Consul General of Norway in Shanghai Lise Nordgaard

 
Editor's Note:

The Fourth China International Import Expo (CIIE) will be held in Shanghai from November 5 to 10 as scheduled. Despite the difficulties brought by the COVID-19 pandemic, global traders plan to gather at the annual event online and offline to showcase their products and services in fields such as healthcare, artificial intelligence (AI) and carbon neutrality, looking to boost their performance in the Chinese market.

The Global Times (GT) interviewed 15 foreign diplomats in Beijing and Shanghai about their engagement and expectations for this year's CIIE. Here is：

Lise Nordgaard

Consul General of Norway in Shanghai

GT: How does Norway plan to engage in the CIIE despite facing challenges from COVID-19?

Lise Nordgaard: Norwegian companies have always shown a strong interest in the CIIE, and this is despite of today's international travel restrictions. 80% of Norwegian companies are returning to the CIIE this year. This clearly shows that Norwegian companies believe in the huge growth potential of the Chinese market. 

Norway is famous for its healthy food that comes from the cold and clean nature we have in Norway. Some of the Norwegian companies will showcase high-quality Norwegian food. And this is not only seafood, which is already very famous and popular in China, but also healthcare products, such as dietary supplements. 

Norwegian companies will keep a strong focus on ensuring their products and solutions are sustainable and environmentally friendly. One of the Norwegian companies at this year's CIIE has, for example, developed a specialized technology to optimize resources and minimize waste in the food industry. These types of new technologies can become great contributions toward the circular economy that both Norway and China are moving toward. 

GT: What are your expectations for the upcoming CIIE?

Lise Nordgaard: I think it will be a great event! I look forward to attending the opening and visiting the expo. I specifically look forward to visiting the Norwegian companies and seeing their stands and products.