It was at a meeting in Washington DC that Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide and American Foreign Minister Antony Blinken signed the formal agreement on Monday evening Norwegian time. Industry Minister Myrseth points out that the agreement is important for Norway as a country that produces important minerals. Hoping for a binding agreement – This is a historic agreement that we are now entering into, and which I hope will lead to a binding mineral agreement between Norway and the USA. She emphasizes that the agreement paves the way for even closer cooperation with the US in the future, and believes this will strengthen trade and Norwegian businesses’ access to the US market. Minister of Industry Cecilie Myrseth (Ap). Photo: Erik Waagbø / news – There are two things that we see as particularly important, namely cooperation that deals with workers’ rights, but also that you must have fair rules of the game for this industry, says Myrseth. The minister emphasizes that the two things will be important elements if Norway is to go ahead with an agreement. Strategic cooperation It has already been known that Norway and the USA have agreed to enter into a strategic mineral cooperation. – This is a historic cooperation agreement that puts employee rights and a level playing field on the agenda in a separate agreement with the USA. The countries have a common interest in promoting fair competition, sustainable development and responsible business, says Myrseth. In June this year it was finally documented that the largest occurrence of rare earth species in Europe is Norwegian. Norway is already an important exporter of critical raw materials, such as nickel and cobalt, to the USA. Norway is also the largest producer of aluminium, silicon and graphite in Europe. NHO director Ole Erik Almlid. Photo: Rita Kleven / news – Norwegian companies have a lot to contribute when it comes to critical minerals for the green shift and NHO welcomes closer cooperation with the USA, says CEO of NHO, Ole Erik Almlid. He hopes that the collaboration can contribute to an agreement between Norway and the US that gives Norwegian companies better market access under the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA). – Must ensure income and security – A collaboration between Norway and the US on minerals will provide a more predictable supply of raw materials, while at the same time it can be of great importance for Norwegian export jobs, says head of the Norwegian Confederation of Trade Unions, Peggy Hessen Følsvik. LO leader Peggy Hessen Følsvik. Photo: Christopher Isachsen Sandøy / news She believes it is crucial that the agreement is based on what LO calls a fair transition. – Because if we are to succeed with the green shift, we must at the same time be able to secure people’s income and security, she says. Published 30.09.2024, at 20.43
ttn-69
Historic agreement with the USA on critical minerals – news Vestfold and Telemark – Local news, TV and radio
