natgillin/translations-raw huggingface dataset:
This leads me to an issue which has raised some interest with many Members, namely the participation of the Norwegian State in the economy. 
This leads me to an issue which has raised some interest with many Members, namely the participation of the Norwegian State in the economy.
It is estimated that the State owned around one-third of the Oslo Stock Exchange capitalisation in January 2008. 
It is estimated that the State owned around one-third of the Oslo Stock Exchange capitalisation in January 2008.
The State is a major shareholder in several of the larger commercial listed companies, but only in a very limited number of companies is the State the sole owner. 
The State is a major shareholder in several of the larger commercial listed companies, but only in a very limited number of companies is the State the sole owner.
The State acts as an active, long-term owner, whose main aim is to contribute to the companies’ long-term value creation and industrial development. 
The State acts as an active, long-term owner, whose main aim is to contribute to the companies’ long-term value creation and industrial development.
The State’s ownership also contributes to safeguarding the public interest in Norway’s natural resources and the revenues thereof. 
The State’s ownership also contributes to safeguarding the public interest in Norway’s natural resources and the revenues thereof.
An important part of the State’s ownership policy is that these companies – which also are involved in extensive international business activities – should maintain a strong base in Norway. 
An important part of the State’s ownership policy is that these companies – which also are involved in extensive international business activities – should maintain a strong base in Norway.
NORWAY’S TRADE POLICY AND TRADE POLICY REGIME 
NORWAY’S TRADE POLICY AND TRADE POLICY REGIME
Turning to trade policy, the most important fact to note is the significance of international trade in our economy. 
Turning to trade policy, the most important fact to note is the significance of international trade in our economy.
The value of Norway’s external trade corresponds to more than 76 per cent of GDP in 2007. 
The value of Norway’s external trade corresponds to more than 76 per cent of GDP in 2007.
Our high standard of living and the demands of the Norwegian population and businesses for a diverse supply of goods and services can only be met through international trade. 
Our high standard of living and the demands of the Norwegian population and businesses for a diverse supply of goods and services can only be met through international trade.
Norway’s trade policy is thus an inseparable part of both our economic and foreign policy. 
Norway’s trade policy is thus an inseparable part of both our economic and foreign policy.
Norway is among the most open economies in the world, with largely no tariffs for industrial products, and liberal access for foreign service providers. 
Norway is among the most open economies in the world, with largely no tariffs for industrial products, and liberal access for foreign service providers.
This openness underpins our own economy, while at the same time benefiting our trading partners as well. 
This openness underpins our own economy, while at the same time benefiting our trading partners as well.
Let me in this context mention the new customs legislation which has been passed by Parliament and that will be implemented on January 1 2009. 
Let me in this context mention the new customs legislation which has been passed by Parliament and that will be implemented on January 1 2009.
The purpose is to modernize and simplify the legislative framework for trade, even if the substantial changes may not be that dramatic. 
The purpose is to modernize and simplify the legislative framework for trade, even if the substantial changes may not be that dramatic.
It has been passed in the spirit of trade facilitation and we trust that this new legislation will provide benefits for importers and exporters alike. 
It has been passed in the spirit of trade facilitation and we trust that this new legislation will provide benefits for importers and exporters alike.
It will be notified to the relevant WTO Committees in due course. 
It will be notified to the relevant WTO Committees in due course.
In order to benefit from comparative advantages and economies of scale, Norwegian companies need to participate in international markets. 
In order to benefit from comparative advantages and economies of scale, Norwegian companies need to participate in international markets.
Moreover, Norway’s open economy exposes domestic producers of goods and services to an increasingly globalised environment. 
Moreover, Norway’s open economy exposes domestic producers of goods and services to an increasingly globalised environment.
One of the Government’s key priorities is to strengthen the international competitiveness of Norwegian goods and service producers by ensuring that the business environment remains conducive to innovation, investment and growth. 
One of the Government’s key priorities is to strengthen the international competitiveness of Norwegian goods and service producers by ensuring that the business environment remains conducive to innovation, investment and growth.
A stable, rules-based trading environment is of fundamental importance for Norwegian economic operators. 
A stable, rules-based trading environment is of fundamental importance for Norwegian economic operators.
At the same time, economic policies, including trade policy, must ensure that the benefits of trade and economic growth are distributed in an equitable way, both nationally and globally. 
At the same time, economic policies, including trade policy, must ensure that the benefits of trade and economic growth are distributed in an equitable way, both nationally and globally.
Trade is not only essential to Norway’s own economy, but is viewed by the Norwegian Government to be of key importance to ensure global economic and political stability. 
Trade is not only essential to Norway’s own economy, but is viewed by the Norwegian Government to be of key importance to ensure global economic and political stability.
