“A time of crisis is often about clearing up, cuts and retrenchment. But it is also a time to venture, as Norway is doing in Texas, an American counterpart to the Norwegian region of growth on the west coast”.
The Houston area is the one metropolitan region in the world, outside of Scandinavia, with the highest number of Norwegians – approximately 7,000, by a recent estimate. The majority of them work in the energy or shipping sector.
With 140 Norwegian or Norwegian-affiliated businesses, supported by an active Norwegian consulate general, Houston and Texas have become important parts of Norwegian industry, commerce and trade.
“As a young oil nation, Norway once turned to Texas for leading expertise. Today the expertise is moving in the opposite direction, from Norway to Texas,” Støre writes.
A Gateway for Business
“Houston has become a gateway for Norwegian business in the U.S.,” the Minister continues, emphasizing the many similarities between Norway and Texas: “We are both experiencing economic growth in a time where our neighbors are experiencing hardship. We see significant growth within oil, gas and shipping, and at the same time we see that the technological driving force from the field of energy has a ripple effect; Norwegian companies within environmental technology and the pharmaceutical industry are also making their mark in Texas.”
With many countries in a time of crisis, Norway finds itself in a situation where it is able to strengthen and support Norwegian growth abroad, by venturing into established markets such as the U.S. and Texas.
“It is all about preventing protectionism as a short-term solution in a time of crisis,” Støre writes.
To read the entire article please visit the website of the Norwegian Consulate General in Houston.