Different seafood products will be at the center spotlight for the 54 sqm exhibition, showcasing the best quality seafood from Norway for 4 days, starting July 31 to August 3, 2024, located at Booth 2247, second floor of the SMX Convention Center in Mall of Asia.

The Norwegian Seafood Council reported a steady volume demand for fresh salmonids from the Philippines according to the May 2024 data from the Seafood Council office in Bangkok. The Philippines posted a market growth of +169%, second largest in the ASEAN region in a yearly average growth by market rate from 2020-2023.

The data also shows an average 24% growth of Norwegian Seafood exports to the region per year. There is a steady growth for salmon in the region with a 90% value increase in Norwegian seafood export in Southeast Asia from 2020 to 2023.  

Some other markets in the report include Malaysia 83%, Thailand +103%, Vietnam +113% and Indonesia +30%.

“There is much potential for Norwegian salmon and other high quality Norwegian seafood in the Philippines. We continue to engage and explore market opportunities in the country and tap areas for demand for not only high quality, but also sustainable seafood,” said Norwegian Ambassador to the Philippines Christian Halaas Lyster.

Norway is one of the leading players in the fisheries industry. Norway ranks as the second largest seafood exporter in the world. The Norwegian fish produce is grown in perfect conditions combined with Norway’s expertise in an aquaculture. Norway implements strict guidelines, close monitoring, and sustained commitment to development of seafood including investment for fish farmers and R&D.

Seafood from Norway upholds only for quality of seafood catch, with sustainable practices on its backdrop for every catch. This is also one of the known reasons why Norwegian Seafood is often regarded as the best in the world.

The growing consumer market also moves toward the healthy, high protein and on-the-go food segment which puts nutrition dense food such as the salmon in front and centre. Salmon is a very lean source of protein, abundant in omega-3 fatty acids, vitamins and minerals.

The Norwegian Seafood Pavilion is organized by the Norwegian Embassy in Manila, supported by the Norwegian Seafood Council.

For more information and recipes please visit www.fromnorway.com.

The celebration of the 75 years of bilateral relations between Norway and Philippines is just beginning, and it is apparent that the best is yet to come.

Just recently, Norwegian Ambassador to the Philippines His Excellency Christian Halaas Lyster organized an intimate event with the media dubbed as “North of the Ordinary – A Norway-Philippines Lifestyle Event” at his Makati residence to showcase not just about the rich Norwegian culture but also the wonderful intersection of their with the Philippines.

Guests were given a tour beyond gastronomic experience with Ambassador Lyster shared Norwegian designs, this gathering seamlessly wove together the values rooted in both Norway and the Philippines: home, simplicity, and kos, a concept that encapsulates the cozy warmth of life’s simple pleasures with representatives from the media.

Kos: Where Warmth Meets Simplicity In Norwegian culture

Kos is a cherished concept, much like a warm cup of coffee on a chilly morning or the comfort of staying cozy during a rainy day. This theme was beautifully embodied in the event, where every detail, from the venue’s interior design to the warm smiles of the attendees exuded kos.

The interior design of the residence all the way from Norway was a testament to minimalism — from chairs, and tables, to walls — emphasizing clean lines, natural materials, and an atmosphere that beckoned guests to relax and enjoy the moment. One of the highlights of the evening was the opportunity to meet and engage with Ambassador Lyster.

In the intimate setting of the ambassador’s residence, attendees had a unique chance to delve into the historical and contemporary aspects of the relationship between these two nations.

“Everything you see here [in my residence] is Norwegian. The tables, the chairs, the sofas, the carpets, the paintings, the lamps, the curtains, even the wallpaper… originally it’s from Norway. Why is this important? Because there’s so much more coming out in Norway than renewable energy, shipping, and seafood. We also have an innovative cuisine, a vibrant environment for arts and culture, and cutting-edge design,” said Ambassador Lyster.

Moreover, it has been shared that Norwegian premium paint brand Jotun will be expanding in the Philippines located in three respective cities of Cebu, Ortigas, and Makati, as shared by General Manager Rohan Shetty.

Indeed, Kos is being represented in the shared values, experiences, and the beauty of life’s simpler pleasures of structural designs to the people.

Culinary Brilliance

The culinary aspect of the event was a true fusion of cultures. Chef Dominic Vergara, who has Michelin-starred experience and owns Kain-Neo Filipino Bistro in Oslo, took guests on a gastronomic journey. His creations, inspired by Filipino and Norwegian flavors for Salmon Kinilaw, Trout Ginataan, and Palabok Negra dishes, left taste buds tingling with delight.