Norway has taken a number of specific steps to promote trade with developing countries by implementing improvements to its Generalised System of Preferences (GSP). 
Norway has taken a number of specific steps to promote trade with developing countries by implementing improvements to its Generalised System of Preferences (GSP).
These improvements were the result of a comprehensive review undertaken by the Norwegian Government, with the aim of increasing imports from developing countries and in particular from LDCs and other low-income countries. 
These improvements were the result of a comprehensive review undertaken by the Norwegian Government, with the aim of increasing imports from developing countries and in particular from LDCs and other low-income countries.
Our current GSP grants 64 low-income countries, including all 50 LDCs, Duty Free and Quota Free market access into Norway for all their goods. 
Our current GSP grants 64 low-income countries, including all 50 LDCs, Duty Free and Quota Free market access into Norway for all their goods.
Norwegian trade policy enjoys broad political support in the Norwegian parliament. 
Norwegian trade policy enjoys broad political support in the Norwegian parliament.
Trade policy has increasingly become a topic for public debate, with the public opinion attaching great importance to the integration of developing countries into the world economy. 
Trade policy has increasingly become a topic for public debate, with the public opinion attaching great importance to the integration of developing countries into the world economy.
In addition to the traditional debate on the economic merits of trade and development, emphasis is increasingly being put on such aspects as health, environment as well as food and consumer safety. 
In addition to the traditional debate on the economic merits of trade and development, emphasis is increasingly being put on such aspects as health, environment as well as food and consumer safety.
The Government consults extensively with non-governmental groups, including representatives of trade and industry, labour, consumer and other interest groups. 
The Government consults extensively with non-governmental groups, including representatives of trade and industry, labour, consumer and other interest groups.
Such consultations necessitate and contribute to increased transparency around trade policy formulation in Norway. 
Such consultations necessitate and contribute to increased transparency around trade policy formulation in Norway.
Norwegian trade policy is based on three institutional pillars: the multilateral system of the WTO, the EEA-agreement and free trade agreements, mainly through EFTA. 
Norwegian trade policy is based on three institutional pillars: the multilateral system of the WTO, the EEA-agreement and free trade agreements, mainly through EFTA.
WTO 
WTO
The global character of major Norwegian exports and imports implies that the well-being of our economy is directly linked to the overall health of the world economy. 
The global character of major Norwegian exports and imports implies that the well-being of our economy is directly linked to the overall health of the world economy.
Thus, the primary focus of our trade policy is the multilateral trading system embodied in the WTO. 
Thus, the primary focus of our trade policy is the multilateral trading system embodied in the WTO.
Other elements of Norway’s trade policy are based on the fundamental principles of the multilateral trading system and must be seen as complementary and supplementary to our WTO commitments. 
Other elements of Norway’s trade policy are based on the fundamental principles of the multilateral trading system and must be seen as complementary and supplementary to our WTO commitments.
Norway was one of the founding members of the GATT and remains strongly committed to the multilateral framework. 
Norway was one of the founding members of the GATT and remains strongly committed to the multilateral framework.
A strong, rules-based system is the best guarantee against unilateralism and protectionism, and provides stability, security, transparency, and predictability for traders, and is a prerequisite for long-term global economic growth and development. 
A strong, rules-based system is the best guarantee against unilateralism and protectionism, and provides stability, security, transparency, and predictability for traders, and is a prerequisite for long-term global economic growth and development.
Norway deeply regrets that it was not possible to reach agreement on modalities for Agriculture and NAMA this summer. 
Norway deeply regrets that it was not possible to reach agreement on modalities for Agriculture and NAMA this summer.
While any agreement will pose serious challenges for Norway’s agricultural sector, we continue to insist that a positive outcome of the Doha Development Agenda (DDA) is essential for the global economy, for developing countries and for Norway. 
While any agreement will pose serious challenges for Norway’s agricultural sector, we continue to insist that a positive outcome of the Doha Development Agenda (DDA) is essential for the global economy, for developing countries and for Norway.
We thus remain strongly committed to completing negotiations as soon as possible; building on the substantial progress that has been achieved. 
We thus remain strongly committed to completing negotiations as soon as possible; building on the substantial progress that has been achieved.
Having a strong, rules-based international trading system as a primary bulwark against protectionism and unilateral approaches has hardly been more important than in this period of great global uncertainty. 
Having a strong, rules-based international trading system as a primary bulwark against protectionism and unilateral approaches has hardly been more important than in this period of great global uncertainty.
Although there are no quick or easy fixes to the global food crises, economic instability or the financial crises, the best way to combat these challenges is certainly more, and better, international co-operation – not less. 
