natgillin/translations-raw huggingface dataset:
Today, our oil and gas resources, key figures: Preliminary production figures for November 2011 indicate average daily production of about 2 057 000 barrels of oil, LNG and condensate.
Today, our oil and gas resources, key figures: Preliminary production figures for November 2011 indicate average daily production of about 2 057 000 barrels of oil, LNG and condensate.
(An increase of 18 000 barrels compared to October).
(An increase of 18 000 barrels compared to October).
Aldous Major and Avaldsnes fields in the North Sea were the largest finds offshore globally last year.
Aldous Major and Avaldsnes fields in the North Sea were the largest finds offshore globally last year.
Recent finds in the Barents Sea indicate that there is great potential in this region too.
Recent finds in the Barents Sea indicate that there is great potential in this region too.
Technology development.
Technology development.
Approximately 210 000 people are directly or indirectly employed in various Norwegian petroleum industries.
Approximately 210 000 people are directly or indirectly employed in various Norwegian petroleum industries.
45 % of the value of Norwegian exports in 2010 came from oil and gas (NOK 469 billion).
45 % of the value of Norwegian exports in 2010 came from oil and gas (NOK 469 billion).
According to fresh prognoses from the Norwegian Central Bank, we can expect record high investments in the oil business every year in the period 2011 – 2014.
According to fresh prognoses from the Norwegian Central Bank, we can expect record high investments in the oil business every year in the period 2011 – 2014.
The Central Bank estimates an investment level of NOK 120 – 150 billion annually.
The Central Bank estimates an investment level of NOK 120 – 150 billion annually.
And then there are policies, politics and government – “the Nordic model” – I’ll return to this later.
And then there are policies, politics and government – “the Nordic model” – I’ll return to this later.
Let me remind you of the story of modern Norway.
Let me remind you of the story of modern Norway.
I often raise the following question when visiting universities and high schools in Norway: Why did tens of thousands of Norwegians leave their country 100–150 years ago?
I often raise the following question when visiting universities and high schools in Norway: Why did tens of thousands of Norwegians leave their country 100–150 years ago?
Despite the:
Despite the:
oil and gas under the seabed,
oil and gas under the seabed,
opportunities for fish farming in the fjords,
opportunities for fish farming in the fjords,
thousands of species in the ocean that could be used for marine bioprospecting?
thousands of species in the ocean that could be used for marine bioprospecting?
Today, the answer is obvious: They did not know.
Today, the answer is obvious: They did not know.
They lacked the necessary knowledge.
They lacked the necessary knowledge.
How could they know?
How could they know?
And what do we know about the developments in technology in – say – 20–30 years’ time?
And what do we know about the developments in technology in – say – 20–30 years’ time?
Who could foresee in 1990 that fish farming along our long coastline would become one of the most important export industries for Norway twenty years later?
Who could foresee in 1990 that fish farming along our long coastline would become one of the most important export industries for Norway twenty years later?
In 1960 the experts were certain: There was no petroleum to be found at the bottom of the Norwegian Sea.
In 1960 the experts were certain: There was no petroleum to be found at the bottom of the Norwegian Sea.
Less than ten years later we saw the first “bottle” brought to the surface.
Less than ten years later we saw the first “bottle” brought to the surface.
One area where knowledge, expertise, is key: the energy sector.
One area where knowledge, expertise, is key: the energy sector.
I just said that Norway is the second largest exporter of natural gas and the sixth largest exporter of oil in the world [the Minister added some figures here].
I just said that Norway is the second largest exporter of natural gas and the sixth largest exporter of oil in the world [the Minister added some figures here].
Furthermore, in a long-term perspective, a significant part of our oil and gas future will be in the High North – in the Arctic.
Furthermore, in a long-term perspective, a significant part of our oil and gas future will be in the High North – in the Arctic.
Norway’s oil and gas future is dependent on the development of infrastructure in the High North – the development of knowledge, resources, the ocean, and open markets.