Sharing a feast on the #SeafoodfromNorway, other Norwegian foods were served ranging from Norweigan salmon station and tiger prawns, baked cod with boiled potatoes and carrots in white sauce, traditional gingerbread and butter cookies, cinnamon buns, to traditional ribbe with fried apples.

And, I am not exaggerating on this one but – the Medisterkaker Meat Balls food was my personal favorite! It’s definitely a must-try. From mingling with esteemed guests with wine to savoring these finest delicacies, the event was nothing short of extraordinary.

Bridging Cultures with Harmony

HILLARI, a Norwegian-Filipino artist, is taking the music world by storm. At just 18 years old, she embarked on a dedicated musical journey in late 2021, and her extraordinary talent quickly gained industry recognition. In 2022, she graced 16 concerts in Norway and Canada, all before officially releasing her music, a testament to her remarkable stage presence.

HILLARI, Norwegian-Filipino artist provides enchanting entertainment during the event.

Her magnetic artistry has attracted major record labels worldwide, eager to collaborate with this young sensation who seamlessly combines her Norwegian and Filipino heritage into a harmonious fusion of sounds and stories. Her journey is an inspiring testament to the global reach of music talent and the power of bridging cultural boundaries through music. Through serenading the guests with Loyal and Fall Into Place songs, her dual heritage was not only reflected in her music but also in celebrating the connection she established with the audience.

Listen to HILLARI’s soulful tunes by following her on YouTube, Spotify, or Apple Music accounts.

Diplomacy and Design

As the event concluded, guests left with a profound sense of the rich cultural tapestry that has developed over 75 years of diplomatic ties.

My posterity photo with His Excellency Ambassador Christian Halaas Lyster, a very good friend of THEPHILBIZNEWS

The “North of the Ordinary” successfully showcased the warmth of the bilateral relations, the fusion of culinary traditions, and the promise of a shared future with Norway and Philippine relations.

Indeed, these bonds between nations go beyond mere diplomacy; they encompass music, food, art, and the lasting impression of unity—showcasing Norway’s extraordinary culture in the country.

With the theme “Taking the Philippines Centrestage”, this year’s forum sought to provide a platform for sharing insights and exchanging meaningful discussions on how the Philippines can maximize its competitive advantage as an investment destination and bring the country’s economy to new heights. 

Attended by more than two hundred delegates physically and online, the forum featured messages and presentations from various speakers. 

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In the first panel discussion, speakers included H.E. Luc Véron, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary at Delegation of the European Union to the Philippines; Hon. Justice Lucas P. Bersamin, Executive Secretary to the Office of the President; Hon. Antonio Ernesto F. Lagdameo, Jr., Special Assistant to the President to the Office of the President; Secretary Alfredo Pascual, Department of Trade and Industry; Secretary Benjamin Diokno, Department of Finance; Ms. Amanda Murphy, Co-Regional Head of Commercial Banking at HSBC; and Mr. Anand Stanley, President and Head of Region at Airbus Asia-Pacific; and moderator EU-ABC Executive Director Mr. Chris Humphrey. 

Meanwhile, the second discussion featured Hon. Gerald Divinagracia, Deputy Director General for Operations at Anti-Red Tape Authority; Mr. Ruben Pascual, Secretary-General of the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry; Ms. Celeste Ilagan, Chief Policy And Regulatory Affairs Officer of the IT and Business Process Association of the Philippines; Dr. Danilo Lachica, President of the Semiconductor and Electronics Industries in the Philippines; Mr. Rodney Van Dooren, Director for Illicit Trade Prevention at Philip Morris Asia Limited; and moderator CNN Philippines Anchor Ms. Lois Calderon. 

Christina Stieber, Commercial Counsellor at the Austrian Embassy in Manila and Head at Advantage Austria served as the Master of Ceremonies of the event. 

The 2023 European-Philippine Business Dialogue is co-presented by HSBC Philippines and Airbus. The event is also supported by Event Partners I.T. & Business Process Association of the Philippines (IBPAP) and the Semiconductor and Electronics Industries in the Philippines Foundation, Inc. (SEIPI); Platinum Partner Philip Morris International; Gold Partners Prime Infra and Alaska Milk Corporation; Silver Partners Grab, SGV and Co.,

Roche Inc., Royal Cargo Inc., and Nestlé; Event Supporters Advantage Austria, Dutch Chamber of Commerce in the Philippines, CCI France Philippines, Spanish Chamber of Commerce in the Philippines, and Swiss Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines; and Beverage Partner Le Cellier. 

This year marks the 10th run of the European-Philippine Business Dialogue. Launched in 2014, this event brings together industry experts, government leaders, and relevant stakeholders to celebrate and strengthen the European-Philippine economic ties. 

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