Greeting From the Consul General
Dear Norwegians and friends of Norway in Shanghai and East China! I hope you all had a good break and are rested for a new, busy Shanghai autumn. As you will see from the newsletter, the Consulate General did not rest, supporting Norwegian business and cultural events throughout the summer.
Norway held general elections on 8 September. The outcome means that the current minority government of the Labour Party, with Jonas Gahr Støre as Prime Minister, will stay in power. It therefore also to be expected that most Government policies and strategies will be continued.
Team Norway in China is now working on two main events for the rest of the year. In November Norway will again have a national pavilion at CIIE, building on the success from last year. In December, Norway is invited to be the Guest Country of Honor at Marintec, one of Asias most important trade fairs for the maritime sector.
I would like to send a special greeting to all newly arrived Norwegians in Shanghai. This is the time of year we are happy to see new faces in the Norwegian community, students, businesspeople and others, endeavouring on a new adventure in this interesting city. Norway needs more people that develop knowledge of Chinese society and culture.
Tobias F. Svenningsen
Upcoming events:
Nils Petter Molvær Concert (26 Oct.)
Few figures in European jazz have traced such a distinctive arc through the last three decades as Norwegian trumpeter and composer Nils Petter Molvær. A pivotal voice in the late 1990s wave of Nordic jazz, Molvær’s work transcends genre, drawing from ambient, electronica, dub, post-rock, and traditional jazz improvisation to create a sound both raw and ethereal. He will be performing at the 2025 JZ Festival – 21st Edition in Shanghai on 26 October 2025. The ticket box has not yet opened, but details will be announced soon on our Instagram or Weibo.
Sigrid Concert (23 Nov.)
The Norwegian pop sensation Sigrid is coming to Shanghai on 23 November at Modern Sky Lab. Rising to fame with her debut EP Don’t Kill My Vibe in 2017 and winning the prestigious BBC Music Sound of 2018, she has since conquered international charts with hits like Strangers and her debut album Sucker Punch, which reached number one in Norway and number four in the UK. Known for her unique blend of electronic pop and a voice that moves from tender vulnerability to explosive power, Sigrid delivers performances that are both intimate and anthemic. Don’t miss the chance to experience her raw energy and heartfelt music live in Shanghai - secure your tickets now!
Highlights from previous events:
Kjetil Thorsen Lecture at Power Station of Art
Snøhetta founder Kjetil Thorsen visited Shanghai during 16 – 20 June to inspect the nearing-completion Shanghai Grand Opera House, a landmark project designed by his studio. On 17 June, he delivered a 1.5-hour lecture at Power Station of Art to 250 attendees, presenting Snøhetta’s global architectural philosophy and projects. The Consulate also met the Director of PSA who expressed interest in visiting contemporary arts festival in Norway later this year.
Norwegian Jazz in China
During the summer season there were three Norwegian jazz acts. The Chinese booking agency JCM hosted two Norwegian jazz acts in June – Norwegian pianist Espen Berg improvised performance in Nanjing and Hangzhou on 11 – 12 June, and Oddgeir Berg Trio toured five Chinese cities during 20 – 26 June. The musicians plan to return to China in October for another concert series organized by JCM. At Jazz at Lincoln Center Shanghai, the Norwegian duo of vocalist Siril Malmedal Hauge and pianist Kjetil Mulelid delivered an intimate, exquisitely balanced performance, seamlessly blending Nordic lyricism with the essence of jazz standards during their debut in Shanghai. In addition to Shanghai, the duo also performed in Nanjing and Hangzhou. Music critic and Shanghai freelancer Rudolf Tang remarked, “this performance not only highlighted the duo’s artistry but also deepened the cultural connection between Nordic jazz and Shanghai’s dynamic music scene.”
SANS in Shanghai
Norwegian performance group SANS, invited by Chinese youth theater QFun, toured multiple cities in China from 9–27 July as part of QFun’s annual youth drama festival. Supported by the Norwegian Embassy in Beijing and building on last year’s collaboration at the Showbox Festival, the Consulate in Shanghai partnered with QFun to create a Norway Corner featuring puzzles and children’s books. On 13 July, Consul General Tobias Svenningsen attended the performance at West Bund Grand Theater in Shanghai, joining children in the interactive dance showcase that delighted young audiences and parents alike.
