NABA comments on new Government white paper “Working together: private sector development in Norwegian development cooperation”

On the 19th of June the Norwegian Foreign Minister Børge Brende launched the Government’s white paper on Private Sector’s Role in Development “Working together: Private sector development in Norwegian development cooperation”. On the 24th of June, NABA Board Director and CEO of Mester Grønn AS, Mr. Erling Ølstad commented the White Paper in a seminar at Norad.Some of the key points from Mr. Ølstad’s introduction:

• NABA commends the Government for the initiative and key message in this white paper: working in the private sector, we know the value of job creation. In Kenya more than 500.000 people are employed by the flower industry.
• Unfortunately the high expectations created (when the white paper plans were first launched) have not been met in this white paper: a lot of positive rhetoric, but too few concrete suggestions.
• We recommend the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, together with the Ministry of Trade and Industry (and other relevant Ministries) to make an ”action plan” based on this white paper – where this new policy directions is transferred into concrete suggestions: ”Walk the talk”.
• We would like to learn more about the suggested ”strategic partnership” mentioned in the white paper, as well as the ”innovative financing” – what does this mean for a company who plan to invest for example in Ethiopia?
• It is great with more support to Norfund as this usually attracts more Norwegian companies in the countries where Norfund is present.
• It is positive that GIEK and Export Credit Norway will harmonize their regulations, but we still find that Danish companies have a better starting point, especially through the Danida Blandede Kreditter. We think the Norwegian support system should (at least) be as good as the Danish.
• What can Norwegian companies expect from the Norwegian embassies abroad when it comes to information related to security situation? As the security situation has become more challenging, we were hoping that the white paper could outline how the embassies will support Norwegian companies on the ground with these matters.
• We are pleased to note that the Government see trade as a tool in the development policy. Trade is a prerequisite for development, growth and job creation. At the same time, the least developed countries are the least able to exploit the opportunities with increased trade and market integration.
• As President Nelson Mandela wisely put it: ”After climbing a great hill, one finds that there are many more hills to climb”. The Norwegian private sector – who creates jobs – is ready to climb the next mountain together with the Government.

You can request the full manuscript by emailing: ef@norwegianafrican.noYou can read the Government’s press release in connection with the launch here: https://www.regjeringen.no/en/aktuelt/strengthened-efforts-to-promote-private-sector-development/id2423881/ You can read the White Paper here: https://www.regjeringen.no/en/dokumenter/meld.-st.-35-20142015/id2423253/?ch=1