South Africa's multibillion-rand maritime sector will be the focus of a week-long event starting on Monday, 31 October, at which the country and Norway will be exploring new business opportunities in the blue economy.

The Scandinavian country has a wealth of experience in the oceans economy and is a globally respected expert on marine and maritime matters.

The two countries are hosting the first South Africa-Norway Science Week, to discuss opportunities for cooperation in education, research and new business development.

Relations between the two countries date back to the 1990s and since 2002 bilateral research programmes have provided support for 86 projects, of which 19 are still active.

The event is driven by the Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Innovation Norway, the Research Council of Norway, and the Norwegian Centre for International Cooperation in Education.

South Africa's Department of Science and Technology is co-hosting the event, supported by the National Research Foundation, the South Africa Maritime Safety Authority and the South African International Maritime Institute.

Discussions will include an overview of and strategic context for the blue economy, Operation Phakisa and how the Norwegians could help to advance this sector of the economy.

There will also be a focus on global success stories and new funding opportunities for entrepreneurs, innovators and researchers, with presentations and displays by Norwegian companies offering products and providing services in South Africa.

New start-up companies, researchers and students from both countries will present their ideas, projects and/or results.

The Minister of Science and Technology, Ms Naledi Pandor, and the Norwegian Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ms Tone Skogen, will attend the opening, as will officials from the Department of Environmental Affairs and the Acting CEO of the South African Maritime Safety Authority, Mr Sobantu Tilayi.

The media are invited to the opening of the event

Date: Monday, 31 October
Venue: The Innovation Hub, Pretoria
Time: 08:30 – 16:00

The event will continue in Cape Town from 1 to 4 November.