Norway’s oil and gas future is dependent on the development of infrastructure in the High North – the development of knowledge, resources, the ocean, and open markets.
This is why Norway’s High North policy is our top strategic priority.
This is why Norway’s High North policy is our top strategic priority.
And this is one of my messages to you.
And this is one of my messages to you.
Our focus on High North issues has three main drivers:
Our focus on High North issues has three main drivers:
Climate change: challenges and solutions.
Climate change: challenges and solutions.
Developments in Russia.
Developments in Russia.
(International cooperation in the High North).
(International cooperation in the High North).
And the potential for resources and economic activity.
And the potential for resources and economic activity.
These issues are linked: The High North can play a role in enhancing our understanding of global climate change and improving energy security, and help us develop solutions in these areas.
These issues are linked: The High North can play a role in enhancing our understanding of global climate change and improving energy security, and help us develop solutions in these areas.
Another point I would like to highlight is that in Norway there is what I would call a kind of “social contract” between citizens, industry and the Government – or a common understanding – that in the High North we must use and further develop new, cutting-edge technology in order to protect the fragile environment and to meet the global climate challenges.
Another point I would like to highlight is that in Norway there is what I would call a kind of “social contract” between citizens, industry and the Government – or a common understanding – that in the High North we must use and further develop new, cutting-edge technology in order to protect the fragile environment and to meet the global climate challenges.
The role of industry in this process is extremely important.
The role of industry in this process is extremely important.
It is a matter of responsibility.
It is a matter of responsibility.
Now, what characterises the Arctic today?
Now, what characterises the Arctic today?
As I already said: Climate change.
As I already said: Climate change.
Greater access to natural resources.
Greater access to natural resources.
Opening of sea routes.
Opening of sea routes.
Growing economic activity.
Growing economic activity.
Growing geopolitical interest, new players entering the stage.
Growing geopolitical interest, new players entering the stage.
There is a legal framework in place.
There is a legal framework in place.
There is no legal vacuum.The Law of the Sea provides the legal framework for all activities in the Arctic Ocean, an ocean surrounded by land under national jurisdiction.
There is no legal vacuum.The Law of the Sea provides the legal framework for all activities in the Arctic Ocean, an ocean surrounded by land under national jurisdiction.
No race for resources in the Arctic.
No race for resources in the Arctic.
Norway has gradually built capacity and developed expertise on High North issues – such as climate change, polar science, geopolitical changes, as well as new business opportunities – within sectors such as aquaculture, petroleum, shipping and mining.
Norway has gradually built capacity and developed expertise on High North issues – such as climate change, polar science, geopolitical changes, as well as new business opportunities – within sectors such as aquaculture, petroleum, shipping and mining.
And there is still plenty of room for more Norwegian–American cooperation in these sectors.
And there is still plenty of room for more Norwegian–American cooperation in these sectors.
Knowledge is at the heart of our policy.
Knowledge is at the heart of our policy.
Which means that close cooperation and interaction with the scientific community and the business community are essential if we are to achieve our goals for the High North:
Which means that close cooperation and interaction with the scientific community and the business community are essential if we are to achieve our goals for the High North:
Ensure sustainable management and use of resources.
Ensure sustainable management and use of resources.
Strengthen international cooperation and the international legal order.
Strengthen international cooperation and the international legal order.
Strengthen value creation and employment.
Strengthen value creation and employment.
The key visions I believe will determine the future of the High North over the next 20–30 years:
The key visions I believe will determine the future of the High North over the next 20–30 years:
First: a new industrial age.
First: a new industrial age.
Increased interest (in Norway, Sweden and Finland) in strategically important minerals.
Increased interest (in Norway, Sweden and Finland) in strategically important minerals.
(Minerals worth more than USD 250 billion could be found in the Norwegian High North alone).
