Norway, M’sia have significant potential in aquaculture sector

KUALA LUMPUR: Crown Prince Haakon Magnus of Norway believes Malaysia and Norway have significant potential for cooperation in aquaculture.

KEY BUSINESS PARTNER: Prince Haakon (left) and Petronas president Datuk Shamsul Azhar Abbas on their way to witness the signing of memorandum between Norway and Malaysia. — Bernama photo

He said, as both countries had long coastlines, they could develop an aquaculture industry.

“Norwegian companies have come up with many innovative technologies with a strong focus on sustainability, and I am convinced Malaysian and Norwegian expertise in this field have a lot to exchange,” he said at the Malaysia-Norway Business Seminar here yesterday.

Prince Haakon said besides aquaculture, defence, tunnelling and the petroleum industry had great potential in the bilateral economic relations between the two countries.

He said there was excellent cooperation between both governments and between Petronas and Norwegian companies within the oil and gas sectors, as the petroleum industry had traditionally been the most important pillar in bilateral relations.

Prince Haakon and his wife, Crown Princess Mette-Marit, arrived Monday for a three-day visit to Malaysia.

They were accompanied by a 45-member delegation which included Trade and Industry Minister Trond Giske, Deputy Foreign Minister Erik Lahnstein, Deputy Fisheries and Coastal Affairs Minister Vidar Ulriksen and Deputy Petroleum and Energy Minister Robin Martin Kass.

It is the Crown Prince’s first visit to Malaysia, on behalf of his father, King Harald V, to enhance bilateral relations and strengthen business cooperation.

Prince Haakon said he was impressed with the warm welcome they received since they arrived in Kuala Lumpur Monday.

“We have been very much looking forward to our first trip to Malaysia, and our expectations have so far been more than fulfilled,” he said. — Bernama