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Norway's Top Diplomat: "Best Time for New Investors to Come to India"

Bjørn Iversen, Norway's Commercial Counsellor in India, stated that the recent EFTA trade agreement makes the present the ideal moment for new investors to enter the Indian market. He made these remarks at the Vibrant Gujarat Regional Conference in Rajkot, which was inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The conference aims to drive investment into key sectors like green energy, ports, and engineering across western Gujarat. Several nations, including Japan and South Korea, are participating as partner countries in the two-day event.

Key Points: Norway Official Calls Now Best Time for Investors in India

  • Norway-India trade boost after EFTA pact
  • Vibrant Gujarat conference focuses on 12 districts
  • Focus on sectors like green energy and ports
  • Japan, South Korea among partner countries
2 min read

"Best time for new investors to come to India," says Commercial Counsellor at Norwegian Embassy

Norway's Commercial Counsellor cites new trade pact, highlights Vibrant Gujarat conference as prime opportunity for new foreign investment in India.

"I think this is the best time for the new investors to come to India. - Bjørn Iversen"

Rajkot, January 11

At Vibrant Gujarat Regional Conferences, Bjørn Iversen, Commercial Counsellor at the Norwegian Embassy in Delhi and Country Head of Innovation Norway, said that this is the best time for new investors to come to India.

Iversen said that they were looking to increase business between India and Norway.

Speaking to ANI, he said, "We are looking to increase business between India and Norway. That's based on the fact that last year in October, we entered into an agreement between India and EFTA, including Norway, on reducing tariffs, increasing trade and motivating investments, especially in India. I think this is the best time for the new investors to come to India. So, I am here and hopefully we will find some attractive opportunities."

Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Vibrant Gujarat Regional Conference for Kutch and Saurashtra Region in Rajkot on Sunday. Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel and Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghavi were also present.

Vibrant Gujarat Regional Conference is being held from 11-12 January 2026, catering to 12 districts across the Kutch and Saurashtra regions, read a statement from the Prime Minister's Office.

Dedicated exclusively to these regions, the conference aims to usher in fresh momentum for investment and industrial growth in western Gujarat. The focus sectors of the conference include Ceramics, Engineering, Ports & Logistics, Fisheries, Petrochemicals, Agro & Food Processing, Minerals, Green Energy Ecosystem, Skill Development, Startups, MSMEs, Tourism and Culture, among others. Japan, South Korea, Rwanda and Ukraine will be the partner countries for the Conference.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
Good to see focus on regions like Kutch and Saurashtra. Often development is concentrated in Ahmedabad and Surat. Hope these conferences bring real jobs and infrastructure to these areas, not just announcements.
R
Rohit P
EFTA agreement is a game-changer. Reducing tariffs means our MSMEs in engineering and ceramics can export more competitively. Need to ensure our local businesses are ready to meet international quality standards though.
M
Michael C
As someone working in the startup ecosystem, the mention of skill development and startups is key. Foreign investment needs to be paired with local talent creation. Hope the partnerships are deep, not just financial.
S
Shreya B
While attracting investment is great, we must be cautious. The focus on petrochemicals and minerals must not come at the cost of the environment, especially in ecologically sensitive regions like Kutch. Green energy should be the priority.
V
Vikram M
Norway + India in fisheries? That's interesting! They have advanced cold chain tech. Could revolutionize our fishing industry in Saurashtra and reduce post-harvest losses. Hope our fishermen's cooperatives are involved in the talks.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

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