November is soon upon us, and with the temperature starting to drop and golden hues of autumn surrounding us, the Consulate wants to share some updates with the Norwegian community in eastern China.
The second part of the year is traditionally the busiest – also this year.
The China International Import Expo (CIIE) is taking place from November 5 to November 10. This year, the expo will be open for visitors. The Consulate will be present, and we hope to meet some of you there!
Another opportunity to meet Norwegians is at the Maritime Expo Marintec, which is scheduled from December 5 to December 8. We look forward to welcoming many visitors from Norway from the Maritime sector at the Norwegian country pavilion.
In between these two big expos is the traditional Seafood Dinner taking place on November 17. The last time this dinner was organized was in 2019! We look forward to this event organized by the Norwegian Business Association.
We are continuously working on promoting Norwegian culture in Shanghai. “Hello Shanghai”, a Norwegian illustration exhibition at Shanghai Book City, just opened. We will share a VIP pass in the Klubb Norge WeChat group which you can use to get free entrance to the exhibition.
Let me use the opportunity to thank Klubb Norge for its dedicated work for the Norwegian community in and around Shanghai. The Welcome-back-party in October was a great success, and for the first time since 2019, there were many new faces. This was really encouraging to see. Among the new faces were also many students from Norway. Currently, around 30 students are studying in Eastern China. I believe this is important. We need more students exchanges from Norway and from China to Norway.
Inhouse, at the Consulate, we note a different vibe to our work. We have for the first time since the outbreak of the pandemic again interns. They are very valuable to us. As they will be leaving at the end of the year, we are already in the process of recruiting new interns that will join us for the spring semester.
Our visa section is also working at full speed. The upsurge in visa activities is a positive sign of an increasing number of exchanges and collaborations, and we are gearing up to handle the demand.
As always, you may come to us for other Consular issues such as renewing your passport. For those of you that are new to Asia, note that many countries in the region require a passport valid for at least 6 months to enter the country. So, check the expiration date and book an appointment if you need a new passport.
Regarding the municipal elections in September: We have been informed that there will be a reelection for Moss kommune. The date has yet to be set, but we will inform you as soon as we have received information from Norway.
Last, but not least, if you have not done it already, we strongly encourage you to download the app Reiseklar. If you are registered here, we will be able to quickly reach you in a case of an emergency.
Finally, I hope to see you at Klubb Norges julebord, which will take place on 25 November.
Lise Nordgaard
Consul General
Upcoming events:
“Hello Shanghai” – Norwegian illustration exhibition at Shanghai Book City, 30 October – 20 December
The illustration exhibition “Hello Shanghai” features three Norwegian illustrators – Bjørn Rune Lie, Mari Kanstad Johnsen, and Kristin Roskifte. The Norwegian illustrators’ exhibition is a result of a collaboration that begun at the Shanghai Children’s Book Fair in 2019, when they spent more than two weeks in Shanghai and created artworks about the city’s life. 120 pieces of their artworks and photos will be exhibited at the Shanghai Illustration Art Center inside Shanghai Book City. With the VIP pass shared in the Klubb Norge WeChat group, you can enter the exhibition for free from 30 October to 20 December.
Place: 7th floor, Shanghai Illustration Art Center, Shanghai Book City. Fuzhou Road 465, Huangpu District, Shanghai.
When: Free entry with VIP pass shared in Klubb Norge WeChat group from 30 October to 25 December.
China International Import Expo (CIIE), 5 – 10 November
The 6th China International Import Expo kicks off on November 5. Hosted by China’s Ministry of Commerce and Shanghai Municipal People’s Government, CIIE is an important arena for businesses in China. The Embassy and the Consulate General, the Norwegian Seafood Council, Innovation Norway, and the Norwegian Chinese Chamber of Commerce, will all be present at the Expo, supporting the Norwegian business community, showcasing opportunities for growth, and facilitating contact with the Chinese market. Around 30 Norwegian companies will participate, and the expo is open to visitors!
Student gathering, 11 November
The Consulate will together with DNB organize a student gathering for Norwegian students in our region on Saturday 11 November between 12:00 – 15:00 at the premises of DNB. If you are a student and would like to join, please contact eirik.bryhn.jacobsen@mfa.no.
Visit by Nord University 14 November
Nord University is visiting Shanghai in November. The delegation from Bodø consists of 15 representatives from the university, Bodø kommune, Nordland Fylkeskommune and Kraft. Nord University will enter into an agreement with East China Normal University and they will together host a seminar on Norway-China Academic Cooperation connected to Arctic issues. The Consulate is invited to take part in the seminar.
