The whole-day event focused on the close and multi-faceted cooperation in the maritime sector which remains the backbone of Norwegian-Philippine relations and which today has evolved into a true partnership. The Conferences’s main messages were delivered by State Secretary Øyvind Slåke of the Norwegian Ministry of Trade and Industry and Secretary Marianito D. Roque of the Department of Labor and Employment.
After welcoming remarks by Norway’s Ambassador to the Philippines, H.E. Ståle T. Risa, and Capt. Gregorio S. Oca of AMOSUP, different perspectives related to the maritime cooperation were presented. Dr. Andreas K. L. Ugland, Undersecretary Elena H. Bautista of the Department of Transportation and Communications, Chairman of the Filipino Shipowners’ Association, Mr. Carlos C. Salinas, Deputy Managing Director of the Norwegian Shipowners’ Association, Mr. Jørgen Vatne, and Managing Director of the Norwegian Maritime Officers’ Association, Capt. Hans Sande, all contributed to a comprehensive assessment of the many aspects of the maritime industry. The Norwegian Embassy’s First Secretary, Ms. Siri Maria Midré, gave a speech focusing on the broader relations between Norway and the Philippines
The Conference was attended by some 150 participants, who also enjoyed a concluding celebratory dinner party.