Oslo: Norway’s prime minister Erna Solberg said today Norway must lead the world when it comes to maritime research and development.
Following on from last Friday’s announcement of a new national maritime strategy, Solberg used the opening address at this year’s Nor-Shipping conference to stress that the country’s high costs were both a challenge and an opportunity.
“The future for Norway lies in being smarter, not being cheaper, that is why we are investing so much in research, knowledge and development,” she said.
Norway will remain competitive, she felt, by focusing on knowledge-based products.
Maritime education would be strengthened in the country, she said.
She also committed her government to continue to support the development of green shipping initiatives and innovations.
“We will continue to stimulate green growth for the Norwegian maritime industry,” Solberg concluded.
