Flemish Northern Strategy: Jambon in Sweden and Norway

As part of the Flemish Northern Strategy, Prime Minister Jan Jambon (N-VA) is heading to Norway and Sweden today for a multi-day visit. The mission focusses on economy and energy.

The trip means a new step in the government of Flanders' ambition to measure up to the Scandinavian top countries, particularly in terms of employment rate, innovation and sustainability. Since last year there is a permanent representation of Flanders in Copenhagen from where diplomatic relations are being established with Denmark, Sweden, Finland and Norway. 

On Thursday, in the Norwegian capital Oslo, Jambon will meet the State Secretary for Trade and Industry and the Minister for Oil and Energy, Terje Aasland. In light of the current energy crisis, the latter meeting is especially important. After all, Norway is the second largest supplier of natural gas to Europe and accounts for a large part of the gas supply in Belgium. In Oslo, Jambon will also talk to the management of energy giants Equinor and Engie, among others, about renewable energy. There he will also meet the management of Columbi Salmon. The Norwegian company, specialized in breeding salmon, previously announced a large-scale investment in Oostende, which will result in the largest land-based salmon farm and 80 to 100 direct jobs. 

On Friday, a meeting with the Minister of Trade Anna Hallberg is scheduled in Stockholm, Sweden. In terms of innovation, Jambon also speaks with three leading Swedish players: Vinnova, The Knowledge Foundation and Tillväxtverket, the Swedish agency for economic and regional growth. 

To conclude his multi-day visit, Jambon, who is also Minister of Digitalization, paid a company visit to Ericsson. Orange, Proximus and Telenet all call on the Swedish telecom giant for the rollout of the 5G network in our country.