Press release |Date: 29/05/2026|Office of the Prime Minister,Ministry of Foreign Affairs,Ministry of Trade, Industry and Fisheries

Overall responsibility for trade policy is now being consolidated in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The King in Council has today decided to transfer responsibility for bilateral trade agreements and EFTA negotiations with third countries from the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Fisheries to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. At the same time, the Minister of Trade and Industry's responsibility for business promotion is to be strengthened and more clearly defined.

'The geopolitical situation has become increasingly unstable and unpredictable and is having a greater impact on trade policy than it has for a long time. It makes sense to consolidate overall responsibility for trade policy and trade law expertise in one place, rather than dividing it between two ministries as is currently the case. In recent years, Norway has successfully concluded an unprecedented number of trade agreements, with, among others, India and the Mercosur countries Brazil and Argentina. This has opened up major new markets for Norwegian companies,’ said Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre.

As a result of these changes, experts in trade law and trade negotiations currently working at the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Fisheries will be transferred to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

'Trade policy, foreign policy and security policy have become more and more closely intertwined. Consolidating this expertise will improve the management and use of the ministries’ combined knowledge and resources. This will enhance our ability to safeguard Norwegian interests in both bilateral and multilateral trade relations,’ said Minister of Foreign Affairs Espen Barth Eide.

At the same time, the Minister of Trade and Industry's responsibility for business promotion is to be strengthened and more clearly defined. This will include a greater role in setting the strategic priorities for Norway’s diplomatic and consular missions. In addition, responsibility for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ grant scheme for business promotion will be transferred to the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Fisheries.

In the revised national budget, the Government has also proposed that the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Fisheries should be given responsibility for the Norwegian Energy Partners (NORWEP) foundation.

‘In the time ahead, we must adapt, strengthen our competitiveness and reduce vulnerabilities. This is essential to ensure both current and future value creation. In recent years, we have established a number of important industrial partnerships, for example with France and Germany. We will intensify our efforts to promote Norwegian business and industry in both new and traditional markets, and to facilitate an increase in Norwegian exports,’ said Minister of Trade and Industry Cecilie Myrseth.

The changes enter into force on 1 June 2026.