Internationalisation is important for the future of the Norwegian oil and gas industry. To secure employment in the supply industry, it is important for these companies to get access to the growing international market. For the Norwegian oil companies an increased international engagement is important.

The Government proposed to increase the grants to internationalisation with nearly 50 per cent, from NOK 11 million to NOK 16 million. The grants include among other things funds to Intsok, Petrad and project activities.

-It is very important for the Government to support the important work done to internationalise the Norwegian petroleum industry and supply industry, says Olav Akselsen, Minister of Petroleum and Energy.

Project funds
The Government wants to support projects that can contribute to the transfer of Norwegian competence, technology and experience. Norwegian industry and public authorities have experienced a demand for assistance related to development of local supply industry. This is mainly relevant for Nigeria and Angola, but similar co-operation is also under consideration for Venezuela, Iran and the province of Newfoundland in Canada. In 2002, the Government proposes to grant NOK 3 million to this purpose.

Intsok
The goal of Intsok is to strengthen the long-term basis for value creation and employment in Norwegian petroleum industry through focused international activities. The long-term goal of Intsok is that the export value from Norwegian oil and gas industry reaches NOK 50 billion within 2005. This is considered as being realistic, but will mean a doubling from 1999. The member companies of Intsok represent approximately 90 per cent of the value creation within Norwegian oil and gas activities, and together this competence represents a world-class cluster. In 2002, the Government proposes to grant NOK 10 million to this future-oriented initiative.