Norwegian business leaders numbering up to 50 attended a high level meeting on oil and gas geared towards making visible opportunities and contributes to further network development between Norwegian businesses and the East African market.

Norwegian Minister for Trade and Industry, Ms Monica Meland said Norwegian companies are technologically advanced as they have a lot of experience in sectors that will be important to Tanzania and they are responsible partners.

"I am glad that technology driven companies like Statoil are already offering their expertise in Tanzania, and that more firms stand ready to get involved", Ms Meland said over the weekend in her key address at the meeting organised by Tanzania Investment Centre (TIC).

Both Norway and Tanzania recognise the need for economic growth to proceed in a sustainable and environmental friendly way. Renewable energy, like hydropower, is a part of the solution. An old power station in Norway, Solbergfoss, started in 1924, and is still operating.

"I am glad that our long experience in hydropower is already being taken advantage of here in Tanzania. And there is still potential for more cooperation," she further said. She noted that in Tanzania, reforms and new macroeconomic policies are improving the business environment and economic growth has gone hand in hand with unity.

Realising that sufficient human resource with specific skills are required, the ministry embarked on an aggressive capacity building programme to create a critical mass of Tanzanian experts in a shortest possible time to be able to participate and manage the sophisticated and capital intensive oil and gas industry.

"We are grateful to Norway for your significant support on this programme," Energy and Minerals Minister, Mr George Simbachawene told the participants. Norway supported programmes includes scholarships for degree courses (Masters and PhDs), strengthening Tanzanian local universities and research institutions to conduct oil and gas curriculums and researchers, among others.

"Norway's goal is to be a door opener, connecting Norwegian businesses with customers, partners and communities of expertise globally," said Ms Anita Krohn Traaseth, CEO of Innovation Norway.

"East Africa is still an unknown market for many Norwegian companies, however, we hope to see our visit this week contribute as an eye opener for the participants, about the possibilities this region has to offer."

"We are eager to further contribute to positive results for Norwegian companies entering the East African market in the years to come, and look forward to a fruitful collaboration with governments of the region, partner organisations and companies in the market," she added.