(Minerals worth more than USD 250 billion could be found in the Norwegian High North alone).
Second: Pioneering work on integrated marine management.
Second: Pioneering work on integrated marine management.
The Northeast Arctic Cod stock is the best managed fish stock in the world (due to joint Norwegian–Russian ecosystem-based fishery management in the Barents Sea).
The Northeast Arctic Cod stock is the best managed fish stock in the world (due to joint Norwegian–Russian ecosystem-based fishery management in the Barents Sea).
Third: Growing interest in the Arctic Ocean.
Third: Growing interest in the Arctic Ocean.
The Northeast Passage may potentially reduce sailing time from Yokohama to Rotterdam by 40% compared to the Suez route, reducing fuel costs by 20%.
The Northeast Passage may potentially reduce sailing time from Yokohama to Rotterdam by 40% compared to the Suez route, reducing fuel costs by 20%.
We see an increased number of sailings: 34 ships through the Northeast Passage in 2011 compared to 6 in 2010.
We see an increased number of sailings: 34 ships through the Northeast Passage in 2011 compared to 6 in 2010.
Trend: Larger and faster ships.
Trend: Larger and faster ships.
Key: Energy security, increased efficiency, for commerce and shipping.
Key: Energy security, increased efficiency, for commerce and shipping.
(And fewer pirates).
(And fewer pirates).
Fourth: Close and innovative cooperation in the High North.
Fourth: Close and innovative cooperation in the High North.
For example: the Arctic Council sets the agenda: knowledge about climate change.
For example: the Arctic Council sets the agenda: knowledge about climate change.
Search and rescue agreement.
Search and rescue agreement.
Now: ongoing negotiations on an instrument on oil spill prevention (co-chaired by the US, Russia and Norway).
Now: ongoing negotiations on an instrument on oil spill prevention (co-chaired by the US, Russia and Norway).
Fifth: The High North as a new geopolitical centre of gravity.
Fifth: The High North as a new geopolitical centre of gravity.
We have advanced from Cold War logic and inaccessibility to extensive international cooperation and access to resources and shipping routes.
We have advanced from Cold War logic and inaccessibility to extensive international cooperation and access to resources and shipping routes.
No military threat (but still military strategic interests).
No military threat (but still military strategic interests).
Increased economic activity.
Increased economic activity.
High North – Low tension.
High North – Low tension.
Sixth: The High North as a source of knowledge about the environment and climate change – with implications far beyond the region itself.
Sixth: The High North as a source of knowledge about the environment and climate change – with implications far beyond the region itself.
(The US State Department has shown interest in having a research platform presence on Svalbard/Ny Ålesund).
(The US State Department has shown interest in having a research platform presence on Svalbard/Ny Ålesund).
Seventh: A new energy province in Europe.
Seventh: A new energy province in Europe.
The US Geographical Society estimates that as much as 22% of the world’s undiscovered petroleum resources could be found in the Arctic.
The US Geographical Society estimates that as much as 22% of the world’s undiscovered petroleum resources could be found in the Arctic.
Depends on: market conditions, technological developments, the size of any commercially viable discoveries of oil and gas, and how fast renewable energy sources are developed.
Depends on: market conditions, technological developments, the size of any commercially viable discoveries of oil and gas, and how fast renewable energy sources are developed.
Thus: The Norwegian oil and gas industry is moving northwards.
Thus: The Norwegian oil and gas industry is moving northwards.
There is vast acreage waiting to be explored.
There is vast acreage waiting to be explored.
And potential for renewable energy developments: hydropower, wind power and wave power.
And potential for renewable energy developments: hydropower, wind power and wave power.
In sum: The energy (and technology) dimension – and climate change – will be the most important drivers of increased interest in the High North in both political and business circles globally.
In sum: The energy (and technology) dimension – and climate change – will be the most important drivers of increased interest in the High North in both political and business circles globally.
