Includes how major projects are financed and gives examples where relevant. Explains activities of the multilateral development banks in and other aid-funded projects where procurement is open to U.S. bidders.
Last Published: 7/22/2019
In principle, all kinds of financing are available to foreign investors.  Overdrafts and mortgages are available from banks, which will also assist in the issuance of such financial instruments as discount bonds, convertible bonds, etc.

Financial lease arrangements are supplied by leasing companies.  If a leased asset is financed from foreign funding, a license is required from the Bank of Norway.  If the lessee is foreign and the agreement is of a financial character (financial leasing), a license is required.  No license is required if the leasing agreement can be said to be operational.

Venture capital and merchant banking are not highly developed in all sectors, but do exist.  Venture capital is particularly focused on the energy sector, renewable technology and to some degree within healthcare technology.  The Norwegian Venture Capital & Private Equity Association (NVCA) is an independent, non–profit association supporting the interests of companies and persons who are active in the Norwegian private equity industry.

For more information on the Norwegian Venture Capital & Private Equity Association: http://www.nvca.no/
Under relatively strict conditions it is possible to obtain fresh capital at the stock exchange. The Oslo Stock Exchange (Oslo Bors) offers the only regulated markets for securities trading in Norway today. 
For more information on the Oslo Stock Exchange: http://www.oslobors.no/ob_eng/

Export financing
Export Credit Norway extends loans to large and small companies in Norway and abroad for purchases of capital goods and services from Norwegian exporters.  Export Credit Norway is a limited liability company wholly owned by the Norwegian government.  Export Credit Norway finances export contracts ranging in value from a few million to several billion Norwegian kroner, across sectors and worldwide.  The company´s loans comply with the OECD framework on officially supported export credits.

For more information on Export Credit Norway: http://www.eksportkreditt.no/en-GB/
The Guarantee Institute for Export Credits (GIEK) is the central governmental agency responsible for furnishing guarantees and insurance of export credits.  The primary function of the Institute is to promote export of Norwegian goods and services and Norwegian investment abroad.  GIEK underwrites exports to over 150 countries of all types of goods and services ranging from fruit and berries, to ships, to consultancy services.  The guarantees may encompass a single transaction or a series of transactions and cover not only commercial risk, i.e. bankruptcy on the part of the debtor or non-payment for other reasons, but also political risk, i.e. war, expropriation and actions by the public authorities that prevent payment.
For more information on GIEK: https://giek.no/?lang=en_GB
Tel: 001 (47) 22 87 62 00

Norway offers no significant financing programs for either domestic or foreign investors.  One exception is investments in northern Norway, where a reduced payroll tax and other incentives apply.  There are no free-trade zones, although taxes are minimal on Svalbard.  A state industry and regional development fund provides support (e.g., investment grants and financial assistance) for industrial development in areas with special employment difficulties or with low levels of economic activity.
 
Prepared by our U.S. Embassies abroad. With its network of 108 offices across the United States and in more than 75 countries, the U.S. Commercial Service of the U.S. Department of Commerce utilizes its global presence and international marketing expertise to help U.S. companies sell their products and services worldwide. Locate the U.S. Commercial Service trade specialist in the U.S. nearest you by visiting http://export.gov/usoffices.


More Information

Norway Market Access Project Financing