NOK 50 million to regional projects in Asia

The Government is to set aside NOK 50 million for regional cooperation projects in Asia.  

“Dynamic developments in Asia mean that we need to think creatively about how we develop our cooperation and mobilise our resources. We are seeking to strengthen efforts in areas where Norway’s priorities coincide with those of the region,” said Minister of Foreign Affairs Espen Barth Eide. 

“The geopolitical map is changing as a result of rapid economic growth in Asian countries, closer regional integration, new trade relations and expectations of greater Asian influence in global forums,” Mr Eide said.  

NOK 50 million of the regional allocation for Asia is to be used to address development challenges through cooperation at the regional level in Asia. These funds will primarily be used within the framework of Norway’s cooperation with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).   

ASEAN is taking the lead in efforts to achieve closer political and economic integration in the region. The middle-income Southeast Asian countries play a critical role in assisting the less-developed states in the region by promoting growth, institution building, transfer of experience and integration. However, the Asian continent faces considerable challenges relating to fair distribution, the environment, vulnerability to natural disasters and the impacts of climate change. There is also an increasing focus on questions relating to the Law of the Sea. These issues also hold great interest for Norway and the Norwegian business sector. 

“Norwegian value creation and Norwegian business interests will be directly affected by developments in Asia in future. We are heavily involved in sectors that are important for achieving an integrated economy – maritime services and industries, offshore technology, energy and telecommunications. There are therefore strong incentives for enhancing our knowledge of and involvement in regional integration processes in Asia,” Mr Eide said.