The Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs gave a presentation of the Norwegian government’s White Paper on CSR: Corporate Social Responsibility in a global economy which seeks to engage Norwegian Companies more actively in CSR. The background is the expanding engagement of Norwegian businesses in ever new areas in the global market, and the recognition that active co-operation with business is essential in solving the challenges of our time such as the financial crisis, environmental meltdown and widespread poverty. It was pointed out that the white paper contained recommendations rather than regulations. In addition Arnfinn Jacobsen, Technical Advisor at IndoPacific Edelmann, presented examples of good practices from CSR projects in the region, whereas Trude Andersen, CSR Coordinator at Innovation Norway presented their CSR strategy.
The roundtable discussion which followed the presentations proved a good way to engage and obtain direct feedback from the business community in Singapore. The main focus of the discussion centered on how Norwegian companies can grow their business and improve their public image through the use of CSR.
One of the messages from the business community was that the White Paper on CSR has to be followed up by laws and regulations internationally in order to make companies take it seriously and to create a level playing field. Price is the deciding factor when competing for tenders in the region, and while there was a general recognition among the companies of the importance of CSR, the bottom line was still an important concern.
The roundtable also found that many companies in the shipping industry carry out considerable sustainable CSR activities which are close to the core competences and activities of the company, but that this is seldom communicated to the public. Most Norwegian shipowners carry out a number of activities that benefit their employees, their families and local communities. The roundtable pointed to the importance of raising awareness of what constitutes CSR activities with a view to the many such activities already being performed by Norwegian companies as part of their core business. The maritime industry was encouraged to compile a portfolio of sector relevant CSR examples.