Norway’s government minister for international development, formerly known mostly as foreign aid, has pledged to support Norwegian companies looking to invest in Africa – and hopes to compete with Chinese efforts to do the same.
Erik Solheim, a minister representing the Socialist Left Party (Sosialistisk venstreparti, SV), says that he has kept a close eye on China’s increasing interest in the continent, and sees great potential in Africa for Norwegian interests. He hopes that business will cast aside traditional stereotypes and begin to view Africa as a place of opportunity.
“Africa is an area of growth,” Solheim told newspaper Aftenposten. “Norway should contribute to this, first and foremost for Africa’s sake, but also for our own.”
The minister went on to promise political help and subsidies to Norwegian companies that invest in African states.
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