Excellencies, ladies and gentlemen,

It is a pleasure for me to greet you all on this special day. It is indeed an honour to represent the Government of Norway at this ceremony celebrating the official opening of Kenmore International’s new refrigeration components factory here in Wuxi Singapore Industrial Park.

Lai Berg Holding’s group of companies under the umbrella of Kenmore International is a true product of the time and age we live in today – a practical demonstration of the benefits of globalisation.

By establishing a global network of production facilities and market operations, it is possible to utilise the comparative advantages and opportunities in various parts of the world. This is not only of benefit to the owners of the company, but also to its employees and to the societies to which the company belongs.

I would also like to stress the important role Wuxi Singapore Industrial Park has had in achieving today’s successful event. With its excellent investment environment, pool of talents and ideal location, Wuxi Singapore Industrial Park has managed to position itself as an important incubating area where international companies prefer to locate their business.

Excellencies, ladies and gentlemen,

I have come to China with my delegation not only to celebrate and nurture the already excellent relations with China. Our intention is not to rest on our laurels and be satisfied with what we have already achieved. We want to look ahead and explore new opportunities. The strengthening of economic cooperation with China is an important objective for the Norwegian government. In this respect, the opening of Kenmore International’s new factory is a significant step further in the development of commercial relations between China and Norway.

With these words I would like to congratulate Kenmore International with its new factory. I wish you every success and good luck in your efforts. I am confident that this venture will contribute positively to the welfare of the people of China as well as to the bilateral economic relations between China and Norway.

Thank you very much for your attention.