Since 1994 more than 120 Norwegian companies have established an office or a partnership agreement in South Africa. And there was a great support for attending the business meeting.
In his key note address President Zuma said that South Africa regarded Norway as a "key partner" in ramping up the country's economic development in important areas which are prioritised: infrastructure development in the energy, transport, communications, water and housing sectors; agriculture and agro-processing, mining and beneficiation of minerals, manufacturing, the green economy, tourism and the creative industries.
The president also highlighted that Norway can play a major role in investing in Africa's energy security, the green economy and climate change. Such investments would lead to a cleaner environment and the sustainable economic development of the African continent, according to the president. Ahead of the climate change summit in Durban in November and December this year, it came as no surprise that renewable energy and the green economy drew high levels of interest.
Norway aims to play an important role in supporting the development and regulation for South Africa's plans for the Western Cape to become a hub for the oil and gas industry on the West and East coasts of the continent as well as partnering in the development of a safe and sustainable coastal environment in South Africa and the region.
The Innovation Norway - the official Norwegian body for innovation and industry development - assured that the Norwegian government intends to stimulate increased attention on environmental technology and green innovation from industry and research.
Three agreements and memorandums of understanding were signed during the one-day business forum held at Gamle Logen in Oslo, a famous conference centre. The agreements signed included one between Stellenbosch University and the Norwegian company Storvik Biofloc for a pilot fish-farming facility to farm tilapia, a fresh-water fish. Professor Russell Bothma, vice-chancellor of Stellenbosch University, said that the project would contribute to food security in South Africa and create jobs and opportunities across the country.
The memorandums of understanding included one between the Royal Bafokeng and the Norwegian company Veritas for the development of Saldanha Bay in respect of oil and gas services and oil pollution control.
Another MoU was signed between the South African company Lwandle Technologies and the Norwegian company Miros AS for a joint venture on ocean surveillance on South Africa's west coast.
"Norway understands Africa's developmental needs. Norway has already contributed to the empowerment and the uplifting of the living standards of many of our people in health projects, provided support for small and medium business, science and technology and arts and culture," the president said.
President Zuma emphasised that it was imperative that South Africa and Norway collaborated in meeting the challenges of climate change and he said he would welcome a partnership with the Norwegian delegation to the climate change summit in Durban.
Finn Kristian Aamodt, vice president of Innovation Norway, said there were many reasons why Norwegian companies were looking with "great interest" towards South Africa.
"The business environment is modern and the country serves as the business and financial hub of the continent. It is also the largest economy in Africa and is considered as a strategic gateway to other markets in joint co-operation with South African partners," he said.
South Africa is one of the fastest growing mobile communications markets in the world and Norwegian companies in the sector are global leaders in the field.
President Zuma has been the guest of HM King Harald and HM Queen Sonja.
