THE Norwegian Ambassador to Malaysia, Gunn Jorid Roset, has expressed her sincere appreciation over the role of civil service in Malaysia in its continuous effort to engage with Norwegian companies to promote trade and investment between both countries, given the ongoing political developments.
She said trade and investment agencies like Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE) and Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA) still continue to operate even without a cabinet, and it is “something which needs to be looked up to”.
“I haven’t really picked up any big worries or concerns (on the ongoing political development). European Free Trade Association (EFTA), of which Norway is a member, just restarted the partnership agreement discussions with Malaysia.
“We have seen change of (Malaysian) government in 2018 (and it) happened very smoothly, and the Norwegian companies here are confident with Malaysia,” she told Bernama when asked to comment on whether Norway is confident in Malaysia’s political and economic stability and investment climate in view of the current political development.
Roset spoke at the Malaysia-Norway Business Council networking reception at her residence here recently (Feb 27).
On another matter , the envoy said the total Norwegian export of goods to Malaysia in 2019 was 1.972 billion Norwegian Krone (NOK), and Norwegian import of Malaysian goods was 3.045 billion NOK.
Roset added that the total Norwegian export of services to Malaysia in 2018 was valued at 1.251 billion NOK, and Norwegian services import from Malaysia was 1.942 billion NOK.
“Three largest sources of goods export in 2019 was chemical products and seafood, followed by scientific and technical equipment,” said Roset, adding that there are some 50 Norwegian companies operating in Malaysia.
Meanwhile, chairman of Malaysia-Norway Business Council, Thomas Alexander Sjøberg, said Norway creates a conducive environment for Malaysian investors in the field of oil and gas, fish farming, renewable energy, and smart city solutions.
He said the Norway-Asia Business Summit 2020 will be held in Kuala Lumpur this September. – March 01, 2020, Bernama
