Norwegian business delegation accompanies Prime Minister on visit to China

‘I have been looking forward to this trip to China. Norway seeks to maintain cooperation and political contact with China in areas that are important for Norwegian interests. It is also crucial to work together to address key global issues, such as climate change and the green transition. At the same time, for reasons of national security, Norway must remain vigilant with regard to China in other areas,’ said Prime Minister Støre.      

During his visit to China, the Prime Minister will have meetings with the country’s leadership, including President Xi Jinping, Premier Li Qiang, Chairman of the Standing Committee of the 14th National People’s Congress Zhao Leji, and Minister of Commerce Wang Wentao. The 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Norway and China will also be marked.  

Norwegian businesses and Norwegian jobs

China is Norway’s third largest trading partner, after the EU and the US, and the volume of trade is considerable.

‘Trade with China has a direct impact on Norwegian jobs, value creation and welfare,’ said the Prime Minister.

Some 160 Norwegian companies are operating in China. Prime Minister Støre is accompanied by a delegation of representatives from DNV, Equinor, Höegh Autoliners, Kongsberg Maritime, Nordlaks, the Norwegian Shipowners’ Association, Orkla, Yara International, the Norwegian Confederation of Trade Unions and the Confederation of Norwegian Enterprise. The business component of the visit to China will focus on the green transition, green shipping and seafood. The members of the delegation are active in these areas and have operations in China. Norway’s two largest labour market organisations are represented in the delegation as well.

‘The Government considers it important to enable the Norwegian business sector to pursue activities in China in areas of interest to Norway. The Norwegian business community and the two largest labour market organisations will be promoting Norwegian solutions at a number of events during this visit,’ said Prime Minister Støre.

Green shipping and a university visit

The Prime Minister’s programme also includes a visit to a shipyard where Höegh Autoliners is building a new, environmentally friendly vessel that will be able to use ammonia as fuel.

‘New, lower-emission ships are essential in order to reach our climate targets. Green shipping is an area where two coastal nations like Norway and China have much to gain from collaboration, and a number of Norwegian suppliers are involved in building this ship,’ said Mr Støre.

The Prime Minister will also hold a guest lecture at Fudan University in Shanghai, where he will meet Norwegian and Chinese students.