2 days ago
- Business
- New Straits Times
Asean eyes stronger economic ties with Norway in green and digital sectors
JAKARTA: Asean is looking to deepen its partnership with Norway to advance green growth, digital innovation, and sustainable development across Southeast Asia, as the region navigates evolving climate challenges, economic transformation, and shifting global dynamics.
Secretary-general Dr Kao Kim Hourn said Norway's expertise in renewable energy, maritime innovation, digital technology, and sustainable aquaculture makes it a natural partner in advancing the region's long-term goals.
"Norway's global leadership in green solutions and the blue economy aligns closely with Asean's sustainability goals and development priorities," he said at a dinner reception with the Asean Committee and other stakeholders on Monday, according to a statement released by the Asean Secretariat on Tuesday.
The event was hosted by the Ambassador of Indonesia to Norway, Teuku Faizasyah, at his official residence in Oslo.
Also in attendance was the Ambassador of Norway to Asean, Kjell Tormod Pettersen.
Kao also highlighted education, research, and innovation as vital areas to nurture the talent and technology that will shape the bloc's future.
According to data from the secretariat, bilateral trade between Asean and Norway reached US$3.6 billion in 2024, while Norwegian foreign direct investment totalled US$22.5 million.
While the numbers are encouraging, he emphasised that there is significant untapped potential and called for bold and practical steps to advance the partnership to the next level.
"In today's global landscape marked by rising protectionism and mounting geopolitical uncertainties, collaborating with like-minded partners all over the world such as Norway becomes ever more critical to upholding open, inclusive, and rules-based economic cooperation," he added.
Kao is on a working visit to Norway from June 9 to 12 with stops in Oslo and Bergen at the invitation of the Norwegian government, marking 10 years of the Asean-Norway Sectoral Dialogue Partnership.
Norway, which is not a member of the European Union, was recognised as a Sectoral Dialogue Partner of Asean at the 48th Asean Foreign Ministers' Meeting on August 4, 2015 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
– Bernama
