Princess Astrid of Belgium travels to Norway to strengthen trade relations

Princess Astrid of Belgium will travel to Norway from Sunday to Wednesday with a group of ministers and representatives of companies and research institutions. It is one of two economic missions Belgium organises annually. 

Belgium has long maintained close ties with Norway, with mutual economic activity increasing in recent years. Belgium's export value to Norway rose from 1.7 billion euros in 2019 to 4.8 billion in 2023. The value of imports has fluctuated widely due to volatile energy prices. Oil and gas account for more than 90 per cent of imports from Norway. 

Princess Astrid's visit will revolve around themes such as energy transition, circular economy, life sciences and design, with the aim of enhancing trade relations between the two countries.

Foreign minister Hadja Lahbib, Energy minister Tinne Van der Straeten and North Sea minister Paul Van Tigchelt will be among the delegation. Flemish minister president Jan Jambon who tried to increase links with prosperous northern European countries in the past legislature, will also attend.

^{Princess Astrid of Belgium in Sydney, Australia © BELGA PHOTO BENOIT DOPPAGNE}