The China International Import Expo (CIIE) has brought tangible opportunities to Norwegian enterprises, Norwegian Minister of Trade and Industry Cecilie Myrseth said in an exclusive interview with the China Media Group.
As China's important European partner, Norway has taken part in the CIIE Country Exhibition for three consecutive years since 2024 and sent its largest delegation to date this year. Myrseth said the CIIE is highly important for Norwegian companies seeking to expand in the Chinese market.
"Expectations are high because I know it is an important place to be, and you can also see that in the growing interest from Norwegian companies. This year, it's the largest delegation of Norwegian industry we have there. For the last three years we have had the land's pavilion, and this year we actually have two pavilions, including a nutrition pavilion. So I am looking forward to going there to meet with the businesses in Shanghai," she said.
With rapidly expanded bilateral economic cooperation, China is now Norway's largest trading partner in Asia. The two countries' long-term stable economic and trade relations and a shared need for green transition provide an important basis for further industrial cooperation, Myrseth said.
During the CIIE, Norway also plans to hold several roundtable meetings on topics including artificial intelligence technology and green transition.
"Trade cooperation with China is stable and good. We have been trading with each other for generations, which means that we know each other. Steadiness is, of course, extremely important for the economy and for industries. The good thing is that it's a priority for both countries to have this green transition. We need more green energy, and then we have something to build upon. We have the same goal for everyone to go. We have the expertise, and you see it in maritime technology. I think we have a lot to gain from cooperating," she said.
At this year's CIIE, a large number of Norwegian companies are actively participating, bringing quality products and innovative solutions in seafood, consumer goods, health and nutrition, and agriculture, underscoring the positive momentum in bilateral economic and trade exchanges.
"We need more cooperation, more dialogue. When you are inviting in, like you are [doing] now this week, that means more cooperation, more dialogue, and more business to business cooperation, which I think is the ones who are leading the way. And you can see it if the industry finds it important enough to cooperate, and then they will be here. From the Norwegian side, you see it because we have the largest delegation and our head of Norwegian industries present is now in Shanghai. I think that's a good testament for that," Myrseth said.
Launched in 2018, the CIIE is the world's first national-level expo dedicated to import, and has become an important gateway for foreign businesses seeking access to China's vast consumer and industrial markets. For this year, the exhibition is held from Nov. 5 to 10.
CIIE brings tangible opportunities for businesses, Norwegian minister
