Today is a special day for all Norwegians. It is the Norwegian Constitution Day. The Royal Norwegian Embassy in collaboration with the Thai-Norwegian Chamber of Commerce is proud to highlight the unique tradition of celebrating a day that goes back 209 years.
On 17 May Norwegians everywhere celebrate our freedom, culture and constitution of 1814. We celebrate democracy, human rights and the rule of law. We take pride in our welfare state where income distribution and gender equality has brought social stability and economic prosperity. It is a festive occasion in Norway that is celebrated by everyone, particularly children. Before heading out to join the parades and festivities, many people gather for a big breakfast, often a potluck with friends, family, and neighbours. Buildings are adorned with Norwegian flags, and people of all ages dress up in their Bunad, the traditional national costume. High school graduates wear uniforms and commemorate the approaching end of the school year. The sound of loud music fills the air from all directions.
Norway and Thailand have an excellent relationship – it goes back all the way back to King Chulalongkorn’s visit to Norway in 1907. The cornerstones in our relationship are trade and investment, people to people contact, respect for international law and the United Nations Charter. We also share the belief that we need more innovative economic development for a greener and sustainable future.
The international order is under pressure. Russia’s war in Ukraine has changed the security policy situation in Europe. The war has translated into an energy crises, which is also accelerating the green transition.
The Norwegian economy is performing well, despite high inflation and the ongoing war. Production, employment and consumption are increasing, and so is trade and investment between Norway and Thailand. Thailand is a large market for Norwegian seafood, in particular salmon. Businesses such as engineering, telecommunications, manufacturing, and software solutions have steady growth. The Norwegian Government Pension Fund has invested approx. USD 2.9 billion in 161 companies in Thailand.
Negotiations for a Free Trade Agreement between EFTA and Thailand are progressing well, and the 5th round will take place in Oslo in June this year. Such an agreement will facilitate trade and investments.
Source: VisitOSLO/Thomas Johannessen
The Norway-Asia Business Summit will take place in Bangkok from 29 November to 1 December 2023 and high-level officials and business representatives will attend. This will be a great opportunity to explore Norwegian world-class solutions to promote green transition based on renewable energy, bio-circular-green economy and climate friendly production.
And finally, to all of you, we are thrilled to have this opportunity to celebrate on the 17th of May. May the ties between Norway and Thailand continue to benefit our well-being and happiness.
Let’s celebrate this day like a Norwegian “Hurrah, Hurrah, Hurrah! Gratulerer med Dagen!”
For further information, please visit www.norcham.com