Although there are no quick or easy fixes to the global food crises, economic instability or the financial crises, the best way to combat these challenges is certainly more, and better, international co-operation – not less.
The Agreement on the European Economic Area extends the internal market of the 27 EU Member States to three EFTA countries including Norway. 
The Agreement on the European Economic Area extends the internal market of the 27 EU Member States to three EFTA countries including Norway.
Thus, the EEA Agreement covers approximately 3/4 of our foreign trade. 
Thus, the EEA Agreement covers approximately 3/4 of our foreign trade.
The EEA Agreement covers the free movement of goods, persons, capital and services, but it is not a customs union. 
The EEA Agreement covers the free movement of goods, persons, capital and services, but it is not a customs union.
In respect of Article XXIV of the GATT and Article V of the GATS the agreement is a free trade area, and there is no common customs tariff. 
In respect of Article XXIV of the GATT and Article V of the GATS the agreement is a free trade area, and there is no common customs tariff.
The EEA Agreement does not include the EU's Common Agricultural Policy or the Common Fisheries Policy, but it contains provisions on various aspects of trade in agricultural and fish products, such as rules on sanitary and phytosanitary measures. 
The EEA Agreement does not include the EU's Common Agricultural Policy or the Common Fisheries Policy, but it contains provisions on various aspects of trade in agricultural and fish products, such as rules on sanitary and phytosanitary measures.
As the EEA Agreement is not a customs union, trade policy towards third countries is outside its scope. 
As the EEA Agreement is not a customs union, trade policy towards third countries is outside its scope.
A key feature of the EEA Agreement, which distinguishes it from most other free trade agreements, is its dynamic character. 
A key feature of the EEA Agreement, which distinguishes it from most other free trade agreements, is its dynamic character.
Its common rules are continuously updated by adding new EU legislation. 
Its common rules are continuously updated by adding new EU legislation.
This aspect is essential given the large output of Community legislation related to the internal market. 
This aspect is essential given the large output of Community legislation related to the internal market.
Free Trade Agreements 
Free Trade Agreements
The third pillar of Norway’s institutional framework for trade comprises the extensive network of Free Trade Agreements entered into by Norway and our partners in the European Free Trade Association (EFTA). 
The third pillar of Norway’s institutional framework for trade comprises the extensive network of Free Trade Agreements entered into by Norway and our partners in the European Free Trade Association (EFTA).
Currently, EFTA has entered into eighteen free trade agreements and five declarations of co-operation, and several negotiations are ongoing. 
Currently, EFTA has entered into eighteen free trade agreements and five declarations of co-operation, and several negotiations are ongoing.
In addition, Norway and China started bilateral negotiations on a free trade agreement this fall. 
In addition, Norway and China started bilateral negotiations on a free trade agreement this fall.
Free trade agreements cannot replace the need for a multilateral trade regime. 
Free trade agreements cannot replace the need for a multilateral trade regime.
We do, however, consider regional trade arrangements and free trade agreements as complementary to the multilateral regime by accommodating the need for deeper economic integration. 
We do, however, consider regional trade arrangements and free trade agreements as complementary to the multilateral regime by accommodating the need for deeper economic integration.
EFTA free trade agreements have traditionally covered trade in industrial products including fish and marine products, and processed agricultural products. 
EFTA free trade agreements have traditionally covered trade in industrial products including fish and marine products, and processed agricultural products.
In addition, each EFTA country has concluded bilateral agricultural agreements with each of the third country partners. 
In addition, each EFTA country has concluded bilateral agricultural agreements with each of the third country partners.
During the last few years, the parties have recognised the growing importance of new trade issues and the scope of the free trade agreements has been expanded to incorporate trade in services, provisions on competition, state aid, protection of intellectual property, investments and government procurement. 
During the last few years, the parties have recognised the growing importance of new trade issues and the scope of the free trade agreements has been expanded to incorporate trade in services, provisions on competition, state aid, protection of intellectual property, investments and government procurement.
AID FOR TRADE 
AID FOR TRADE
Let me turn to an issue that is an essential complement to traditional trade policy – Aid for Trade. 
Let me turn to an issue that is an essential complement to traditional trade policy – Aid for Trade.
We all know that access to markets is not always sufficient to take advantage of market opportunities. 
We all know that access to markets is not always sufficient to take advantage of market opportunities.
Aid for Trade thus has to be an integral part of both our trade and development policies. 
Aid for Trade thus has to be an integral part of both our trade and development policies.
Norway has contributed significantly to Aid for Trade programs, and will continue to do so in the coming years. 
Norway has contributed significantly to Aid for Trade programs, and will continue to do so in the coming years.
