Rivers Seeks Stronger Trade Ties With Norway … Eyes Investment In Oil, Gas, Health, Education

Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has called for stronger trade and investment relations between Rivers State and Norway, with emphasis on oil and gas, health, education and other areas of mutual interest.

Fubara made the call during a meeting with the Norwegian Ambassador to Nigeria, His Excellency Svein Bæra, at Government House, Port Harcourt, yesterday.

Represented by his deputy, Prof. Ngozi Odu, the governor said the longstanding trade in stockfish between Norway and Nigeria could serve as an entry point for broader economic cooperation.

He described trade as a relationship based on mutual benefit, noting that the stockfish trade between the two countries had existed for almost 100 years and continued to gain momentum.

According to him, “That could be an entry point into us collaborating in other aspects of international trade.”

The governor said Rivers State, as the hub of Nigeria’s oil and gas industry, was well positioned to explore opportunities for collaboration with Norwegian businesses, particularly in the development of downstream products for international markets.

He also identified education and healthcare as other areas where Rivers State and Norway could establish mutually beneficial partnerships.

Fubara added that the State had an agency responsible for investment and collaboration, which would engage the Norwegian Embassy on possible areas of cooperation.

He suggested that the Norwegian delegation interface with the Port Harcourt Chamber of Commerce and other relevant business associations to exchange views on existing opportunities and future prospects.

The governor welcomed the Ambassador on behalf of the Government and people of Rivers State, expressing optimism that the visit would open a new chapter in the relationship between Norway and Rivers State.

In his remarks, the Norwegian Ambassador to Nigeria, His Excellency Svein Bæra, said the delegation was in Rivers State to explore trade and investment opportunities, particularly in the stockfish and oil and gas sectors.

He said the visit would also provide an opportunity to engage stockfish importers based in the State, with a view to deepening the relationship between Norway and Rivers State.

According to him, discussions with key stakeholders in the State would help identify areas of mutual economic interest and strengthen existing trade ties.