CM seeks Norway’s cooperation in sea and ocean based activities

H.E. Mr Nils Ragnar Kamsvåg, Ambassador of Norway to India, called on Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister, Shri. N. Chandrababu Naidu, in his chambers at the Assembly building here today.

Mr. Nils Ragnar thanked the Chief Minister for taking time out from the busy assembly schedule to meet with them.

Earlier in the day, Mr. Nils Ragnar and his team were appraised about the Smart Village Smart Ward Programme, which focuses on improving resource-use efficiency, empowered local self-governance, access to assured basic amenities and responsible individual and community behaviour to build a vibrant and happy State.

Commenting on this programme, Mr. Nils Ragnar said, “It’s a very interesting programme. It helps in achieving sustainable and inclusive development of all sections of the society. We are looking for possible opportunities for collaboration with this programme”.

During the course of the meeting, when Shri. N. Chandrababu Naidu enquired about Norway’s areas of strength, Mr. Nils said, “Norway is strong in all kinds of technology connected with sea and deep sea. Excavation of oil and gas is another strong area of us,” He added that Norway stands 2^nd in technology which is connected to deep sea activities.

This apart, Mr. Nils also indicated Norway’s advanced shipbuilding industry, ocean based activities and hi-tech solutions for port management.

Mr. Nils also told Shri. N. Chandrababu Naidu that Norway is the 2^nd biggest exporter of sea food and appraised him about the aquaculture technology they have.

Reflecting upon Mr. Nils’ presentation, the Shri. N. Chandrababu Naidu said that Andhra Pradesh and Norway have commonalities in areas of technology, coastline, presence of mineral and water resources besides deep draft ports.   

The Chief Minister also briefed the Ambassador about his vision for Andhra Pradesh. He said that he is keen on achieving a growth rate of 15% so as to make Andhra Pradesh the best state in the country.

Later, the Chief Minister said that he seeks Norway’s cooperation in sea based activities, which are largely left untapped in Andhra Pradesh. He added that the potential of sea based economy was not adequately appreciated and that he hopes that with Norway’s cooperation, Andhra Pradesh would be able to bring about a sea change in this sphere.

The Ambassador said that he is extremely happy to visit Andhra Pradesh and also have an interaction with the Chief Minister. He also said that he is impressed with Andhra Pradesh’s vision and appreciated the Chief Minister for his explicit plans and execution to achieve that vision.