Seafood dinner, 17 November
Join us for the 12th annual Norwegian Seafood Dinner in Shanghai on November 17 at the Anandi Hotel, themed "Winterland" – a tribute to Norway's enchanting winter season, from its breathtaking snow-capped landscapes to the mesmerizing auroras. This flagship event hosted by the Norwegian Business Association and supported by the Norwegian Consulate General, promises a unique fusion of exceptional seafood, Winterland-inspired entertainment, and cultural immersion. NBA expects to host over 400 guests, including Chinese dignitaries and academics. Tables are available at 13,200 RMB for 12 seats or 1,200 RMB per person. Reserve your spot with Sherry Qiao at administration@norbachina.com. Availability is limited, so book now!
China Children Book Fair, 17 – 19 November
The China Shanghai International Children’s Book Fair will be held from Friday 17 November to Sunday 19 November, and is a fun opportunity for families to explore both Chinese and international books. There is a strong interest in Norwegian literature in China, a great example being Tormod Haugen’s book “Ikke som i fjor” that has been translated to Chinese and sold more than 1.8 million copies in China since 2018, which exemplifies how children all over the world can share and relate to common experiences and themes. Jon Fosse which recently won the Nobel Literature Prize is also a favorite in China, and with this remarkable achievement, we only expect the interest to increase.
Transparency Act Seminar, 21 November
Together with the Norwegian Business Association, the Consulate will be organizing a seminar on the Norwegian Transparency Act, Åpenhetsloven. We will bring in speakers from both Norway and China to discuss how Norwegian companies can comply with the Transparancy Act. More information about the event will be sent out by NBA shortly.
Diversity and inclusion in the workplace, 23 November
On November 23, the Norwegian consulate and NBA, in cooperation with the British consulate and BritCham, will host an event focusing on inclusion of people with disabilities in the workplace. On 22 October the Hangzhou Asian Para Games started, and at this event athletes and businesspeople will share their experiences and views on inclusion and diversity in the workplace.
The event will take place at WeWork Lifeng Square. We hope to see many of you there!
Marintec China, 5 – 8 December
Marintec will be kicked off on December 5, exactly a month after CIIE opens. Marintec China is among the largest business-to-business conferences for the international maritime industry, a field in which Norway can be regarded as a heavyweight. Hosted by Informa Markets and the Shanghai Society for Naval Architects and Marine Engineers, Marintec in 2019 hosted 2,200 exhibitors, while this year’s exhibition is set to be even larger, with lots of Norwegian companies travelling to Shanghai to take part in the event. Norway will have a country pavilion hosted by the Norwegian Maritime Exporters (NME).
Previous highlights:
BUSINESS
Seafood
From August 23 - 25, the Norwegian Seafood Council (NSC) and nine affiliated seafood export companies had a strong presence at the 17th Shanghai International Fisheries and Seafood Exhibition. Over 4,000 participants from the global seafood industry participated, from buyers to suppliers and investors. On August 24, NBA hosted a special event in Shanghai, titled "Norway as a Seafood Brand in China & Outlook." Sponsored by the NSC, it drew in over 80 attendees.
Last week NSC organized the Norway-China Seafood Summit (NCSS) in Qingdao with 250 participants, including 80 Norwegians, and took part in the China Fisheries and Seafood Expo (CFSE). 19 Norwegian companies took part in the Norwegian Pavilion organized by Innovation Norway.
Team Norway
Team Norway gathered in Beijing this September. Meetings and discussions were held between the Embassy in Beijing, our Consulate Generals in Shanghai and Guangzhou, Innovation Norway, Norwegian Seafood Council, Norway – Hong Kong Chamber of Commerce, Norwegian Energy Partners, and the Norwegian Business Association China. Representatives from the Norwegian Ministry of Trade and Industry were also present. It was great having the whole team gathered, and we look forward to keeping up the momentum to further increase synergies between Norwegian public and private institutions in China!
Innovation Norway
We welcome Henning Kristoffersen who started as Head of Innovation Norway in China and Commercial Counsellor at the embassy in Beijing on August 1. With two decades of experience in Norway-China projects, we're excited to have him onboard Team Norway.
Shanghai, a central hub for Norwegian enterprises in China, recently also welcomed the Heads of Asia and Middle East from Innovation Norway. Their visit, which aimed to understand the intricacies of the Chinese market, also focused on future strategies for promoting Norwegian interests.
Norwegian Autumn Market
Despite a drizzle, the Norwegian market at the Bund Financial Center, organized in collaboration with the Norwegian Business Association, provided a good opportunity to get to know Norway. 13 Norwegian companies, spanning sectors from outdoor apparel to tech took part. While maybe Norwegian salmon remains the most familiar to the Chinese consumer, the market gave insight into a broad range of products and services Norway can offer. On Sunday afternoon puzzle games, blending Norwegian and Chinese cultural symbols, became an instant hit, especially among the attending kids.
