The meeting was the first in a series of meetings which the City of Kristiansand and Business Region Kristiansand conduct with various industries each year.
“I am here to listen. What can the City of Kristiansand do for you? How can we assist you in succeeding in your business?” asked Jan Oddvar Skisland, Mayor of Kristiansand.
The supplier industry represents a substantial part of the total work force in the Agder region and is widely considered to be the most important industry in the region, with regards to employment, taxes and value creation.
“Oil and gas will be part of the energy mix for many, many years to come. Kristiansand is concerned with maintaining the workplaces and assist in any transition which may be required,” said Skisland.
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Executives from National Oilwell Varco, MHWirth, Cameron Sense, Air Products, Oceaneering Rotator and others were invited to the meeting. Several addressed the need for promoting the industry. Based on the climate debate, the image of oil and gas has been rapidly deteriorating in recent years.
“We should emphasize that oil and gas will be our core business for decades to come. We will also work for other industries, but oil and gas will be our main focus. It is important for all companies, but especially for companies with foreign owners, that politicians speak well of our industry, and strive to facilitate our companies,” said Tom Fidjeland, former CEO of Cameron Sense.
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He was backed up by Eirik Bergsvik, CEO of MHWirth: “We will keep on doing what we are doing for many, many years. We are of course also addressing global challenges. Every day our engineers are working on developing more sustainable products that will lower our customers’ carbon footprint. We need politicians who understand and appreciate our industry. I am glad to learn that the Mayor of Kristiansand will travel to the Offshore Technology Conference in Houston, which is an important arena for the companies in our region.”
When in Houston, the top political level has traditionally met with global top executives from National Oilwell and Cameron Sense, which have their world headquarters in Houston.
Said Anders Hodne from National Oilwell Varco Norway: “According to our CEO, Kristiansand is one of the better cities when it comes to supporting its industry. He is impressed by and values the relationship with city officials and the political leadership, people he has met on several occasions throughout the years.”
