Norwegian biotechnology firm Aker BioMarine's Chief Executive Officer Matts Johansen on Wednesday, 24 June described India as a compelling long-term business destination, citing the country's rapid technology adoption, expanding middle class, and large consumer base. Johansen made the remarks at the World Economic Forum's Annual Meeting of the New Champions — commonly known as Summer Davos — held in Dalian, China.

Why India Stands Out

'I think India will continue to be a very strong market. You have a large population, a growing middle class and fast adoption of innovation and technology. That's a recipe for a continued strong market in India,' Johansen said on the sidelines of the event.

He noted that India is already a significant market for Aker BioMarine, particularly through its supply of specialised ingredients to the Indian shrimp farming industry, which he described as one of the leading aquaculture markets globally.

Expanding Footprint: Mumbai Office in the Works

Johansen confirmed that Aker BioMarine is actively expanding its presence in India and is in the process of setting up an office in Mumbai. The company is also looking to broaden its scope beyond aquaculture, with plans to supply ingredients for food products and human health supplements in the Indian market. 'That is also why we are investing in the Indian market from our side,' he said.

This move signals a strategic pivot for the Norwegian firm — from a primarily B2B aquaculture supplier to a broader consumer health and nutrition player in one of Asia's fastest-growing economies.

AI as a Productivity Driver

Beyond India, Johansen highlighted the growing role of artificial intelligence (AI) in reshaping business operations across industries. He said AI is expected to become a major efficiency catalyst across Aker BioMarine's entire value chain — from factory floors and manufacturing to sales, marketing, and finance functions.

'AI will be a very important driver of improved productivity across our value chain. Everything from our factories and manufacturing to sales, marketing and finance. This will be a major driver of growth globally in the coming years, and we are trying to embrace it as much as possible,' he said.

About Summer Davos 2025

The Summer Davos commenced on 23 June and is scheduled to conclude on 25 June. The annual forum brings together global leaders from business, government, academia, and international organisations to deliberate on innovation, entrepreneurship, and economic development. This year's edition in Dalian has drawn significant attention from executives exploring emerging market opportunities, with India featuring prominently in several discussions.

As global firms reassess supply chains and consumer markets post-pandemic, India's structural advantages — demographic dividend, digital infrastructure, and policy reforms — continue to draw fresh commitments from international players.