Norway is participating in the 7th China International Import Expo (CIIE) with a national pavilion for the first time this year, marking the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and Norway. Marianne Sivertsen N?ss, Norway's minister of fisheries and ocean policy, attended the pavilion's opening ceremony on Nov. 6, underscoring Norway's commitment to strengthening its trade ties with China.

The opening of the Norwegian National Pavilion at the 7th CIIE in Shanghai, Nov. 6, 2024. [Photo by Wang Yiming/China.org.cn]

"China is one of Norway's most important trade partners for the seafood and maritime industries. Stable frameworks and good bilateral relations are of high importance for Norwegian businesses in China and companies exporting to China," said Minister N?ss. 

So far this year, China has been the second-largest market for Norwegian seafood by volume, following the European Union. Norwegian seafood exports to China reached 6.6 billion krone ($595 million) and 126,000 tons as of September, reflecting a 16% volume growth from last year.

"We want to contribute to providing healthy and sustainable seafood to the Chinese market," N?ss said. "I will discuss the frameworks for bilateral seafood trade at the political level, and I hope China will continue to grow as a market for Norwegian seafood in the future."

The minister emphasized the importance of the CIIE as a platform for Norwegian businesses. "CIIE is a wonderful opportunity for Norwegian businesses to showcase their products and find new partnerships," she said.

The Norwegian National Pavilion featured 12 companies and the Norwegian Seafood Council, covering a range of sectors, including maritime and energy, health and nutrition, design and lifestyle, food and agriculture, and seafood and consumer goods.

Norwegian seafood on display at the Norwegian National Pavilion at the 7th CIIE in Shanghai, Nov. 6, 2024. [Photo by Wang Yiming/China.org.cn]

During the pavilion's opening ceremony, Minister N?ss participated in a Norwegian seafood promotion event celebrating "lidong" — the 19th solar term on the Chinese lunar calendar, which falls on Nov. 7 this year and marks the beginning of winter. Together with Chinese food influencer Ren Yunli, she made Chinese dumplings using Norwegian seafood, including salmon, mackerel and cold-water prawns, which she described as "a unique combination."

Marianne Sivertsen N?ss, Norway's minister of fisheries and ocean policy, makes dumplings using Norwegian seafood at the Norwegian National Pavilion at the 7th CIIE in Shanghai, Nov. 6, 2024. [Photo by Wang Yiming/China.org.cn]

N?ss said that she often makes dumplings with her children, and plans to try these special Norwegian seafood dumplings back in Norway.

Sigmund Bj?rgo, director of the Norwegian Seafood Council in China, highlighted the long-term efforts to establish Norwegian seafood in the Chinese market.

"It took us 70 years to reach the first NOK 70 billion in export value to China. However, since the Chinese market is growing rapidly, we expect to reach 100 billion within a few years from now," he said. 

Bj?rgo also emphasized the significance of the CIIE as a platform for promoting collaboration with Chinese companies, noting that several signing ceremonies are scheduled over the next few days.