Torbjørn Rødland Photo Exibition
Norwegian photographic artist Torbjørn Rødland debuted his first sole exhibition in China, Songs for the Sun, at Shanghai’s Yuz Museum in July. The showcase featured over 20 works from 2005 to 2023 highlighting his distinctive visual poetry, with support from OCA and the Consulate in Shanghai. The Consulate hosted a networking reception at the Consul General’s residence on July 10, bringing together collectors and art professionals, and the exhibition opening on 11 July drew over 200 guests. In his opening remarks, the Consul General highlighted Norway's institutional commitment to promoting contemporary Norwegian art on the global stage Rødland also participated in a discussion with Chinese curator Shi Hantao about his creative journey, emphasizing Norway’s commitment to promoting contemporary art internationally.
Meeting with Ms. XIE Dong, Vice Mayor of Shanghai
On 11 July, Consul General Tobias F. Svenningsen and other CGs were invited to a talk with Ms. XIE Dong, Vice Mayor of Shanghai. Svenningsen focused his interaction on the enhanced bilateral cooperation on the Green Transition, especially in the maritime sector, following the commitment made by PM Støre and Premier Li Qiang in September 2024.
Jon Fosse “Morgon og kveld” Book Launch
The Chines translation of Jon Fosse’s Morgon og kveld (Morning and Evening), translated by Zou Lulu and published by Yilin Press, was launched in Shanghai on 18 July at the Norwegian Consul General’s residence. The event welcomed 60 guests from literature, theatre, and media, and was livestreamed via Yilin Press and the Consulate’s WeChat and Weibo accounts, reaching over 14,600 viewers. In his speech, Consul General Svenningsen highlighted Fosse’s recent Nobel Prize, his use of Nynorsk, and his Western Norwegian roots influence on his literary use, while writer Chen Danyan expressed interest in Fosse’s Future Library project. The launch not only celebrated Fosse’s work but also strengthened connections with the Chinese literary community.
Visit to the Nordic Centre at Fudan University
On 25 July, Acting Consul General Markus A. B. Laurantzon began his new role with a visit to the Nordic Center at Fudan University, joining the final day of Business and Innovation in China summer course. He shared insights from his career in Shanghai and Beijing, discussed Norwegian business in China and diplomatic relations. The importance of people-to-people exchange was also highlighted. About half of the cohort are students from Norwegian universities, who asked thoughtful questions on public service careers, doing business in China, and Norway/Europe-China relations, resulting in a lively and engaging Q&A session.
Young Sustainable Impact (YSI) China Conference 2025
Deputy Consul General Tom Jørgen Martinussen spoke at the Young Sustainable Impact (YSI) China Conference 2025, highlighting the role of youth, innovation, and entrepreneurship in tackling global challenges. Founded in 2016, YSI brings young talents together in China to develop startups aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals. Martinussen emphasized the importance of collaboration between Norwegian and Chinese youth and innovators for a more sustainable future and noted the active contributions of institutions like Norwegian Business School BI and Norwegian young professionals. The Consulate looks forward to further strengthening youth innovation and Norway-China cooperation in sustainability.
Special Screening of “Elskling”
On 23 August, Shanghai audiences enjoyed a special screening of the Norwegian film Elskling (English: Lovable, Chinese: 爱的暂停键) , the award-winning debut feature by Norwegian director and screenwriter Lilja Ingolfsdottir. Ingolfsdottir joined the event in person, and shared her seven-year journey bringing Maria’s story to the screen, while Deputy Consul General Tom Jørgen Martinussen highlighted how film can build bridges across cultures. Elskling, which has received more than 30 international awards including Best Film at Beijing International Film Festival, explores love, family, and the courage to rediscover oneself. From 5 September, the film is showing in over 3000 cinemas across China, offering audiences a chance to pause, reflect, and experience Norwegian cinema at its best.️
Norway-China Green Transition Forum 2025
The Norway–China Green Transition Forum 2025 took place on 11 September at Andaz Hotel in Shanghai, bringing together 130 participants to share progress on sustainability. Co-hosted by the Norwegian Consulate General, Innovation Norway and the Norwegian Business Association China, with support from the Royal Norwegian Embassy in Beijing, the forum featured remarks from Consul General Tobias F. Svenningsen and Ms. Zhang Min of the Shanghai Municipal Commission of Economy and Informatization. The program highlighted global sustainability trends and showcased innovative solutions from leading companies. The Consulate General appreciates the important work of the attending companies and would be glad to help connect you with them. A full list of companies can be seen here. Feel free to get in touch with us at cg.shanghai@mfa.no.
