HAVING ventured into fish farming in the 1970s, Norway has rapidly progressed since its humble beginnings to become a world leader in aquaculture.
The ambassador of Norway to Malaysia Morten Paulsen said fisheries collaboration is one key area that Penang and Norway could look at to strengthen their ties.
Paulsen, who made a courtesy call on Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow in Komtar today, told Chow that he had earlier met some representatives from Penang Institute and Invest Penang to discuss several matters, one of which was about the potential collaboration in the aquaculture sector.
“We have been in the business for a very long time, and we are one of the biggest fish exporters in the world. This could be an area we can look at to strengthen ties between Penang and Norway,” he said.
Chow, who warmly welcomed Paulsen’s comments, said although the manufacturing and service sectors are currently Penang’s main engines, the state government is keen to expand the aquaculture sector.
“We have quite a number of research facilities in relation to aquaculture and there is potential of expanding them. We look forward to partnering with Norway to further accelerate the aquaculture industry in Penang,” Chow said.
Chow and Paulsen also discussed other potential areas to collaborate, such as the electrical and electronics and healthcare sectors.
Story by Kevin Vimal
Pix by Adleena Rahayu Ahmad Radzi