The nation has one of the the healthiest economies in Europe, and is becoming one of the world's richest investor nations in foreign countries. Norway also is one of the top per capita users of information technology in the world, including use of the internet, cellular phones, pc's and laptops. The country's electricity distribution system is now considered to be one of the most deregulated in the world serving as a model for other countries to follow. Although Norway's state telecommunications company, Telenor, still controls a majority of the infrastructure, there are currently several players in this competitive market. Over 200 subsidiaries and branches of U.S. firms are in the country, and 4,000 others are represented in the market.
Trade barriers are relatively few.
Market access to the EU from Norway is no major hurdle. Meanwhile, Norway has increased its loan guarantees and has made available new investment funds specifically for Russia and Eastern European countries that could make joint venturing with Norwegian firms attractive in those markets. The government supports free trade and non-interference. However, it should be noted that, despite reforms and cuts in many support schemes for various sectors, Nnorway has a long way to go, particularly in the agricultural, as well as in fisheries sectors, where state support, bordering on protectionism, remains strong. Norway still spends considerable amounts annually to support the farmers, and subsidies by the Government can provide up to two thirds of a farmer's income.