Nor-Fishing 2008: Opening speech

Minister,
Your Excellences
22^nd Mayor
Ladies and gentlemen

100 years ago, in 1908, my great-grandfather King Haakon VII opened the Scandinavian fisheries exhibition here in Trondheim – as shown on the picture behind me. When my father, King Harald, opened the previous Nor-Fishing in 2006, he mentioned the fact that he and my grandfather, King Olav, had attended several of these fishery trade shows since the first was arranged in 1960. I am pleased to continue the tradition by attending the opening of the 22nd Nor-Fishing here in Trondheim. The fishing industry is a main pillar in Norwegian trade – and an essential part of the life of our population who inhabits our long coast, making a living by working at sea all year round, in all kinds of weather.

The fisheries and aquaculture industries represent an annual value creation of more than 100 billion Norwegian kroner. As the second largest exporter of seafood in the world after China, Norway is a natural meeting-place for focusing on fisheries. I am pleased to see close to 50 nations represented as exhibitors, conference participants and visitors at Nor-Fishing 2008. I understand that Russia and South-Korea are represented as exhibitors for the first time. Valuable international friendships and business contacts are established here. I hope all of you will experience inspiring and instructive days – with beneficial, long term outcome.

Several challenges are brought before this industry. There is hard competition to do everything better, faster, and at lower cost. Over the last years there has been increased focus on improving technical equipment for communication on sea and for increasing the fishermen’s security. This is also reflected at Nor-Fishing 2008.

The fishing industry experiences dramatic changes in central factors such as environment, migratory patterns of fish, oil prices and costs of production. At the same time new knowledge leads to new requirements. A long term success for the industry depends on its ability to manage the resources – to secure safety and sustainability. When we know better, we have to do better.

The Scandinavian fishery exhibition in 1908 lasted throughout July and August, and the Royal family stayed in Trondheim for two whole weeks. This year the exhibition lasts for four days, so the times have changed. But the importance and relevance of the exhibition is just as real today.

I am pleased to be present here today and declare the 22nd Nor-Fishing officially open.