[Here, the Minister added more comments on the High North in general, the maritime delimitation treaty between Norway and Russia, the Northeast Passage, icebreakers, the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), as well as a few more comments on the global climate change challenges.].
[Here, the Minister added more comments on the High North in general, the maritime delimitation treaty between Norway and Russia, the Northeast Passage, icebreakers, the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), as well as a few more comments on the global climate change challenges.].
Now, let me move from our future industry and business possibilities – to the area of politics, the state, and good governance.
Now, let me move from our future industry and business possibilities – to the area of politics, the state, and good governance.
The energy resources are there, but so is the political framework (and remember: political initiatives, courage and will are renewable!).
The energy resources are there, but so is the political framework (and remember: political initiatives, courage and will are renewable!).
A few comments on this:
A few comments on this:
What are “the characteristics” of Norway – of the whole Scandinavia – that have made growth, prosperity, stability and development possible?
What are “the characteristics” of Norway – of the whole Scandinavia – that have made growth, prosperity, stability and development possible?
– The Nordic Model.
– The Nordic Model.
Today, there is a much more positive focus: the dynamic Nordic Model, modern and effective.
Today, there is a much more positive focus: the dynamic Nordic Model, modern and effective.
The Nordic countries are characterised by high levels of income and employment, and low levels of inequality.
The Nordic countries are characterised by high levels of income and employment, and low levels of inequality.
They have time and again shown a remarkable capacity to adapt to external “shocks”.
They have time and again shown a remarkable capacity to adapt to external “shocks”.
In my mind four characteristics stand out in explaining the relative success of the Nordic countries:
In my mind four characteristics stand out in explaining the relative success of the Nordic countries:
Firstly, we have a long and successful tradition of cooperation between the unions, employers and the Government.
Firstly, we have a long and successful tradition of cooperation between the unions, employers and the Government.
Wide-ranging contacts in these areas.
Wide-ranging contacts in these areas.
This has a lot to do with the Nordic countries being small, open and homogenous countries: these characteristics are conducive to social cohesion and trust.
This has a lot to do with the Nordic countries being small, open and homogenous countries: these characteristics are conducive to social cohesion and trust.
And they facilitate an emphasis on common interests and a fairly equal distribution of wealth.
And they facilitate an emphasis on common interests and a fairly equal distribution of wealth.
Secondly, all Nordic countries have been successful in mobilising their labour forces.
Secondly, all Nordic countries have been successful in mobilising their labour forces.
In particular, the story of how Nordic women have moved into the labour market over the last 30 years is a truly Scandinavian success story.
In particular, the story of how Nordic women have moved into the labour market over the last 30 years is a truly Scandinavian success story.
In Norway, female labour force participation increased from 55% in 1980 to 70% in 2009.
In Norway, female labour force participation increased from 55% in 1980 to 70% in 2009.
Ambitious welfare and family policies, developed in close cooperation between government, employers and employees, have been instrumental in bringing about this change.
Ambitious welfare and family policies, developed in close cooperation between government, employers and employees, have been instrumental in bringing about this change.
Thirdly, expansion of the welfare state has gone hand in hand with prudent fiscal policies.
Thirdly, expansion of the welfare state has gone hand in hand with prudent fiscal policies.
While large parts of Europe experienced a marked deterioration in public finances from the 1970s onwards, the Nordic countries have been able to consolidate public finances.
While large parts of Europe experienced a marked deterioration in public finances from the 1970s onwards, the Nordic countries have been able to consolidate public finances.
Pension reform.
Pension reform.
Flexicurity.
Flexicurity.
Fourth: openness and flexibility, hallmarks of the Nordic economies.
Fourth: openness and flexibility, hallmarks of the Nordic economies.
All Nordic countries are small, open economies.
All Nordic countries are small, open economies.
Small economies have much to gain from foreign trade, and openness brings foreign competition and puts a premium on the ability to adapt and to learn from others.
