Norwegian Prime Minister Turns Fishmonger in Shanghai, Bringing Chinese Ships and ElectricVehicles Back to Scandinavia
SHANGHAI, CHINA – In a surprisingturn of events, Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre transformed into a fishmonger during his recent visit to Shanghai, promoting Norwegian seafood and highlighting thegrowing trade ties between Norway and China.
Støre, who arrived in Shanghai amidst a heavy downpour, wasted no time in showcasing Norwegian seafood at alocal supermarket. Donning a blue apron and holding a wooden tray, he enthusiastically encouraged shoppers to sample Norwegian salmon sashimi, even inquiring about their taste preferences.
The seafood industry has become Norway’s second largest export industry afterthe oil and gas sector, Støre stated, emphasizing Norway’s desire to increase seafood exports to China and elevate the importance of Norwegian seafood in Chinese diets.
Sigmund Bjørgo, Director of the Norwegian Seafood Council in China, echoedStøre’s sentiments, predicting an 8-10% increase in Norwegian salmon sales in the Chinese market this year.
However, Støre’s sales pitch extended far beyond seafood. During his visit, he emphasized Norway’s eagerness to expand collaboration with China, particularly in areas such as greendevelopment, climate change mitigation, maritime shipping, agriculture, fisheries, aquaculture, electric vehicles, and artificial intelligence.
A Growing Seafood Market
Norway, the world’s second-largest seafood exporter after China, boasts a rich maritime heritage. Støre highlighted the importance of the ocean to Norway’s history,emphasizing that while the country discovered oil and gas in the 1960s, its people have never forgotten their roots in fishing and aquaculture.
China is a crucial market for Norwegian seafood, accounting for 13% of its total exports. In terms of overall trade, China is Norway’s largest tradingpartner in Asia and its third-largest globally, trailing only the European Union and the United States.
Bjørgo, who previously served as the Director of the Norwegian Seafood Council in China from 2011 to 2018, returned to the country after a six-year absence. He expressedastonishment at the remarkable transformation of the Chinese seafood market during that time.
Sales of Norwegian seafood exported to China have doubled, while salmon sales have increased fivefold, Bjørgo exclaimed. When I was reviewing and comparing these figures, I could hardly believe my eyes. This (Chinese market) is truly a prosperousand promising market.
Despite acknowledging some downward pressure on consumer spending in China, Bjørgo remains optimistic about the future. He believes that while consumers are becoming more cautious with their spending, they still prioritize quality food and are increasingly concerned about their health.
China’s per capita salmon consumption currently stands at a modest0.08 kg/person, significantly lower than other Asian countries. For instance, South Korea’s per capita consumption is 0.73 kg/person, while Singapore boasts a consumption rate of 1.83 kg/person.
As the consumer base expands and the pursuit of healthy anddelicious diets strengthens, we believe that the growth potential for China’s salmon consumption demand is enormous, Bjørgo stated.
He further explained that while the restaurant industry currently accounts for approximately 85% of Norwegian salmon consumption in China, retail channels are emerging and now account for about 15% of sales,with continued growth expected.
Bjørgo also revealed that Norwegian mackerel enjoys strong sales in the Chinese market. Many Japanese restaurants in China use mackerel (saba) for their teppanyaki dishes, which are actually sourced from Norway.
Kjetil Sperre, Commercial Director of Norway’s Sperre Brothers, confirmed that his company previously exported mackerel to China primarily for re-export and processing. However, with the expansion of the Chinese consumer market, China is poised to become an equally important consumption destination as Japan and South Korea.
Green Transition and Maritime Cooperation
Following his seafood promotion efforts, Støre embarked ona visit to Haimen District, Nantong City, Jiangsu Province, on September 11th, to attend the naming ceremony of a car carrier built by a Chinese shipbuilding company and delivered to a Norwegian shipping company. This event showcased another crucial aspect of Norway’s maritime industry.
Støre highlighted Norway’slong history of shipbuilding and its vast experience in the field. China’s shipbuilding market share has exceeded half of the world’s total, while Norwegian companies can provide technical support, he said. The complementary strengths of both sides can achieve mutual benefit and win-win outcomes.
Norway has been a leading maritimenation since the 19th century. It possesses a comprehensive maritime cluster, encompassing leading shipping and shipbuilding companies, marine equipment manufacturers, and offshore service providers across all sectors of the global maritime market. Norway holds a leading position in the production of specialized vessels and deep-sea ships.
Støre also acknowledged China’s rapid advancements in renewable energy technology, including solar panels and electric vehicles, which have gained widespread influence.
Norway remains committed to upholding the multilateral trading system centered around the World Trade Organization, Støre affirmed. We are willing to strengthen practical cooperation with China in areas such as green transformation. During his visit,China and Norway signed a joint declaration on establishing a green transformation dialogue.
China’s electric vehicle industry has been a pioneer in the green transition, becoming a driving force for sustainable development. While the European Union is considering imposing temporary tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles, Støre stated on September 11th that Norway,as a non-EU member, does not share the EU’s common trade policy and lacks a significant automotive industry. Therefore, Norway will not impose tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles. He suggested that China could utilize this opportunity to address the EU’s concerns.
Norway serves as a gateway for many Chinese electric vehicles enteringEurope. Despite being a major oil producer, Norway places a strong emphasis on climate change and environmental protection. Statistics released by the Norwegian Road Federation show that electric vehicles accounted for 82.4% of new car sales in Norway in 2023, continuing to dominate the country’s new car market.Chinese brands such as MG, Polestar, and BYD have achieved top-20 sales rankings.
Norway has been at the forefront of the green transition in Europe. In 2016, the country announced its goal of phasing out gasoline-powered vehicles from the new car market by 2025, except for heavy-duty vehicles, aiming for 100% electric vehicle sales. To achieve this objective, Norwegian governments at all levels have implemented a series of measures to incentivize electric vehicle adoption, including favorable policies for sales, driving, parking, and charging, thereby encouraging consumers to purchase electric vehicles andreducing greenhouse gas emissions from motor vehicles.
Before departing Shanghai at the end of his visit, Støre revealed that this was his first return to the city in nearly 30 years. During a speech at Fudan University on September 11th, Støre reminisced about his first visit to China in1995 as part of a Norwegian delegation, witnessing the establishment of Fudan University’s Nordic Center.
This visit coincides with the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Norway and China, Støre concluded. I have observed a more confident China. Norway and China have distinct cultures and backgrounds. What I admire is that both sides seek common ground while respecting differences, working together to address issues of shared concern and achieve significant progress.
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