Position Papers
AmCham’s various industry-specific working groups – comprised of the directors of the leading international companies in each respective sector, contributes to a wide range of policy discussions via AmCham position papers, which provide policymakers and relevant stakeholders with genuine industry information and insight.
Advocacy Initiatives - Norway
Selected
AmCham’s input for the follow-up of the National Action Plan for Clinical Studies 2021-2025
AmCham submitted comments to the follow-up on the National Action Plan for Clinical Studies 2021-2025. This follow-up aligns with AmCham’s commitment to advancing clinical study infrastructure and multinational healthcare investments in Norway. The action plan’s objectives reflect both public ambition and the critical role of private sector engagement to strengthen Norway’s position in clinical research. Our submission focused on the value of clinical studies, innovation, and the importance of effective support mechanisms.
AmCham’s Response to the consultation on regulatory guidelines on extended producer responsibility for certain single-use plastic products
AmCham submitted comments on the Environmental Directorate’s proposed regulatory changes to the Waste Regulations, focusing on extended producer responsibility for certain single-use plastic products. This proposal aligns with EU Directive 2019/904 on reducing environmental impacts of plastic products and aims to prevent pollution, reduce microplastic spread, and support a circular economy. Our submission focused on predictability, cost-effective measures, and public-private cooperation.
AmCham Response to consultation on Principles for Priority Setting in Health Care
AmCham submitted comments to the consultation on three expert group reports and suggestions for the upcoming White Paper on Principles for Priority Setting in Health Care.
AmCham's Comments on Representantforslag 8:108 S (2021-2022)
AmCham submitted comments to Venstre Representantforslag 8:108 S (2021-2022) on Strengthening Investment in the Norwegian Healthcare Industry. This motion is directly in line with AmCham’s Healthcare Report on fulfilling potential in Multinational Healthcare Investment. It touches upon the important support for industry growth already indicated by the government, and accurately and succinctly represents accompanying private industry support of these goals through each of its recommendations.
AmCham Response to Tendering in Publicly Financed Medicines (Blåreseptordning)
AmCham responded to the Hearing on Tendering in Publicly Financed Medicines, arguing against the introduction of a tendering pilot program. We encourage the Norwegian government to carry out a thorough assessment prior to the program’s implementation. This is necessary given the foundational regulations changes the program demands, as well as the broad impact of this program both domestically and within the international ecosystem.
Letter to Ministry of Justice Regarding Travel Restrictions
AmCham urged the Ministry of Justice to acknowledge US CDC vaccination cards as valid verification of vaccination status, as well as to open the borders to US travellers. The US represents Norway’s third largest trading partner outside of the EU and their access to the Norwegian market is crucial to upholding this.
Letter Regarding US Wine Deliveries
In support of our wine importer members we submitted a letter to Vinmonopolet requesting they not exclude American wines from their shelves that are experiencing delayed delivery due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
AmCham Response to KrF Document 8 Proposition 40 on the Evaluation of New Methods
AmCham fully supports KrF Document 8:40s (2021-2022) for the return of the Evaluation of the Decision Forum for New Methods to Parliament. There is a clear connection between national access policy and current political goals of facilitating innovation and growth, attracting foreign investment, building up national pharmaceutical stocks and production, and increasing the number of clinical trials taking place in Norway.
Response to Proba’s Evaluation of New Methods Reference Group
AmCham submitted a letter to Proba in reference to their recently published reference group in their evaluation of New Methods, advocating for broader representation for the private industry and trade.
AmCham Position Paper: Technology Industry
The recent pace of digitalization has led to drastic growth within the technology industry, and thereby a desire to restructure the international frameworks within which the industry operates. AmCham Norway presents this Position Paper on the Technology Industry in support of further strengthening the digital ecosystem of Norway and encouraging increased value creation across sectors.
A Call for Stable and Predictable Conditions: VAT Compensation for International Schools
International schools play an important role in attracting talent to Norway from abroad and supporting industries with common international employments domestically. In October 2020, AmCham Norway advocated for the development of sustainable economic framework conditions for international school, including the legal right to receive VAT compensation.
Høring: Åpenhet om legemiddelpriser, åpenhet i legemiddelhonorarer og åpenhet om enhetspriser på legemidlere
AmCham appeared before a parliamentary hearing examining the confidentiality of pharmaceutical discount pricing, arguing that, “AmCham sees no particular reason why there should be a difference in the public procurement of pharmaceuticals as compared to procurements within other sectors – or the health sector in general.”
Hearing: Unit Prices on Pharmaceuticals
AmCham participated in the hearing process for new routines connected to the treatment of unit prices on pharmaceuticals.
Sugar Tax: Appeal to halt imbalanced tax implementation pending essential consequence analysis
AmCham sent letters to the Minister of Finance, Siv Jensen; Minister of Trade and Industry, Monica Mæland; Minister of Health and Care Services, Bent Høie; and the standing committee on Business and Industry.
AmCham expressed its concern about the dramatic tax increase proposed for non-alcoholic beverages, chocolates and some confectionery products and appealing for them to halt the imbalanced Product Tax implementation.
Hearing: Privacy Shield
Managing Director Jason Turflinger wrote to Minister of Justice & Public Security Anders Anundsen on EU-US negotiations over Privacy Shield, encouraging him to support the rapid adoption of the Shield to promote business and protect consumers.
Advocacy Initiatives - United States
Selected
AmCham's Comments to Senators and Members of congress Regarding the Proposed Budget Cuts to the US Department of Commerce and Department of State
Managing Director Jason Turflinger wrote to Senator Bernie Sanders, the ranking member on the US Senate Committee on The Budget, to express AmCham’s concerns about proposed budget cuts for the Department of Commerce and Department of State.
Advocacy Initiatives - European Union
Selected
EDPB Recommendations Letter
AmCham sent a letter on behalf of member companies requesting clearer language surrounding Datatilsynet’s evaluation of the legality of the use of Cloud Services.
Response to the EDPB's Recommendations Relating to Data Transfer Protection
Letter to the European Commission: European Intellectual Property (IP) Incentives Review
In concert with AmCham EU and several other European AmCham’s, AmCham Norway wrote to the European Commission to express their concerns regarding the European intellectual property (IP) incentives review.