After India-Norway pact, Nordic cos eye Goa as hub
The Times of India | 18 May 2025
After India-Norway pact, Nordic cos eye Goa as hub
The recently signed India-EFTA (European Free Trade Association) Free Trade Agreement between India and Norway has prompted Nordic firms to explore Goa as a potential hub. With
expansion plans in hand, two firms—Visual Registration System (VRS) and Odda
Digital System—initiated strategic talks with key industry stakeholders and
policymakers in Goa.The discussions included product demonstrations and
collaboration proposals with local teams across multiple sectors in the state.
These engagements were facilitated by Kilowott, a Porvorim-based IT company
with operations across three continents. Kilowott is spearheading a pilot ‘market
entry’ programme designed to help Norwegian firms explore and establish
business operations in India.
“The Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement (TEPA) between India and
EFTA has created a more favourable landscape for collaboration by removing
trade barriers, improving investment conditions, and enhancing workforce
mobility,” said Kilowott co-founder Judah Fernandez. “As a result, Norwegian
companies are actively looking at India as a strategic base for growth.”
As part of the programme, Kilowott arranged targeted demo sessions with
prominent Goan companies, including Joecons Marine Exports, Models Group
Goa, John Distilleries, Pai Kane Group, Goldy Finepacks and Aviza Technologies.
The VRS and Odda Digital teams were able to showcase their solutions,
understand operational challenges, and explore customised offerings tailored for
the Indian market.
The discussions about Goa being a potential hub began at an event organised by
the Norway India Chamber of Commerce and Industry in collaboration with the
Indian embassy in Norway. The aim of the meeting was to explore avenues for
deepening bilateral economic ties.
If successful, the bilateral engagements will unlock mutual growth for Norwegian
companies and Goan entrepreneurs. Fernandez said that Norwegian companies
will gain access to India’s fast-growing market, while Indian businesses will
benefit from Nordic technology, knowledge sharing and strong partnerships.
These collaborations also help drive innovation, generate employment and
increase revenue opportunities for both economies
