Mr. Mayor, Honourable representatives of the City of Shanghai, dear Norwegian and Chinese friends,

Let me – as we approach the end of this wonderful meal – thank you and the City of Shanghai for the warm hospitality you have extended to my wife and myself, and to my accompanying delegation.

After a successful visit to Beijing, we have arrived in Shanghai, this old centre of commerce, trade and multicultural history.

Shanghai has been a historic focal point for Norwegian shipping and commerce in East Asia. As early as in 1853, soon 150 years ago, a Norwegian-Swedish Consulate was established in this city. In 1886, the Consul-General recommended a long-term strategy to promote trade in China. He wrote: “We need able businessmen as well as knowledge of the language and the culture. And profitable businesses can be established.”

This holds true today as in 1886.

During the time of the empire of the 19 ^th> century and the republic of the 20 ^th>, Norwegian tradesmen, sailors and missionaries came to Shanghai and up the large rivers. A number of my countrymen held leading positions in the civil service of that day.

A thriving Norwegian community grew up here.

I am honoured that Norway again is your partner when Shanghai embarks upon the challenges of the 21 ^st> century. I am happy to know that Oslo and Shanghai have recently become sister cities. Some 40 Norwegian companies are present in Shanghai and the region. It was shipping that brought the first Norwegians to your city one and a half century ago. Shipping and maritime industries are even today the backbone of economic relations between Norway and Shanghai.

China is rapidly becoming the number one shipbuilding nation in the world, while Norwegian shipowners are the leading contractors of new vessels. Able Chinese officers and crew are a valuable part of Norwegian shipping.

Yet, economic relations are becoming increasingly diversified. A number of Norwegian companies in fields such as environmental technology, ICT, pharmaceuticals and other high-technology sectors are doing business in your city.

Shanghai’s ambition to become a leading high-tech centre of Asia will provide new exciting possibilities for companies from both our countries.

Norway has been a pioneer in saltwater aquaculture, while China has long been the world’s leading fish-farming nation.

Our fisheries cooperation offers great opportunities for the future.

We have all enjoyed the delights of the famous Chinese cuisine tonight. It is a pleasure to see that my country’s fresh products are elegantly put to new uses in your country. Creative Norwegian and Chinese chefs have tonight showed us a wonderful side of our relations.

You will know, Mr. Mayor, that any Norwegian town, however small, has a Chinese restaurant. It is no exaggeration that Chinese food is my countrymen’s most frequent encounter with your country, always much enjoyed.

We are approaching that great annual celebration of Chinese new year. Let me express my appreciation to you, Mr. Mayor, by wishing you happiness in the New Year.

Distinguished guests and friends,

May I propose a toast to the wonderful city of Shanghai, to the continued flourishing relations between our two countries, and to our host. Thank you very much.

Gambei [=skål].