Visit to COSCO Shipping Heavy Industry Zhoushan Shipyard
On 14–15 September, Consul General Tobias F. Svenningsen visited COSCO Shipyard Zhoushan together with Innovation Norway, the Norwegian Business Association China and ten Norwegian maritime companies, highlighting the strong ties between Zhoushan and Norway in shipbuilding, aquaculture and oil and gas. Over 90 Norwegian vessels have undergone repairs or maintenance in Zhoushan in the past three years, reflecting the depth of this cooperation. The delegation boarded the shuttle tanker Eli Knutsen ahead of its naming ceremony, marking the 13th vessel ordered by Knutsen NYK Offshore Tankers from COSCO Shipping Heavy Industry Zhoushan. The visit also included constructive dialogue with Mayor Xu Renbiao, Vice Mayor Han Jun and senior executives from leading shipyards, underlining the shared commitment to strengthening maritime collaboration between Zhoushan and Norway.
Norwegian Lifestyle Market
This September, the charm of Norway came to Shanghai’s University Road with the “Meet Norway Lifestyle Market”. Organized by the Norwegian Business Association in collaboration with Innovation Norway, and supported by the Royal Norwegian Consulate General in Shanghai, the event showcased Norwegian brands including salmon, supplements, consumer goods, Nordic furniture, and education. Visitors enjoyed interactive displays, family-friendly games, and Nordic-themed photo spots. On 20–21 September, the market offered a weekend filled with the best of Norwegian living. The Consul General delivered a welcome speech and was also interviewed by both national and local newspapers. We were delighted with the strong turnout and positive atmosphere throughout the event.
Espen Eriksen Trio Concert
The soulful Norwegian jazz ensemble Espen Eriksen Trio is back in China and performed in Shanghai 20 & 21 September. Praised by Jazzwise as “one of Europe’s most distinctive jazz ensembles” and by the BBC as “top heartfelt musicians at their peak,” this trio creates minimalist, heartfelt melodies. Their 2015 album On the Sea is “achingly sad yet beautifully naked” (BBC), a journey through sound. Since 2007, pianist Espen Eriksen, bassist Lars Tormod Jenset, and drummer Andreas Bye have crafted lyrical, improvisational jazz. With eight albums and performances in 22 countries, including London Jazz Festival and Ronnie Scott’s, their music resonates globally.
Last Remarks
We have had the pleasure of welcoming Tom Jørgen Martinussen as the new Deputy Consul General. Mr. Martinussen's connection to China began already in 1998 as a Chinese language student at Xiamen University. Since then, he has accumulated two decades of diplomatic experience including missions in Brasília Islamabad, Guangzhou, and Kuala Lumpur. Mr. Martinussen will have a special focus on innovation and business promotion.
At the end of September, we will also welcome Frida Kracht Ur, new consul with a special responsibility for culture, research and education. This will be her first position at a Norwegian foreign mission, but she is also not new to China and the Chinese language and culture.
We also had the pleasure of welcoming a new intern, Isabella Thalia Starrfield. Isabella has recently graduated with a master's degree in Technology, Innovation and Research from the University of Oslo where she focused on sustainability reporting and digital transformation. She has previously studied Chinese language at Donghua University.
Stay updated on what we do at the Consulate General by following our social media accounts:
LinkedIn: Royal Norwegian Consulate General in Shanghai
Instagram: norwayinshanghai
Weibo: 挪威驻上海总领事馆
You can also contact us by email to make further enquiries about events you are interested in. cg.shanghai@mfa.no.