North Bund Forum
The North Bund Forum that took place in September, emphasized Shanghai's role as a global shipping hub. Norwegian Minister of Fisheries and Ocean Policy, Bjørnar Skjæran, delivered a keynote speech which highlighted the need for greener shipping and international collaboration. He introduced Norway's maritime strategy for equality, underscoring the combined benefits of fairness and financial acumen.
CULTURE
Music
Nils Petter Molvær Trio’s concerts at JZ Club in Shanghai in August had a full house and enthusiastic audience. This was the group’s first trip to China since their last visit in 2019. Nils Petter Molvær has also collaborated with Chinese jazz musician Li Xiaochuan, and during the pandemic they released the song “Til Wuhan”. During the trio’s tour, the Norwegian jazz musicians performed in Shanghai, Guangzhou and Beijing. For many Chinese, it might have been their first time hearing the unique jazz music from Norway. As a guest commented “Tonight, I heard the sound of wild silence, the whisper of breeze from the Arctic. The power of nature is engraved in the blood of their music.”
Literature
At the Shanghai Book Fair, the consulate celebrated the success of “Ikke som i fjor” by the Norwegian author Tormod Haugen. Since its Chinese debut in 2018, this children’s book has sold over 1.8 million copies, marking a notable achievement for Norwegian literature in China. Several Chinese book promoters discussed the story's universal appeal, resonating with children globally. Highlighting themes of growth, the book offers insights to parents on nurturing children through challenges. The event was attended by more than 200 families.
Film/animation series
We were pleased to host representatives from “City of Friends”, who showcased the Norwegian animation series “City of Friends” for an event at the Consulate General’s residence. Collaborating with the Shanghai Film Group, they have introduced this gem of the burgeoning Norwegian creative industry to Chinese viewers.
Earlier in October we also hosted a Nordic film screening together with the Danish and Finnish consulates, showcasing films from the three Nordic countries. Close to 150 people joined the event, and the films received good feedback. We can recommend checking out the Norwegian contribution, a film named “Norwegian Dream”.
Design
The World Design Cities Conference (WDCC) in Shanghai put Norwegian architecture and design in the spotlight. The "Nature as Culture" exhibition, which was previously featured at Design Shanghai and met with great enthusiasm, was invited to return, now featuring as a part of the “Happiness Community” section at the WDCC fair. Featuring projects from three Norwegian architecture firms, the exhibition highlights how nature inspires Norway's societal values and design traditions. Supported by DesignX Space, the exhibit was a centerpiece in the "Happiness Community" section of the fair.
Organized by the Shanghai Municipal Government, WDCC aims to bolster various design sectors and position Shanghai as a global "City of Design", especially since its induction into the UNESCO Creative Cities Network in 2010. The event attracted over 300 companies and brands.
Chinese culture delegation visit to Norway
A delegation consisting of 7 media and KOLs (Key Opinion Leaders) from China traveled to Norway in mid-October. The trip highlighted several cultural and art organizations in Oslo and Bergen, such as the Deichman Library, the National Museum, MUNCH and KODE Museum, the famous Norwegian composer Edvard Grieg’s home Troldhaugen, and much more. The group also visited the Future Library Forest in Nordmarka outside of Oslo, hiked to the top of the Fløyen mountain in Bergen, and toured around the Bjørvika area with Norwegian architects, in addition to many other exciting experiences of Norwegian art, music, literature, design, and lifestyle.
We are happy that we again have been able to organize an expert trip to Norway with Chinese participants, after several years of pandemic where travelling has not been possible. The delegation also got to meet the Section for culture and creative industries at the MFA in Oslo, where Tom Knappskog among other shared more information about Jon Fosse recently winning the Nobel Literature Prize: https://lnkd.in/exMKnFwA
More videos and articles about the trip will be released.
It will be possible to hear two of the journalists share experiences from the Norway trip at an event taking place at the Norwegian Seafood Council’s stand CIIE on 7 November from 10:30. We hope to see some of you there!
Trainees <3
To conclude this newsletter, we want to include a message of appreciation for our two trainees who have been with us since August. For the first time in more than three years, we have been delighted to have two trainees at the Consulate General this autumn: Håvard and Eirik. Both come from the University of Oslo and have studied the Chinese language for multiple years - Håvard has a master’s in Modern International and Transnational History, while Eirik is pursuing his master’s in Chinese Culture and Society, with a focus on renewable energy in China. Their first months have been busy and eventful, and they look forward to the rest of their stays!