TRIP TO MALAYSIA FRUITFUL, SAYS CROWN PRINCE HAAKON MAGNUS

PORT KLANG (Malaysia), March 11 (Bernama) -- Norwegian Crown Prince Haakon
Magnus, who described his first trip to Malaysia as fruitful, said the strong
economic links between the two countries are expected to strengthen further as
both countries are on track to clinch a free trade agreement (FTA).

Malaysia on March 9 announced it was ready to sign the joint declaration on
economic cooperation with the European Free Trade Association (EFTA).

The EFTA comprises Switzerland, Iceland, Norway and Liechtenstein.

"It's really a positive experience for us. A visit like this is a good
groundwork to deepen the already established relationship.

"But it needs follow-up and hopefully, more would come out of the
relationship," he told a media briefing after visiting the Norwegian-owned Aker
Solutions Sdn Bhd here Wednesday.

He said Malaysia and Norway also shared the same interest, especially in the
areas of oil and gas, telecommunications, construction as well as seafood
industries.

He said currently, 60 Norwegian companies were operating in Malaysia and
more were showing interest to invest in the country.

"I heard a lot of positive aspects about Malaysia.

"Norwegian businessmen told me that Malaysians are competent, they had a lot
of knowledge and are hard working.

"This will be an important reason for a Norwegian company to decide to
invest," he said.

Crown Prince Haakon and Crown Princess Mette-Marit were here on a three-day
official trip, accompanied by 45-member delegation.

The delegation members included Minister of Trade and Industry Trond Giske,
Deputy Foreign Minister Erik Lahnstein, Deputy Fisheries and Coastal Affairs
Minister Vidar Ulriksen and Deputy Petroleum and Energy Minister Robin Martin
Kass.

Some 140 leaders from about 90 companies also joined the largest-ever
business delegation, seeking to establish joint-ventures and do business in
the country.

Meanwhile, Giske said he was happy with the way the Malaysia government was
pursuing economic cooperation with EFTA.

"It means that we are ready to start the negotiation on the trade agreement
and this will be a good base to follow up and we will find a good framework for
this cooperation," he said.

Giske said once the FTA was in place, Malaysia-Norway trade was expected to
see strong increase.

"We are optimistic about the prospects as we are impressed with the focus
given by Malaysia to bring economic development," he said.

-- BERNAMA