The recently signed Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement (TEPA) between India and the EFTA countries, including Norway, is set to redefine economic and technological collaboration between the regions. By eliminating tariffs, reducing regulatory hurdles, improving investment climates, and enhancing workforce mobility, TEPA aims to create a seamless environment for trade and innovation across multiple sectors, with the IT industry poised to benefit significantly.
TEPA marks a strategic milestone in India’s efforts to deepen ties with advanced economies and foster technology-driven growth. For the Nordic region, particularly Norway, the agreement provides a critical platform to access India’s vast and rapidly expanding market, enabling companies to leverage new opportunities in IT, digital services, and related industries.
Responding swiftly to this favorable regulatory shift, Kilowott, a leading technology consulting and solutions firm, has launched pilot Market Entry Programmes tailored to support Norwegian companies in navigating the complex Indian business environment. Among the pioneering participants are Visual Registration System (VRS) and Odda Digital System, two innovative firms focusing on digital transformation solutions.
Kilowott orchestrated a series of high-level strategic engagements, connecting Norwegian representatives, including Eirik Bøen Gravdal and Torun Torblå from VRS, alongside Rune Torblå and Simone Alencar from Odda Digital System with influential Indian industry leaders. These included Danira Vaz, owner of Models Construction Pvt. Ltd.; Sridhar Pongur, COO of John Distilleries Ltd.; and Atul Pai Kane, Chairman and Managing Director of Power Engineering (India) Pvt Ltd. Further discussions involved key stakeholders from Goldy Finepacks, Aviza Technologies, and Joecons Marine Exports.
These engagements provided a platform for Norwegian companies to present their innovative products, gain critical market insights, and build valuable relationships that expedite their entry and growth in India. Visual Registration System has already established itself as a trusted solution provider within India’s dynamic tech ecosystem, underscoring the practical benefits of TEPA’s provisions.
“TEPA is a transformative agreement that removes long-standing barriers and fosters a conducive regulatory environment for Nordic companies,” said a Kilowott spokesperson. “Our Market Entry Programme helps companies like VRS and Odda Digital System capitalize on this momentum by delivering tailored support that accelerates market penetration and sustainable partnership building.”
Experts emphasize that beyond tariff reductions, TEPA’s focus on enhancing workforce mobility and simplifying investment processes is crucial for the IT sector, which thrives on cross-border talent exchange and collaborative innovation. By enabling easier movement of professionals and reducing bureaucratic delays, TEPA paves the way for deeper integration of Nordic and Indian technology ecosystems.
The agreement also includes commitments to intellectual property protection, digital trade facilitation, and regulatory transparency, elements vital to high-tech industries and startups. These provisions align well with India’s ambitious digital transformation agenda and the Nordic region’s strength in sustainable and innovative technologies.
Looking ahead, Kilowott intends to expand its Market Entry Programmes to support a wider array of Nordic companies, including those in manufacturing, green energy, and life sciences, sectors that also stand to gain from TEPA’s comprehensive framework.
As India and Norway move forward with stronger economic and technological ties under TEPA, initiatives like Kilowott’s programmes are playing a critical role in bridging markets, fostering innovation, and creating sustainable growth opportunities. The agreement is more than a trade deal; it represents a strategic partnership that could redefine the future of bilateral cooperation in technology, innovation, and economic development.
- The Times of India: https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/goa/after-fta-norwegian-tech-cos-consider-making-goa-hub/articleshow/121253223.cms
- Aiz Goa News: https://aizgoanews.com/57770/
- The Goan: https://www.thegoan.net/goa-news/norwegian-tech-firms-eye-goa-as-strategic-base-after-indiaefta-trade-pact/130615.html#google_vignette
