Noite do Bacalhaue

Ambassador(s),

Dear friends.

Good evening everybody!

Boa noite a todos! [båa noit a ‘tå-dåsj]

 

Welcome to the "Noite de Bacalhau"!

First I would like to thank the ambassador and the Norwegian Seafood Council for again hosting this great event. It is a great pleasure for me being here.

***

Trade between Norway and Brazil dates 175 years back.

Allegedly, the first cargo of clip fish came to Brazil with the ship Nordstjernen in 1842. In return, they brought coffee back to Norway.

 

In Norway,[1] we never say no to coffee! Almost no one in the world drinks more coffee than we do. We really got the taste for it more than 170 years ago. I am no exception here!

 

That was when our two countries started the trade of bacalhau for coffee. 

 

Today, Brazil is an important trading partner for Norway.

The distance between Norway and Brazil is 5606 nautical miles, or 10 382 kilometres. Despite the great distance, trade between our two countries has increased sharply over the years.  

 

Bacalao is still an important ingredient in our relationship.

However, our ties have expanded significantly and strengthened in new areas such as aluminium, fertilizers, biofuels, banking and hydropower.

 

And not to mention: the offshore and maritime area.

Brazil is a leading laboratory for global innovation, constantly breaking new barriers offshore.

We have seen a boom in the establishment of and investment by Norwegian companies in Brazil, not only in the oil and gas and maritime sector, but in many other sectors.

Today, more than 70 Norwegian companies are present in Brazil.

 

***

However, tonight is all about bacalhao. Also known as clip fish.

The trip from Norway to Brazil in 1842 took over two months.

The reason why the fish came in salted and dried form was not that we thought the Brazilians preferred it so, but that it was the best preservation method at that time. Today, the salty taste and the dried texture is what makes the taste of clipfish unique!

My home region is actually the number 1 clipfish region in Norway. In fact, I have worked on many of the fish landings in my home region. Maybe the bacalhao served here tonight started its journey in my hands? :)

 

***

Looking from the past to the future, I hope that our two countries will continue to have a productive relationship.

Most Brazilians may never learn how to ski like Norwegians, and Norwegians will definitely never dance samba like you!

And luckily (for us), we will probably never meet in the World Cup Final of football.

Ladies and gentlemen,

Friends and partners!

 

Let me assure you that the Norwegian government is set for a long-term commitment in our relationship to Brazil. Coffee, bacalhao, football – you name it. Going forward I hope all of you will remember where the clip fish comes from. And, that origin matters. Because you Brazilians sure know how to prepare it.

 

Thank you so much for your attention!

 

[1] http://www.caffeineinformer.com/caffeine-what-the-world-drinks