The Norway-Asia Business Summit 2019, taking place in Shanghai from October 31 to November 2, not only provides an important meeting area for Norwegian businesses with interests in Asia, but also presents leading Norwegian technology and industry with access to the market and key stakeholders.
Leaders from Norwegian companies told CGTN on the sidelines of summit that China and Norway have common interests, saying that Norway's energy resources and technology are advantages for the country to cooperate with China.
Rolf Almklov, country director China at Innovation Norway, shares his insights with CGTN on the sidelines of the Norway-Asia Business Summit 2019 in Shanghai, China. /CGTN Photo
Rolf Almklov, country director China at Innovation Norway, considers that China and Norway have a lot in common in areas like energy, the maritime as well as environmental technology. His company is willing to develop new technologies with its Chinese partners.
Offshore wind power also offers great opportunities for Norwegian companies when cooperating with China. "China needs more technology to keep the cost coming down," said Jon Dugstad, director of wind and solar at Norwegian Energy Partners.
CGTN talks to Jon Dugstad, director of wind and solar at Norwegian Energy Partners on the sidelines of the Norway-Asia Business Summit 2019 in Shanghai, China. /CGTN Photo
And he says it is interesting from a regional perspective to work with the Chinese industry "both in China, also outside China." And Norway can build on unique experience from the oil and gas industry, shipping, shipbuilding, and renewable energy.
"There is another potential with the region technology and the speed of the Chinese industry together also in other areas that might be a strong combination," Dugstad observed.
Meanwhile, Norwegian seafood is popular in China. The market share for Norwegian fresh salmon has been increasing this year, according to Tom-Jorgen Gangso, director of market insight and market access with the Norwegian Seafood Council.
Tom-Jorgen Gangso, director of market insight and access with the Norwegian Seafood Council, speaks to CGTN on the sidelines of the Norway-Asia Business Summit 2019 in Shanghai, China. /CGTN Photo
"I think it's due to the fact that Norwegian salmon has a strong position here in China," he said, adding that demand for seafood from Norway here in China is high.
"We have also seen a good growth in other products, such as Norwegian king crab, Norwegian mackerel. We also have been working on Norwegian arctic cod," Gangso said.