The Chamber opens it doors to Claudine Smith, President of the CCFN and Country Manager of BNP Paribas Norway.

As we close an exceptional year for the French-Norwegian Chamber of Commerce, we are delighted to feature an interview with Claudine Smith, President of the CCFN and Country Manager of BNP Paribas Norway.
Her long-standing commitment, strategic vision, and deep understanding of both business ecosystems have been instrumental in guiding the Chamber through a year marked by growth, agility, and renewed momentum.

Looking back at 2025, what are the key achievements and highlights of the French-Norwegian Chamber of Commerce that you are most proud of?

2025 has truly been an exceptional year for the CCFN.
We were honoured to be closely involved by the French Embassy in preparing the economic programme for the historic visit of President Emmanuel Macron to Norway. Contributing to such a landmark moment in the bilateral relationship was a privilege and a testament to the Chamber’s credibility and role as a trusted partner.

We also delivered a remarkable edition of the French-Norwegian Day, dedicated to The City of Tomorrow. The event was opened by Oslo’s Governing Mayor and brought together leading voices from both countries to discuss urban innovation, sustainability, and new business opportunities.

Beyond these flagship moments, we strengthened and expanded all our core activities — working groups, delegations, networking events, corporate services — and continued to grow our community across strategic sectors. It has been a year of strong engagement, visibility and impact for the Chamber.

As we move into 2026, how would you describe the Chamber’s mission and priorities, and what are your ambitions for strengthening French-Norwegian business cooperation in the year ahead?

Our ambition for 2026 is both clear and exciting. Under the leadership of our Director, Ludovic Caubet, and his dedicated team in France and Norway, we have built a forward-looking programme that explores new high-potential themes such as New Space, quantum technologies and nuclear energy — areas where collaboration between our two countries can accelerate innovation and industrial opportunities.

This agenda is developed in close cooperation with both Embassies, Team France Export and Team Norway, ensuring that we remain perfectly aligned with the new bilateral strategic partnership signed on 23 June by President Macron and Prime Minister Støre.

Our priority remains unchanged: to strengthen business cooperation, foster exchanges, support companies in both markets, and identify emerging topics where France and Norway can lead together.

Based on your experience, what advice would you give to French companies entering the Norwegian market — and to Norwegian companies considering expansion in France?

For French companies entering Norway, my advice is simple:
invest time in understanding the culture, the governance model and the expectations of Norwegian partners. Trust, transparency and long-term commitment are essential. Being locally present, meeting stakeholders, and demonstrating continuity makes all the difference.

For Norwegian companies expanding into France, I would highlight the importance of navigating the diversity of the French market. France offers immense opportunities — but it is key to identify the right regional ecosystems, industrial clusters and public support mechanisms. The CCFN and the Team Norway are here to guide companies on both sides and connect them to the right partners.

In both cases, the Chamber plays a central role in helping companies build relationships, access networks, and reduce uncertainties when entering a new market.

BNP Paribas recently celebrated its 120th anniversary in Norway with a special event in Oslo attended by Chairman Jean Lemierre. What does this milestone represent for the bank, and how do you see BNP Paribas’ role evolving in Norway in the coming years?

Celebrating 120 years of BNP Paribas in Norway was a major milestone — and were honoured to have Jean Lemierre, Chairman of BNP Paribas, join this two-days celebration with clients, partners and our 200 employees in Norway. While tracing our journey, it became clear that the story of BNP Paribas Norway is inseparable from that of the French‑Norwegian Chamber of Commerce (CCFN). Together we have grown alongside our two economies, supporting companies, fostering innovation and deepening cross‑border cooperation for more than a century.  Please feel free to watch our short video retracing this story, available on our website. Our History - BNP Paribas Norway

Our celebration was not just a tribute to the past; it is a renewed pledge for the future. BNP Paribas will keep strengthening its role as a leading international bank in Norway – supporting the green transition, financing innovation and connecting French and Norwegian ecosystems.

Finally, please let me take this opportunity to warmly thank our Managing Director Ludovic Caubet and his entire team for supporting us, members and partners of the CCFN, in our respective missions.  Your decades-long commitment and forward leaning drive, have made you the undisputed cornerstone of the French-Norwegian business cooperation,  and a trusted and valued partner for all members, old and new.  

The enthusiastic “chain reaction” on Ludovic’s recent LinkedIn post celebrating 25 years at the CCFN is the best testament to that legacy.  Bravo!