Addressing the Tamil Nadu–European Free Trade Association (EFTA) Business Summit 2025 in Chennai, organised by the Southern India Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SICCI), T R B Rajaa, Industrial Minister, Tamil Nadu, said the state’s priority is to move beyond being a manufacturing hub and become the quality capital of the world. He noted that while Tamil Nadu had once looked to Swiss precision as a benchmark, the time has come to create homegrown excellence through collaboration with EFTA countries. He also called for a time-bound working group to ensure the partnership leads to measurable outcomes, he said.
Norway has emerged as a key partner in shipbuilding and the blue economy. Tamil Nadu has already signed MoUs worth Rs 30,000 crore with CSL and Mazgaon Docks for shipbuilding in Thoothukudi. Talks are underway with Norwegian firms such as DNV GL, Anchor, with interest in marine and offshore projects. The state also plans to adopt Norway’s cage fishing technologies to benefit its coastal communities and improve value addition in the seafood sector.
Tamil Nadu is exploring cooperation in renewable energy with Iceland. The state aims to learn from Iceland’s experience in achieving 100 per cent renewable energy and apply those lessons to address grid stability issues arising from high solar and wind penetration.
The government’s larger vision includes promoting Tamil Nadu as a Global Capability Centre (GCC) and R&D hub. The state already leads in patents, research talent and PhD scholars, including women researchers.
