The Bengal Chamber of Commerce and Industry organized an Interactive Session with His Excellency Nils Ragnar Kamsvag, Ambassador of Norway to India on 18th October 2016 in the Chamber.

The Ambassador was accompanied by his gracious wife and his colleagues, Mr. Helge Tryti, Counsellor, Commercial Affairs, Embassy of Norway in New Delhi and Director, Innovation Norway and Mr. Johan Loov, Second Secretary, Political Affairs, Embassy of Norway in New Delhi. Ms. Nayantara Palchoudhuri, Hony. Consul, Royal Norwegian Consulate, Kolkata was also present.

The Ambassador commenced his address mentioning that Kolkata would be the ideal destination, as indicated by the map, for Norway to connect with India by sea route. He spoke about the historical linkage Norway shares with Calcutta. Their first Consulate was opened in Calcutta in 1845.

He exclaimed that India and Norway share the common vision of a prosperous, sustainable and peaceful future based on international law and diplomacy. India is now one of the world’s largest economies and is set to emerge as a global power. He made special emphasis on Energy and Environment and Shipping. He applauded India’s forward looking attitude in the realm of Energy. He mentioned that Norway’s direct and indirect investment in India would be approximately USD 13-14 billion. There is a steady increase in Norwegian companies setting up business in India.

Mr. Helge Tryti reiterated His Excellency’s views on the locational advantage of West Bengal and Kolkata for Norway to do business in India. He highlighted the under mentioned sectors which Norway is focusing on:

• Maritime

• Oil and Gas

• Water Treatment

• Innovation and Start Ups

• Renewable Energy

• Marine

• Health

• ICT

• Infrastructure and Smart Cities

• Defence

• Science and Technology

He spoke about the presence of Indian companies in Norway. He advised that West Bengal could showcase the opportunities it has to offer to the Norwegian companies.