Joining efforts to strengthen health- and social practices- is it possible?

Both BNCC and NBCC members are actively engaged in social projects in Brazil – like “Dream, Learn,Work” and “Minha Casa, Minha Vida”. Taking responsibility for social improvement is highlighted in the official Norwegian strategy for Brazil and it is expected that Norwegian companies operating in Brazil involve themselves in such programs.

Over the past three years, Østfold University College has been developing cooperation with Brazilian institutions, mainly related to the area of health- and social studies.

The collaboration, which involves student exchange and action oriented research, is now entering a process where disciplines such as engineering and pedagogic/education are included in the concept of health and social studies. At the same time it is acknowledge that the businesses sector is an influential contributor and facilitator for social change in Brazil. Recognizing the relevance of the business sector, the seminar will address the link between the knowledge of the academic field and the involvement of enterprises in social responsibility

More information about this seminar can be found at:

http://www.hiof.no/nor/avdeling-for-helse_-og-sosialfag/internasjonalisering-hs/seminar-norge_brasil

On May 8^th members of Shippingklubben and BNCC enjoyed luncheon while listening to the President of BNCC speaking on the subject of political and economic developments in Brazil and impact on Norwegian maritime industries.

Following a general overview of present economic and political situation in Brazil, Mr. Staalstrøm, focused on Brazil’s plans for development of ports, shipyards and national fleet. Challenges and conditions for foreign shipping companies and maritime suppliers operating in Brazil were discussed and comments from the audience showed both enthusiasm and concern for the possibilities Norwegian companies saw in today’s business environment.

The presentation can be found by clicking on:

Shippingklubben foredrag 08052012

On the occasion of the AGM of BNCC, a joint open meeting was arranged by
BNCC, the Brazilian Embassy in Oslo and UiO/SUM

to hear a presentation by Minister Counselor Paulo Guimaraes of his
diplomatic thesis:

” Brasil – Noruega. Construção de parcerias em áreas de importância
estratégica”

or

“Brasil – Norge .  For et samarbeid innen områder av startegisk betydning”

The presentation was followed by comments from Deputy Minister Rikke Lind
from Ministry of Trade and Industry, NUPI by Benjamin de Carvalho and from
Torkjell Leira.

Rikke Lind took the opportunity to thank BNCC for their contribution to the
development of Norway’s Brazil Strategy and gave an update of the ongoing
implementation process. Norway has started a dialogue with Brazil both on a
Bilateral Economic Commission  and a Bilateral Maritime Agreement. A Trade
Agreement is also desirable, but would probably be more realistic in a
Mercosur/EFTA scenario, than bilateral.

A Norwegian unofficial translation of the diplomatic thesis of Paulo
Guimaraes is found at :

ISTOÉ – Independente

“ISTOÉ” is a Brazilian weekly magazine  focused on the areas of business, economics and technology. The magazine is published in São Paulo and is distributed all over Brazil with a total readership of more than 1 million weekly. (http://www.istoe.com.br/capa).

The latest edition, on sale from March 28^th , has a 10 page report on Norwegian business in Brazil. Through editorials and advertisements Norwegian companies with operations in Brazil are presented. The report is the result of a project launched last autumn by Brazil Business reports Ltd, who spent months interviewing Norwegian business leaders.

The report  is attached both in Portuguese, as published, and in an English version.

 ISTOÉ Norway Report – English

ISTOÉ Norway Report – Portuguese

The 2012 Annual General Meeting of BNCC was held at Shippingklubben in Oslo on March 28^th.  Of 102 registered members at the date of the AGM, 20 members were present or represented by proxy.

The AGM approved the 2011 Annual Report (attached below), the 2011 accounts and budget for 2012.

In addition to 3 Board members being re-elected, BNCC welcomed 3 new Board Members representing DNB, HYDRO and Innovation Norway. With their experiences Karen Kosberg, Tor-Ove Horstad and Jon Hanssen will strengthen the Board and ensure the continued growth of BNCC.

The minutes of the AGM are found below.

General Meeting 2012 minutes

Annual Report 2011