The Norwegian business sector and Norwegian firms are very interested in developments in the U.S. market, as well as prospects for potential cooperation.
Their schedule was a busy one that covered a range of industries. The group had the opportunity to tour the Royal Caribbean's "Icon of the Seas," a newly built cruise ship. The cruise industry is one of the areas in which Americans and Norwegians cooperate in Florida. Andreas Aasen, who is Executive Vice President at the Royal Caribbean Group and President of the Norwegian-American Chamber of Commerce in Florida, showed the group around the ship. Later on in the visit, the delegation toured the Carnival Cruise Line Operations Center.
The group also got to see the Miami Dade College AI Center and the University of Miami XR Initiative. Technology and AI is another area of collaboration for Norway and the U.S., particularly as the industry develops at breakneck speed!
Toward the end of their time in Florida, the delegation paid a visit to the Norwegian Seamen's Church – an independent volunteer organization that connects Norwegians living overseas, as well as facilitating meetings between Norwegians and people from all over the world. In addition to working with the foreign service, they support companies, academic institutions, and private citizens in times of need. While there, the Committee met with representatives of Norwegian-American Chamber of Commerce member companies.
On their last day, the delegation toured the cargo operations at Port Miami and met with Mayor Francis Suarez before heading back home. A productive and meaningful time was had by all!