Norway marks China ties with first CIIE national pavilion

The Norwegian National Pavilion opens on Nov 6 during the seventh China International Import Expo (CIIE) in Shanghai. (Photo provided Chinadaily.com.cn)

Marking 70 years of diplomatic relations between the two countries, Norway has established its first national pavilion at the seventh China International Import Expo (CIIE), where Norwegian exhibitors aim to strengthen bilateral cooperation and explore new opportunities

The Norwegian National Pavilion opened on Wednesday at the CIIE, showcasing the nation's brand identity with leading businesses from various sectors including maritime, energy, lifestyle, healthcare, nutrition, seafood and consumer goods.

Norwegian Minister of Fisheries and Ocean Policy Marianne Sivertsen Naess attended the opening ceremony of the pavilion. She highlighted the promising outlook for bilateral relations between the two countries.

Earlier in September, Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Store visited Shanghai, after the two countries signed a joint statement in Beijing on green transition and agreed to enhance cooperation in sectors such as biodiversity protection, ocean management, shipping, climate change, and green industry.

Speaking at the pavilion opening, Naess said: "China is one of our most important trading partners, both for the seafood industry and the maritime industry. Stable framework conditions and a good bilateral relationship are of great importance for Norwegian companies in China and companies that export to the Chinese market. Close and good cooperation with China also helps Norwegian businesses to succeed in the green shift."

Norwegian bottled-water company Voss Water is among the exhibitors at the national pavilion. Having invested millions to build a water plant with high standards in China in 2016, Voss has seen continuous business expansion and is committed to the Chinese market long term, according to Billy Zhong, chief marketing officer at Voss (China) Beverage Sales Co Ltd.

"We expect our sales in China to grow around 30 percent this year, and are glad to see increasing awareness and recognition on our brand among Chinese consumers. The growing sales have proved our vision on this market is right, and we would invest more in China and explore integration with Chinese cultures as well," said Zhong.

He pointed out that the CIIE is not only about business, but also about culture. "We hope Voss can bridge Chinese consumers and Norwegian cultures," he said. "Those who recognize our brand may be interested to learn about our water sources, environment, culture and local customs in Norway, which can boost tourism and cultural exchanges on both sides. We are making efforts to offer more than business products."

Kenneth Fredrickson, senior vice president of Europe Region at Huawei Technologies Ltd, is eyeing more than business too. Making the best of Huawei's technologies and working together with Norwegian partners, he has been on a project of protecting endangered wild salmon species for years.

"With this project, we want to demonstrate how technology can be used to combat environmental challenges that the whole world is facing," said Fredrickson during the opening ceremony. "We need to realize and utilize the potential of technology, and cooperate with local society and partners. It's really great to see so many countries represented trying to showcase their business towards the Chinese market (here at the CIIE). Shanghai is my favorite city. It is so lively, dynamic with a lot of different impulses."

He added that for Norway, China is a market with huge and untapped potential.

"For (international) business, it's always important that countries have good and open relationships. The market needs to be transparent, and can offer free and fair market condition and competition. Norway and China have enjoyed a long and fruitful partnership as countries and as trade partners. This year, we are marking the 70th anniversary of this relationship, which I think gives a momentum for further strengthening the partnership between the two," he said.