developments of the Egyptian economy. I am convinced that this will spur the Norwegian business community further to explore opportunities in Egypt.

Some of Norway's largest companies are already active in the Egyptian market. Some of them have been here for many years. The paint manufacturer Jotun is among those who will share their experiences on the Egyptian market with us at today’s seminar. I am certain that other Norwegian companies will soon follow in their footsteps.

Norwegian products and expertise have a competitive edge in areas important to the development of your country, such as energy intensive industry, the maritime sector, the fishing industry, aquaculture, telecommunications and the oil and gas industry.

The Norwegian architect firm “Snøhetta” is already well introduced to Egypt through the library project in Alexandria, where I had the pleasure of a visit yesterday. Furthermore, at the end of today’s seminar an agreement will be signed which hopefully will lead to a closer co-operation between the civil aviation authorities of our two countries. Such a co-operation will introduce a number of Norwegian companies which have successfully modernised the airports and civil aviation expertise of Norway.

I hope and trust that today’s seminar results in a strengthening of established business relations. I trust it will stimulate new ones.

In this way it will bring us closer to the fulfilment of our shared objectives.

Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen, thank you for your attention.