Panaji : Goa strengthened its international engagement as a high-level delegation from Norway visited the state for a roundtable hosted by the Department of Information Technology, Electronics & Communications (DITE&C), in collaboration with the Department of Tourism. The discussions focused on collaboration in technology, tourism, skilling, and the creative economy.
The discussions were brought together in the presence of Hon’ble Minister for Information Technology, Electronics and Communications and Tourism, Shri Rohan A. Khaunte; Kabir Shirgaonkar, Director, DITE&C; Dr. Milind Sakhardande, Joint Director, DITE&C; Dr. Gavin Dias, General Manager Marketing, GTDC; Shri. D S Prashant, CEO of Startup and IT Promotion Cell alongside Mr. Caleb Fernandez and Mr. Judah Ben Fernandez from Kilowatt representing Goa. The Norwegian delegation included Trond Skundberg, General Manager of NICCI; Christian H. Engh, CEO of the Norwegian Cybersecurity Cluster; Monica Skjellen-Larsen, Advisor, Gjøvikregionen Utvikling; Bjørn Aspøy, CEO of Smart Farm AS; Sheraline Rocha, Head of Strategic Partnerships, Nordic Intent; Aditya Prabhugaonkar, Head of Sales Operations, Kilowott; Yeshtesh Shirodkar, Business Development Lead, Consstruct; and Prabha, Director, NICCI.
Addressing the delegation, Hon’ble Minister Shri Rohan A. Khaunte, highlighted how Goa’s development model increasingly brings together technology, creativity and sustainable tourism. He noted, “Goa is building an ecosystem where innovation, creativity and quality of life come together. Our initiatives from the Electronic Manufacturing Cluster to AI skilling programmes and a strong startup policy, create a platform for global partnerships. At the same time, we are reshaping tourism through technology integration, immersive experiences and sustainable practices. We are open to exploring collaboration in all these areas.”
He added that Goa has a strong and growing talent pool, which strengthens its ability to work with global partners. The Minister stressed that Goans must be the primary beneficiaries of new partnerships through employment, opportunities and growth, adding that Goa and Norway have several areas where they can work together on innovation, technology and tourism.
Christian H. Engh, CEO of the Norwegian Cybersecurity Cluster, outlined why Norway views Goa as a strategic partner for future collaboration. He explained that Norway, one of the world’s most digitised nations with strong capabilities in renewable energy, electric mobility and advanced technology, is now looking toward India, and Goa in particular, to address global talent requirements and co-develop scalable solutions. Engh noted that Goa’s growing focus on sustainability, clean mobility and climate-conscious tourism aligns closely with Norway’s priorities. He also highlighted that aquaculture technology, a major Norwegian strength, presents another promising area for joint projects between Goa and Norway.
Providing the State’s perspective, Shri D. S. Prashant, CEO of the Startup & IT Promotion Cell, presented an overview of Goa’s IT and startup ecosystem, emphasising the State’s proactive governance, strong policy framework and rapidly evolving creative-tech landscape. His presentation centred on how Goa and Norway could collaborate across creative-tech, design-led innovation, talent development and future-ready infrastructure.
This was followed by a detailed briefing from the Department of Tourism, delivered by Dr. Gavin Dias, GM (Marketing), GTDC, who presented Goa’s tourism strategy and the State’s growing focus on sustainable and climate-resilient tourism. He highlighted Goa’s heritage, biodiversity, culture and culinary richness and illustrated how wellness, Ayurveda and medical tourism are emerging opportunity areas. The presentation also outlined investment prospects in hospitality accommodation, experiential tourism, charter flight operations, new adventure tourism services and research collaborations.
During the interaction, the Norwegian delegation outlined several practical avenues for collaboration. These included partnerships with universities, academic institutions and incubators; talent exchange programmes between Goa and Norway; and engagement with research organisations. The delegates also discussed introducing international certification programmes for divers, expanding awareness around Norwegian business platforms, and strengthening the NICCI network in India. With Norway’s global expertise in aquaculture, marine technology and clean energy, the delegation expressed interest in exploring how these strengths could align with emerging opportunities in Goa.
As Goa expands its creative, technology, skilling and sustainability frameworks, the interaction with the Norwegian delegation highlighted the State’s readiness for global collaboration and the growing interest from international stakeholders in Goa’s future direction.
