RIYADH: Norwegian salmon sales to the Kingdom have risen to $27 million this year, a 50 percent increase from the previous year, the country’s ambassador to Saudi Arabia has said.
Oyvind Stokke said that Norway’s salmon producers had sold 3.33 tons of salmon to Saudi Arabia in 2019, up from 2.3 tons last year.
“The increase in value has an even greater effect, from $18 million in 2018 to $27 million so far in 2019. Now, the sales of other seafood products like mackerel, are increasing in Saudi Arabia and I am very happy to see this development,” the ambassador told Arab News.
Worldwide seafood exports were an important part of Norway’s blue economy and the country was also contributing to a positive trend of healthier lunches and dinners among Saudis, he added.
“There is a shift going on in people’s food and eating habits. In that respect I look forward to receiving two Norwegian business delegations in the coming weeks.”
The 38th International Agriculture, Aquaculture and Agro-Industry Show in Riyadh, which is being held from Oct. 21 to Oct. 24, is hosting Skretting, Smart Farm, Green Cap, Innovation Norway and other firms, the ambassador said.
Visitors to the Saudi Horeca Exhibition in Riyadh, which is being held from Nov. 26 to 28, can get to know brands and organizations such as Norsk Sjømat, Salmar, Sekkingstad, Ocean Quality, Coast Seafood, Hofseth International, Kulinarisk Akademi, Coldwater Prawns of Norway and the Norwegian Seafood Council.
“Our aim is to show Saudis how to prepare and cook seafood in new ways,” Stokke said. But while the seafood export sector is booming, the tourism industry has yet to take flight.
There were a small number of Saudi visitors to Norway compared to other European destinations, but that number was steadily increasing, the envoy said.
“So far this year, 40 percent more Schengen visas to Norway have been issued. I welcome all Saudis to Norway, tourists, businesspersons, students or researchers.”
He said that while Norway may seem far away and that its climate could be a challenge, its environment was pure, clean, fresh and healthy.
“Some Norwegian travel agencies and (representatives from) destinations will visit the Kingdom in the coming months to meet with representatives of the outbound Saudi tourism sector,” he said, adding that this cooperation would draw attention to new attractions and hidden gems awaiting Saudi travelers.
Norwegian fish flying onto Saudi tables
Norwegian fish flying onto Saudi tables
- Ambassador Oyvind Stokke: Worldwide seafood exports were an important part of Norway’s blue economy and the country was also contributing to a positive trend of healthier lunches and dinners among Saudis