Visitors pass the booth for Norwegian seafood on November 6, 2023. Photo: Courtesy of Norway's Consulate General in Shanghai

A total of 28 Norwegian companies are participating in the 6th China International Import Expo (CIIE) this year, with a larger presence than in previous years, showing the enthusiasm of Norwegian firms for the expo and their belief in the potential of the Chinese economy, Norwegian officials said on Monday.

Norwegian companies find the CIIE an "interesting platform" to meet both new contacts and companies they already have cooperated with, Signe Brudeset, Ambassador of Norway to China, said at a press briefing on Monday. The ambassador said both countries are transitioning toward a green economy.

This year marks the sixth consecutive year that Norway has participated in the CIIE, the world's biggest import fair. The Norwegian companies range from food and agricultural products to consumer goods, medical equipment and healthcare.

"Participation in the CIIE can help Norwegian enterprises expand their market presence in China and raise awareness about their brand and offerings among Chinese consumers and businesses, potentially leading to increased sales and market share," Lise Nordgaard, Norway's Consul General in Shanghai, told the Global Times.

Norwegian enterprises can also "establish strategic partnerships" with Chinese companies, distributors, and retailers, facilitating the distribution and marketing of Norwegian products in the Chinese market, the consul general said.

Andreas Thorud, director of the Norwegian Seafood Council China, said that they have firm confidence in the prospects for Norwegian seafood in the Chinese market. In the past few years, they have seen increasing demand in the market, as well as Chinese people's desire for healthy food amid the overall consumption upgrade.

Through the first three quarters in 2023, Norway's exports of seafood to China reached 109,000 tons, with a total value of 6.4 billion Norwegian kroner ($581.6 million), an increase of 8.9 percent compared with the same period last year. This makes China the largest market for Norwegian seafood in Asia, and the fourth-largest in terms of export volume among more than 150 global markets for Norwegian seafood products, according to the Norwegian Seafood Council.

At the Norwegian Seafood Council stand this year, 12 Norwegian seafood exporters are presenting products include Norwegian Atlantic salmon and Norwegian mackerel.

2024 marks the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Norway.

Norwegian companies also see opportunities in green economy development and are hoping for more cooperation in energy infrastructure and other fields. The country is also taking advantage of the CIIE to promote Norway as a travel destination for Chinese tourists.

Global Times