Small economies have much to gain from foreign trade, and openness brings foreign competition and puts a premium on the ability to adapt and to learn from others.
As much out of necessity as choice, we have had to work hard to make our markets work well.
As much out of necessity as choice, we have had to work hard to make our markets work well.
Generally speaking, there are three lessons (at least) to be learned:
Generally speaking, there are three lessons (at least) to be learned:
Bring all key stakeholders to the table: establish “a shared world view” (and coordinate actions).
Bring all key stakeholders to the table: establish “a shared world view” (and coordinate actions).
The importance of prudent fiscal policies, transparent budgetary systems, long-term fiscal planning.
The importance of prudent fiscal policies, transparent budgetary systems, long-term fiscal planning.
The need to move beyond perceived conflicts between welfare and flexibility.
The need to move beyond perceived conflicts between welfare and flexibility.
Well-designed welfare policies and relatively flexible labour market regulations can reinforce each other.
Well-designed welfare policies and relatively flexible labour market regulations can reinforce each other.
This is the Norwegian model – the Nordic model – in overall, general terms.
This is the Norwegian model – the Nordic model – in overall, general terms.
It makes a difference; it creates a good climate for innovation and growth.
It makes a difference; it creates a good climate for innovation and growth.
It has also become an export product (“adapted versions” of the Nordic model, of course).
It has also become an export product (“adapted versions” of the Nordic model, of course).
Now, before I conclude, let me make a few comments on globalisation and the bigger picture in terms of the economic situation in 2011/2012, which forms the international backdrop to the developments in today’s markets.
Now, before I conclude, let me make a few comments on globalisation and the bigger picture in terms of the economic situation in 2011/2012, which forms the international backdrop to the developments in today’s markets.
Four overarching points:
Four overarching points:
First: The obvious: we are living in times of global change, times of major economic upheaval and transition.
First: The obvious: we are living in times of global change, times of major economic upheaval and transition.
These global changes are fundamental.
These global changes are fundamental.
They leave us with formidable challenges – but also with opportunities.
They leave us with formidable challenges – but also with opportunities.
My experience is that the business communities are among the first to notice change – and the first to adapt.
My experience is that the business communities are among the first to notice change – and the first to adapt.
(The public sector could learn from this!)
(The public sector could learn from this!)
On opportunities: Several hundred million people are being lifted out of poverty as a result of economic growth in China, India, Brazil and other countries.
On opportunities: Several hundred million people are being lifted out of poverty as a result of economic growth in China, India, Brazil and other countries.
A global middle class is emerging.
A global middle class is emerging.
New markets are opening up.
New markets are opening up.
The financial crisis is occurring at the same time as a fundamental global power shift – partly driven by economic forces, partly self-reinforcing.
The financial crisis is occurring at the same time as a fundamental global power shift – partly driven by economic forces, partly self-reinforcing.
The “old” West is on the defensive and the emerging states in the East and the South are on the offensive.
The “old” West is on the defensive and the emerging states in the East and the South are on the offensive.
A formidable power shift.
A formidable power shift.
Due to the overall global changes we are increasing the number of staff at the Norwegian missions in the East Asian countries.
Due to the overall global changes we are increasing the number of staff at the Norwegian missions in the East Asian countries.
We have established embassies in petroleum regions, such as Angola.
We have established embassies in petroleum regions, such as Angola.
And I can add that we have engaged in dialogue on energy issues with many countries, both close neighbours such as France and Germany, but also with countries like Brazil.
And I can add that we have engaged in dialogue on energy issues with many countries, both close neighbours such as France and Germany, but also with countries like Brazil.
Second: Today’s world order/organization: to a large extent a result of the end-game of the Second World War.
Second: Today’s world order/organization: to a large extent a result of the end-game of the Second World War.
Never before or since has a similar will and ability to organise the world been mobilised.
Never before or since has a similar will and ability to organise the world been mobilised.