Norway to strengthen cooperation with Brazil to address global challenges

'In a time marked by growing geopolitical polarization and emerging international trade conflicts, it is important for Norway to strengthen its partnerships with strategic allies like Brazil', said Minister of Foreign Affairs Espen Barth Eide.

Norwegian companies have a particularly strong position in Brazil’s oil, gas, and offshore sectors, but Norwegian companies are also engaged in a range of other industries, including aluminum, fertilizers, and renewable energy.

'Brazil is one of the world’s largest economies, and Norwegian companies have a significant presence there. Around 230 Norwegian companies are established in Brazil. I visited the country last autumn with a business delegation, and I know that many more companies are eager to build closer ties with Brazilian partners. There is great potential for future growth', said Minister of trade and industry Cecilie Myrseth.

Brazil is the country outside Europe and the US where Norwegian companies have invested the most. Norway and Brazil already enjoy extensive cooperation, particularly in the areas of climate and environment, and increasingly in the knowledge sector.

'Norway and Brazil have long-standing cooperation, particularly in business and trade, climate and environment, and knowledge, innovation, and digitalization. Our collaboration was further strengthened when both countries served on the UN Security Council and when Norway was one of the guest countries during Brazil’s G20 presidency in 2024. Our joint efforts to combat deforestation in the Amazon are also a common priority', said Foreign Minister Eide.

The strategy focuses on four main areas:

Democracy and a rules-based international order
The strategy aims to enhance cooperation in promoting international law, security, and welfare. This includes regular meetings on global challenges, closer dialogue on human rights and gender equality, and new initiatives for cooperation on peace and conflict resolution.

Business and trade cooperation
The strategy emphasizes facilitating increased trade and investment and strengthening government-to-government dialogue on business and trade issues. This includes resuming meetings of the economic commission with Brazil and advancing a trade agreement between Mercosur and EFTA that reflects Norwegian interests. A coherent and effective use of available tools, responsible business practices, green transition, and collaboration on climate-friendly solutions are also key priorities.

'The Government aims to strengthen business cooperation with Brazil and facilitate trade, investment, and sustainable development', said Minister Myrseth.

'Brazil is one of the most important markets for both Norwegian shipping and seafood, which is why the Government is prioritizing cooperation with the country', said Minister of fisheries and ocean Policy Marianne Sivertsen Næss.

Climate, environment and food security
The strategy highlights cooperation on rainforest preservation, sustainable ocean management, and food production. The Amazon Fund remains at the heart of bilateral cooperation, with Norway also supporting additional initiatives in climate and nature. The goal is to support effective solutions to combat climate change, preserve biodiversity, promote sustainable development, and fight hunger and poverty.

Knowledge, innovation and digitalization
Norway and Brazil already enjoy broad cooperation in research and education, and the strategy aims to further strengthen ties between academia, innovation, and industry. The goal is to ensure that knowledge generated through research is put to practical use. Closer collaboration between academia and business will also enhance Norway’s competitiveness and help find shared sustainable solutions.

The Ministry of foreign affairs developed the strategy in close cooperation with the Ministry of trade, industry and fisheries, the ministry of energy, the Ministry of climate and environment, the Ministry of agriculture and food, the Ministry of culture and equality, the Ministry of education and research, and the Ministry of local government and regional development.