Norwegian salmon sold at a supermarket in China Photo: Courtesy of the Norwegian Seafood Council

Norway's seafood industry sees increasing opportunities in the Chinese market, which has emerged as the world's leading market for Atlantic salmon. 

The growing salmon trade represents the strengthening economic relations between China and Norway, Chinese experts said. 

China became the world's top Atlantic salmon growth market in 2023, consuming 108,000 tons of the fish, a remarkable year-on-year rise of 43 percent, Sigmund Bjørgo, an official from the Norwegian Seafood Council, told the Global Times.

"With the growing Chinese middle class consumers and their increased demand for a tasty and healthy diet, we believe that there is a great potential for continued growth in salmon consumption in China," said Bjørgo.

The Norwegian seafood industry is committed to developing the Chinese market, and the dynamic nature of the Chinese market offers substantial opportunities for Norwegian salmon, according to the Norwegian Seafood Council.

Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre kicked off an official three-day visit to China on Monday. The two nations are expected to expand practical cooperation and advance the green transition, according to China's Foreign Ministry.

Norwegian salmon is the "most beloved" Norwegian seafood product among Chinese consumers. In 2023, Norwegian salmon exports to China amounted to 41,747 tons, with an export value hitting 5.18 billion Norwegian kroner ($480 million).  

From January to July, exports of Norwegian seafood to China stood at about 89,856 tons, marking a 14 percent year-on-year increase.

In addition to seafood, China and Norway are strengthening collaboration in green development. 

During 2023, electric vehicles (EVs) continued to dominate car sales in Norway, with a record market share of 82.4 percent, according to the Norwegian Road Federation. 

Notably, EV brands with Chinese backing, such as Volvo, MG and Polestar, as well as BYD, made impressive sales in Norway.

"The trade complementarity between China and Norway provides significant potential for cooperation in fisheries and green technology," Jian Junbo, deputy director of the Center for China-Europe Relations at Fudan University's Institute of International Studies, told the Global Times on Monday.

Regarding the fisheries sector, both sides can strengthen collaboration to promote sustainable salmon farming, while at the same time continue to cooperate in effective protection of marine resources, Jian said.

In order to accelerate green transition, including the development and application of green products such as EVs, wind turbines and tidal energy, there is also great potential for bilateral cooperation, Jian noted.