As a follow-up of the Governments “Action Plan on Aid for Trade” that was launched in 2007, Norway increased its Aid for Trade budget by 50% from 2007 to 2008. 
As a follow-up of the Governments “Action Plan on Aid for Trade” that was launched in 2007, Norway increased its Aid for Trade budget by 50% from 2007 to 2008.
Priority is given to Africa and the least developed countries, and the funds are channelled primarily through multilateral organisations as recommended by the WTO task force on Aid for Trade. 
Priority is given to Africa and the least developed countries, and the funds are channelled primarily through multilateral organisations as recommended by the WTO task force on Aid for Trade.
We will make an assessment of our Aid for Trade Action Plan in 2010. 
We will make an assessment of our Aid for Trade Action Plan in 2010.
Increasing investments in the productive sectors, in particular in the least developed countries, is important in order to reduce poverty. 
Increasing investments in the productive sectors, in particular in the least developed countries, is important in order to reduce poverty.
Ten years ago, the Norwegian Investment Fund for Developing Countries (Norfund) was established for this purpose. 
Ten years ago, the Norwegian Investment Fund for Developing Countries (Norfund) was established for this purpose.
The capital of Norfund currently stands at approximately 4,5 billion NOK. 
The capital of Norfund currently stands at approximately 4,5 billion NOK.
The investments of Norfund take place directly and indirectly through funds and local financial institutions, focusing on enabling developing countries to take advantage of trade opportunities. 
The investments of Norfund take place directly and indirectly through funds and local financial institutions, focusing on enabling developing countries to take advantage of trade opportunities.
AGRICULTURE 
AGRICULTURE
Let me turn your attention to one issue that is dealt with both by the Secretariat in its report as well as by other members in their questions to us – Agriculture. 
Let me turn your attention to one issue that is dealt with both by the Secretariat in its report as well as by other members in their questions to us – Agriculture.
Arable land represents only 3% of the total area in Norway. 
Arable land represents only 3% of the total area in Norway.
The arctic and sub-arctic conditions in Norway are characterised by a harsh climate, low temperatures and a short growing season. 
The arctic and sub-arctic conditions in Norway are characterised by a harsh climate, low temperatures and a short growing season.
Agricultural production covers a fairly narrow product range that is protected by tariffs, while a wide range of agricultural products is imported duty free. 
Agricultural production covers a fairly narrow product range that is protected by tariffs, while a wide range of agricultural products is imported duty free.
The Secretariat writes that Norwegian consumers pay particularly high prices for some agricultural products and that these prices are a result of the agricultural sector being less market-based than other sectors of the economy. 
The Secretariat writes that Norwegian consumers pay particularly high prices for some agricultural products and that these prices are a result of the agricultural sector being less market-based than other sectors of the economy.
This, however, fails to take the general cost level in Norway into account. 
This, however, fails to take the general cost level in Norway into account.
In fact, Norwegians spend a lower percentage of their income on food than people in most other countries, both developed and developing. 
In fact, Norwegians spend a lower percentage of their income on food than people in most other countries, both developed and developing.
High costs in agricultural production in Norway are also a result of geographic, topographic and climatic conditions, as well as political priorities. 
High costs in agricultural production in Norway are also a result of geographic, topographic and climatic conditions, as well as political priorities.
There is broad political support in Norway for the Government’s aim to maintain a viable agricultural sector throughout the country. 
There is broad political support in Norway for the Government’s aim to maintain a viable agricultural sector throughout the country.
A number of the points raised by the Secretariat, and certain members in their questions, pertain to issues that belong in the on-going negotiations. 
A number of the points raised by the Secretariat, and certain members in their questions, pertain to issues that belong in the on-going negotiations.
Our current measures are fully consistent with our WTO obligations, and I can assure all Members that we will implement fully the outcome of the Doha Round. 
Our current measures are fully consistent with our WTO obligations, and I can assure all Members that we will implement fully the outcome of the Doha Round.
Our negotiating positions in agriculture are well known to others, and I will not repeat them here today. 
Our negotiating positions in agriculture are well known to others, and I will not repeat them here today.
Labour market and migration 
Labour market and migration
Another issue that may be worth mentioning is labour and migration. 
Another issue that may be worth mentioning is labour and migration.
Since 2000 there has been a strong rise in labour immigration to Norway. 
Since 2000 there has been a strong rise in labour immigration to Norway.
High demand for labour and a gradual opening up of the labour market through changes in the immigration regulations has led to a significant increase in the number of non-EEA nationals working in Norway. 
High demand for labour and a gradual opening up of the labour market through changes in the immigration regulations has led to a significant increase in the number of non-EEA nationals working in Norway.