DECEMBER 1, 2023

Issue #3

We hope you enjoy this brief look into recent developments in Norway and at the Norwegian Embassy in Washington, D.C. If you are not subscribed but would like to be, please send us an email here. 

Cover art: Haakon Lundkvist, VisitNorthwest.no.

It's almost time to celebrate the 27th annual Norwegian Christmas Tree Lighting at Union Station! On December 7, at 6:00 pm, a consortium of partners (The Royal Norwegian Embassy in Washington, NorCham, Washington Performing Arts, and Union Station, Washington, D.C.) will present the annual Norwegian Christmas tree.

This year’s performance line-up – co-presented by Mars Arts D.C. and the Royal Norwegian Embassy – will feature Lisa Stokke, who originated the role of Sophie in the West End's "Mamma Mia!" and voiced Elsa in the Norwegian dubs of Frozen and Frozen II. It will also include performances by James Murphy, Brent & Co., and Kim Sator, as well as a visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus.

We invite D.C. locals and visitors to join us for a festive start to the holiday season!

Photo credit: Washington Performing Arts

Norwegian multinational companies in the U.S. span many sectors – from green technology in California, Atlanta, and Michigan, to maritime enterprises on the Atlantic coast, to oil and gas companies in Texas. 

Based on extensive data collection from Norwegian consultant Menon Economics, we now know that Norwegian multinational companies in the U.S. have contributed to the creation of 20,200 American jobs. Additionally, the export of U.S. goods and services to Norway supports 12,100 American jobs, and Norwegian multinationals and U.S. companies exporting to Norway indirectly support 44,200 U.S. jobs through their purchases of goods and services. Finally, there are approximately 218,000 jobs associated with Norwegian portfolio investments in U.S. companies. 
 

The economic and cultural ties between Norway and the United States have a deep-rooted history, dating back to the waves of Norwegian migration to the U.S. in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Today, this bond has evolved into a dynamic political and economic partnership characterized by economic cooperation, trade, and investments, as well as trust and mutual understanding on many important global issues.

To view the report, click here.

Recently, Norwegian State Secretary Tore Onshuus Sandvik and U.S. Undersecretary for International Trade at the Department of Commerce Marisa Lago signed a memorandum of understanding to strengthen the trade policy dialogue with the United States. The United States is an important trading partner for Norway, and the countries have a common goal of speeding up the green transition.
 
Representatives from the industry were invited to a roundtable discussion to give their input on how to facilitate increased cooperation. The meeting took place at the Norwegian Ambassador’s Residence in Washington, D.C.
 
During his trip to the U.S., State Secretary Tore Onshuus Sandvik also had the opportunity to attend the opening of the new aluminum recycling plant for Norsk Hydro in Cassopolis, Michigan.

To read more, click here.

Photo credit: Norwegian Ministry of Trade, Industry and Fisheries

On November 28, Norwegian Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide and U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken met in Brussels, where both were attending the NATO Foreign Ministers Meeting. They had a good discussion on a number of pressing issues, such as mutual security concerns, support to Ukraine, the green transition, and the Middle East. To learn more about their meeting, see this press release.

Photo credit: U.S. State Department.

This February, Norgesskolen is offering a one-week Norwegian-language learning opportunity for individuals aged 14 through 20. The program will take place in Oslo and emphasizes a real Norwegian winter experience. Both beginners and those with previous knowledge of the language are eligible to apply. To learn more, click here.