Seafood at centre of Norway’s export drive

The seafood industry will be the next focus in the Norwegian government’s export reform programme.

This venture is designed to increase overseas sales throughout the entire value chain, says Industry Minister Cecilie Myrseth.

The government has recently set itself the goal of increasing exports outside of oil and gas by 50% by 2030.

“To achieve this, we wanted to involve the business community and the parties in the working world to point out export initiatives.

“Now we want to promote the seafood industry as the next major export venture,” the minister said.

She pointed out that Norwegian seafood exports were worth NOK 172 billion (£12bn) in 2023 – the second largest commodity after oil and gas.

Fisheries and Oceans Minister Marianne Sivertsen Næss said the growing global demand for Norwegian fish has made seafood one of the country’s most important export industries.

“From the government’s side, we want a holistic investment in exports in the seafood industry which contributes to developing a more innovative and sustainable industry, which creates jobs and value across the country,” she added.

“We have natural advantages, but we have also shown that we can create industry and jobs from the great opportunities in the sea.”

She pointed to a recent report from the food research institute Nofima showing that the supplier industry to seafood was growing strongly and now employed more people than the core business.

The minister said: “It confirms that we have managed to build a comprehensive value chain for seafood that underpins the export of food from the sea.

“The focus on exports from businesses throughout the value chain will strengthen Norway’s position as the world’s leading exporter of seafood, and at the same time contribute to the part of the industry that develops and supplies technology, equipment, services and knowledge in aquaculture and fisheries increasing its exports.

“The entire value chain for seafood must be strengthened. They can be suppliers of feed, vaccines, medicines, well boats, service vessels and other equipment and technology for the aquaculture industry and the fishing fleet.”

Working with the business community, the Export Council will now begin the task of developing proposals for the content of an export investment in seafood.