The visit comprised part of a delegation visit from the EFTA Parliamentary Committee. Hansen and Gundersen raised the issue of Norwegian interests in the ongoing negotiations between the EU and the US on a comprehensive trade and investment agreement, the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (TTIP).

“Negotiations will have an impact on us through our close trade relations with the US and not least through the EEA Agreement. It is therefore important for us to follow this as closely as possible. This will give us a better understanding of what a final agreement might mean for Norway with regards to market access and regulatory changes,” said Svein Roald Hansen, head of the Parliamentary EFTA / EEA delegation.

Positive trade dialogue

“EFTA has already established a good dialogue on trade with the US authorities, in which the TTIP is central. Our visit to Washington DC provides this dialogue with an important parliamentary dimension,” said Gunnar Gundersen, deputy head of the delegation.

During the visit, Mr Hansen and Mr Gundersen and their EFTA colleagues met a number of members of Congress who were particularly engaged in the TTIP negotiations. They also took the opportunity to have meetings with the US Trade Representative and the US Chamber of Commerce.

Mr Gundersen also took part in a panel debate during a seminar organized by EFTA in cooperation with the European Institute think tank on the effect of the TTIP negotiations on third countries.

Not particularly well known in Washington

“EFTA and the EEA are not particularly well known in Washington. It is therefore important to say something about who we are, what negotiations may mean for us, and possibly how third countries may be involved. Finally, we intend to emphasize the importance of keeping a continued close dialogue with the US and the EU,” added Gunnar Gundersen.

“International trade agreements must be ratified by national parliaments. It is therefore crucial that we get involved as early as possible in the TTIP and other international trade processes,” concluded Svein Roald Hansen.