Singapore Welcomes Norway

Singapore proffered Friday its services to be a trading center for Norway's oil and gas exports to North Asia, as both nations used a visit by Norway's King Harald to develop stronger commercial ties.

Singaporean Trade and Industry Minister said his country was a trading hub for about $200 billion worth of oil in 2003, and would be an ideal location for Norwegian oil destined for North Asia.

"Do consider Singapore as an extension of Norway in Asia," he stated. "Singapore offers an excellent location to supply energy resources to major Asian customers like China and Japan, two of the biggest consumers of petroleum products?.