Norway-Asia Business Summit 2011- A successful Experience

Norway is consistently in the top five European countries investing in Singapore in FDI terms and the Norway-Asia Business Summit held 29 September – 1 October 2011 examines the growing trading relationship with Singapore and other economies in Asia. In total, Norwegian business leaders from nine Asian countries were present at the three day event.

Kicking off the conference, Tan Choon Shian, Deputy Managing Director of Singapore Economic Development Board gave the opening address. Framing Singapore’s economy against growth in Asia, he said: “According to a study by BCG, Asia will account for 60% of the world’s trade by 2015. Asia’s growth has outpaced that of the world, with major economies like India and China continuing to enjoy growth rates of around 10%. ASEAN, with a total population of 600 million people and a combined GDP of over S$2 trillion, is also growing as a major market.”

Senior speakers and panellists present during the conference were echoing the same sentiments. They included Oyvind Eriksen, President and CEO of Aker Group, Carl Arnet, CEO of BW Offshore, Hilde Tonne, Executive Vice President and Head of Group Industrial Development, Telenor Group and Thor Jorgen Guttormsen, President of the Norwegian Shipowners Association, who gave brief presentations on investing in Asia.

On Friday night the Telenor Culture Programme presented the live perfomance by the Norwegian artist, Helene Boksle and Sindre Hotvedt on piano.

Several members of the Philippines Norway Business Council participated at the summit, namely; Amb. Knut Solem, Stein Eriksen (Director of Norwegian Training Center – Manila and President of Philippines Norway Business Council), Ole B. Stene (Managing Director of Aboitiz Jebsen Bulk Transport Corp. and Director of Philippines Norway Business Council), Gunnar Dybesland (Director of OSM Maritime Services Inc.), Bjorn Holsen (Country Manager of SN Power Holding Singapore Pte. Ltd. – Philippine RO), Emmanuel Rubio (President of SN Aboitiz Power Group), Knut Ove Nytrae (President of G Travel) and Jannicke Steen (Local Rep. Manila of Grieg Shipping and VP Internal Affairs of Philippines Norway Business Council). The delegates from the Philippines were very impressed with the conference and its speakers. Ole B. Stene said it was one of the best conferences he has attended.

For a look at some of this year’s presentations, you may click on the link below.