With the participation of a Saudi delegation representing 10 government entities,
Oslo – September 22, 2025
His Excellency Dr. Majid bin Abdullah Al-Kassabi, the Minister of Commerce and Chairman of the Board of Directors of the National Competitiveness Center, began a working visit to the Norwegian capital, Oslo, with the aim of promoting bilateral trade in promising sectors and enhancing the level of economic partnership between the two friendly countries, in addition to participating in the activities of the Saudi-Norwegian Business Forum.
During the two-day visit, H.E. Al-Kassabi led the Kingdom's delegation comprised of 30 officials from the public and private sectors. He held meetings with a number of ministers and officials, which included a review of the promising opportunities created by the Saudi Vision 2030 and discussions on encouraging Norwegian companies to expand their operations in promising Saudi sectors, particularly those related to fisheries, maritime transport, circular economy, and sustainability.
H.E. Al-Kassabi met with the Norwegian Minister of Trade and Industry, Ms. Cecilie Myrseth, where they discussed enhancing trade exchange between the two countries to capitalize on opportunities in promising economic sectors. They also reviewed the Kingdom's experience in implementing legislative and regulatory reforms and their impact on enhancing the attractiveness of the business environment.
In a separate meeting with His Excellency Mr. Kjetil Vevle, State Secretary of Labor and Social Inclusion, H.E. Al-Kassabi discussed cooperation in skills enhancement. They explored the exchange of expertise between educational and training institutions in both countries to meet the aspirations of future labor markets.
H.E. Al-Kassabi concluded his series of ministerial meetings with His Excellency Mr. Even Sagebakken, State Secretary of Fisheries and Ocean Policy. The two sides explored ways to enhance trade exchange by cooperating on port and maritime logistics development. They also reviewed Norway's experience in smart mobility systems and its potential applications for Saudi projects.
During meetings with the Norwegian private sector, H.E. Al-Kassabi met with Mr. Svein Tore Holsether, President of the Confederation of Norwegian Enterprise. He encouraged Norwegian companies in priority sectors to expand into the Kingdom, showcasing the promising opportunities available and the positive impact this would have on bilateral trade.
On the second day, the delegation will conduct site visits to leading Norwegian companies. At DNV, a maritime and supply chain expert operating in 100 countries, they will study its global business model. The tour will also include a visit to TOMRA, to explore its circular economy systems, and Fishglobe, to learn about its innovative sustainable aquaculture solutions that combine advanced technology and biological knowledge.
The Saudi delegation includes representatives from an array of government entities and national companies. Among the attendees are officials from the Ministries of Commerce; Energy; Investment; Industry and Mineral Resources; Environment, Water and Agriculture; Transport and Logistics Services. The delegation also features leaders from the Saudi Ports Authority, the Saudi Food & Drug Authority, the Public Investment Fund, the National Competitiveness Center, and the Federation of Saudi Chambers of Commerce.
