Norwegian PM: Norway to contribute more to shared future

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The World Economic Forum (WEF), which has received criticism in the past for the lack of gender parity at the annual event, has seven female co-chairs this year, including Norwegian Prime Minister Erna Solberg.

Norway is known for scoring top marks in gender equality. Solberg said strong women and parental policies, as well as a good education system in the country, are reasons behind this achievement.

“The balance between having a family and working is extremely important. We have a family-friendly business model in Norway,” said Solberg.

The theme for this year’s WEF is "creating a shared future in a fractured world". As a co-chair of the forum, Solberg said Norway is always glad to contribute to the “shared future”.

“Norway is a small country, but we have rules and regulations, there are also international laws and order systems”, she said adding that small countries can't afford inward-looking mindset.

Erna Solberg, Prime Minister of Norway /VCG Photo

China-Norwegian trade and investment

Norway announced an ambitious plan of increasing its seafood exports to China last year. Norwegian Seafood Council expected the trade could be worth about 1.45 billion US dollars by 2025.

As China is cutting tariffs, Norway is looking for more opportunities for China-Norwegian trade and investment.

“On the consumer market, seafood is the biggest export Norway have, but on the business market, we are also looking for technology and energy investments, especially in the whole transportation industry,” said Solberg.

VCG Photo

Diversification of sovereign wealth fund

Norway is also known for its biggest sovereign wealth fund in the world, and it is diversifying its fund with investments

“As other economies are increasing, we are willing to invest more in the other parts of the world,” said Solberg, “but it does also depend on the economic policies in those countries and the safety of the investment.”

Due to the country’s generous welfare system, US President Donald Trump recently caused a controversy by saying he preferred immigrants from the wealthy European country.

But Solberg said that Norwegians are happy to stay in Norway, although it’s good to get the invitation.