Center Party: Norway shouldn’t lose control over its natural resources
The Center Party (SP) fears that the sale of Norwegian resources to foreign actors could give other countries political and economic influence in Norway.
“We believe that local national ownership of Norwegian natural resources is important because if we sell these (resources) abroad, we will lose control over them for all time to come,” SP’s Emilie Enger Mehl said on Thursday morning.
“If the Chinese, for example, buy more forest properties, it can give them control over decision-making processes in Norway and political influence, as well as economic muscles that can help them pressure Norway in the future. That is why we think it is important to ensure Norwegian ownership,” she added.
A new threat assessment from the Norwegian Police Security Service
(PST) shows that acquisitions and purchases of Norwegian companies and properties can constitute a national security risk.
Minister of Defense Frank Bakke-Jensen (H) believes that the Security Act, which has been active since 2018, addresses the issue.
“There may be good reasons why we bring in foreign owners. We can gain access to markets and technology that can help Norwegian companies and jobs,” Frank Bakke-Jensen (H) noted.
Source: © NTB Scanpix / #Norway Today / #NorwayTodayNews
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