Economic Policy

The Ministry of Finance and numerous associated institutions report on the condition of the Norwegian economy. On this page you can find some of the most important sources of information about the subject.

The responsibility of the Minister of Finance as a member of the Government is to develop and co-ordinate the Government's economic policy. Although the political authorities - the Government and Stortinget - make the decisions, the Ministry of Finance is required to give expert advice before decisions are made and executed.

The Economic Policy Department monitors and analyses economic trends in Norway and abroad.

General information about Norway and the Norwegian economy

(June 2009) The main objectives of the Government’s economic policy are to contribute to high employment, sustainable development, fair distribution of income and well-functioning welfare schemes. This requires sound policies with emphasis on environmental challenges, long-term management of national wealth and the development of a strong and sustainable public sector. The various aspects of economic policy need to work together to reach these objectives. (pdf).

Long-Term Perspectives for the Norwegian Economy

- The White Paper on long-term perspectives addresses key challenges facing the Norwegian economy in coming decades, including global warming, globalisation and an ageing population. The paper also presents the Government’s strategy to meet these challenges that includes further enhancement of our welfare model and continued support of strong global institutions. It is important not to lose sight of the challenges to long-term sustainable development in the midst of the current economic turmoil, says Minister of Finance Kristin Halvorsen.

Fiscal policy

Fiscal policy shall be geared towards a gradual and sustainable increase in the use of petroleum revenues. Over time, the structural, non-oil budget deficit shall correspond to the real return on the Government Pension Fund Global, estimated at 4 per cent. This rule should not be used mechanically, however, and considerable emphasis should be placed on stabilising economic fluctuations.

Monetary policy

Monetary policy shall aim for stability in the domestic and international value of the Norwegian krone. Norges Bank’s (the central bank) operational implementation of monetary policy shall be aimed at low and stable inflation, defined as an annual increase in consumer prices that remains close to 2½ pct. over time.

Key Projections

Key Projections lists economic forecasts for 2010 and 2011 by various institutions.

OECD’s assessment of the Norwegian Economy

Every eighteen months the OECD presents a survey of the Norwegian economy. This survey is based on the Secretariat’s study prepared for the annual review of Norway by the Economic and Development Review Committee.

IMF and Norway

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) usually undertakes Article IV consultations with Norway every year.

The Central Government's Outstanding Debt

The Central Government's Outstanding Debt contains tables describing the debt issued by the State of Norway.

New measures to secure the provision of credit

The Government is proposing two new measures to ease access to funding for businesses and households in Norway. With the establishment of a NOK 50 billion fund to boost the banks’ capital, the banking system will be in a stronger position to continue to provide lending services to the public. And the proposal for a NOK 50 billion bond fund to improve liquidity in the bond market will be another positive contribution to meet the financing needs of Norwegian companies. (08.02.2009)

Contact information

Economic Policy Department

Telephone:	+47 22 24 45 03
Fax:	+47 22 24 95 09

Address

The Ministry of Finance
Economic Policy Department
P.O. Box 8008 Dep
0030 Oslo
Norway

Search within topic

Economic Policy

Expand by topic

Government.no

The economy

ILO and IMF conference in Oslo on the labour market challenges in the wake of the economic crisis

Relevant documents:

Responsible organization

Contact information

Economic Policy Department

Telephone:	+47 22 24 45 03
Fax:	+47 22 24 95 09

Address

The Ministry of Finance
Economic Policy Department
P.O. Box 8008 Dep
0030 Oslo
Norway

Skip left menu navigation

Ministry home