KUALA LUMPUR, March 8 (Bernama) -- Malaysia and Norway are discussing the possibility of having a joint declaration for a free trade agreement (FTA) between both countries, Norwegian Minister of Trade and Industry, Trond Giske, said on Monday. "We are discussing the possibility. There are still small details to be resolved with Malaysia and after that we are ready to start the FTA talks, he told Malaysian journalists here.

Giske is a member of the delegation accompanying Crown Prince Haakon Magnus and Crown Princess Mette-Marit on a three-day official visit to Malaysia.

The Norwegian minister said he had meet Deputy International Trade and Industry Minister, Datuk Mukhriz Tun Mahathir, to discuss the matter.

"I look forward to it because in countries where we have established the FTAs, both exports and imports increase drastically," he said.

He said last year, Malaysian imports from Norway were worth RM600 million, while Malaysian exports to Norway were valued at RM1.2 billion.

"We hope to have the joint declaration soon and we are positive on the FTA talks and hope to increase bilateral trade with the establishment of the FTA," he said.

The royal couple was accompanied by 45-member delegation which included Deputy Foreign Minister Erik Lahnstein, Deputy Fisheries and Coastal Affairs Minister Vidar Ulriksen and Deputy Petroleum and Energy Minister Robin Martin Kass.

Some 140 leaders from about 90 companies also joined the largest-ever business delegation, which seeks to establish joint-ventures and do business in the country.

Prince Haakon said Norway looked forward to expand relationships between both countries in the areas of oil and gas, telecommunications, construction, seafood as well as paint industry.

"We bring many delegations here. We believe that there are many areas that can be further deepened in terms of cooperation and relationship from various sectors," he said.

The royal couple, which arrived yesterday, was greeted by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak and his wife, Datin Seri Rosmah Mansor this morning at Dataran Perdana in Putrajaya.

-- BERNAMA