Strengthened relationship with China a top priority for Giske’s 11 days’ tour

Minister of Trade and Industry Trond Giske is back on an official visit to China. Today he is in Beijing, his starting point for an eleven days’ visit.

- Our economic relations are becoming more important as China has an increasingly central role in the world economy, Giske said.

China occupies an increasingly active role in international trade and cooperation. In contrast to what has happened in the West, China’s  economy has strengthened during the financial crisis - and the growth continues.

Norway and China have an extensive and growing contact. Nearly 200 Norwegian companies are established in China, and China is Norway’s most important trading partner in Asia. Norway’s export to China increased by 40 per cent in 2009.

- Increased internationalization of the business sector is a priority for the Norwegian government, Giske said.

Giske has had political conversations with China's Economic and ICT Minister Li Yizhong in Beijing. The trade agreement negotiations between Norway and China were of central importance during the talks.

- We must ensure a good and predictable framework for Norwegian companies in China. Our effort to establish a trade agreement with China is important, Giske said.

During his 11 days’ journey Giske will also visit the Norwegian pavilion at EXPO 2010 in Shanghai, He will also visit Hong Kong, Shenzhen, Guangzhou and Chongqing.

Facts:

• China is Norway’s  most important trade partner in Asia.
• Norway's trade with China has increased sharply in recent years, and Norwegian exports to China have experienced a quadrupling over the last ten years.
• Norwegian export to China increased by 42 per cent in 2009 compared with 2008
• Commodity imports from China to Norway increased by almost 2 per cent from 2008 to 2009 (from 31.8 to 32.6 billion Norwegian kroner).