Greeting from the Consul General
Dear friends! 2025 was in many ways a very interesting and year for Norway in Shanghai and East China. We had very successful political visits at both CIIE and Marintec as well as several exciting cultural events - in music, literature and design. My personal favourite moments were the musical exchanges between Chinese musicians and Norwegian jazz icon Nils Petter Molvær and pop star Sigrid respectively. We also saw the establishment of the Jon Fosse Study Centre and the premiere of Fosse’s play “Dream of Autumn”. It is fascinating to witness how new art and expressions can appear out of meetings between artists.
What about 2026? Maybe it will be the year that Norwegian Brown Cheese will be available in Chinese supermarkets? It might also be the year when the Shanghai Grand Opera, designed by Snøhetta, will be opened. It will for sure be another year of expecting the unexpected and facing geopolitical turbulences that might also affect Norwegian companies and economic interests in China. In these challenging times, the Consulate General aims to be a stable point of contact and support.
I wish you and your dear ones a happy new year!
Tobias F. Svenningsen, Consul General
Highlights from previous events:
Connecting with Business
Norwegian Architecture at Greenext
The Greenext Expo on 26 September highlighted Norwegian approaches to creating greener and more resilient cities. Four Norwegian architecture firms—Transborder Studio, Haptic, Lala Tøyen, and BOGL—presented an exhibition on urban transformation and sustainable living. During the opening ceremony, Consul General Tobias Svenningsen underscored Norway’s commitment to supporting the transition to a sustainable economy. Norwegian perspectives on sustainable urban development and business practices were further shared with a Chinese audience through panel discussions featuring Norway-based companies in Shanghai.
CIIE
Norway had a strong presence at the China International Import Expo (CIIE) 5-10 November, where the visiting State Secretary from the Ministry of Agriculture and Food opened the two Norwegian pavilions. A wide range of Norwegian products and solutions were showcased, reflecting the extent of Norway’s engagement with the Chinese market. The visit also marked important progress in market access for Norwegian exports, including the signing of a protocol enabling Norwegian dairy products—such as the iconic Norwegian brown cheese—to enter the Chinese market, underscoring the strength of Norway’s cooperation with China in food and agriculture.
Nordic Design Exhibition at West Bund Art Fair
Norwegian design was showcased at the West Bund Art & Design Fair 11 to 16 November through the Nordic design exhibition A Nordic Living at Orbit. Four Norwegian brands—Varier, Fjordfiesta, Flokk, and Stokke—took part, offering visitors a strong expression of contemporary Norwegian design rooted in functionality, craftsmanship, and sustainability.
Marintec
Norway was highlighted as Guest Country of Honor at Marintec China in Shanghai from 2 to 5 December, one of the world’s largest maritime exhibitions. On 2 December, Minister of Fisheries and Ocean Policy Marianne Sivertsen Næss opened the Norwegian pavilion and delivered a keynote at the Senior Maritime Forum, emphasizing Norway’s leadership in the green transition and commitment to diversity in the maritime sector. Around 40 Norwegian companies joined the pavilion through Norwegian Maritime Exporters, showcasing innovative and sustainable ocean solutions.
Nordic Aqua Signing Ceremony
Consul Frida Ur attended the signing ceremony between Nordic Aqua and its Chinese partners, marking the largest investment ever made in a Norwegian company in China.
The agreement fast‑tracks Nordic Aqua’s land‑based salmon project and enhances its readiness to serve China’s expanding premium salmon market. This collaboration represents the continued success of Norwegian technology in partnership with Chinese stakeholders in advancing sustainable aquaculture.
Sounds from Norway
Espen Berg Trio Concert Tour
The Espen Berg Trio returned to China in October for a six‑city jazz tour spanning Wuhan, Nanjing, Hangzhou, Nanchang, and Guangzhou. Led by pianist and composer Espen Berg alongside bassist Bárður Reinert Poulsen and drummer Simon Albertsen, the trio presented a distinctive blend of jazz improvisation, classical structure, and Nordic folk influences, featuring music from acclaimed albums including Free to Play. The tour offered Chinese audiences a powerful showcase of contemporary Nordic jazz across six nights of performances.
Nils Petter Molvær Concerts
Norwegian jazz trumpeter Nils Petter Molvær visited Shanghai from 22-27 October for a programme combining masterclasses, performances, and exchanges on AI in music and cross‑cultural collaboration. The visit included a music seminar and reception at the Consul General’s residence, genre-blending improvisations with guzheng and dizi, and a festival performance, as part of a China showcase tour organized by Art for All (Norway), with support from Punkt Festival and the University of Agder, and the Shanghai Conservatory of Music.
Sigrid Concert
Ahead of her first-ever concert in China 23 November, Norwegian artist Sigrid was welcomed to an intimate gathering at the Consul General’s residence celebrating cultural exchange through music. The evening featured a special collaboration with musician Chang Jing, who performed a piano and guzheng rendition of Strangers, with Sigrid also joining the guzheng. The event brought together Norwegian and Chinese fans, musicians, and content creators. The evening offered a memorable showcase of how Norwegian and Chinese traditions connect through music.
From the Bookshelf
Ibsen Exchange Program
Henrik Ibsen’s enduring influence in China was highlighted in November through workshops and a celebration of his legacy in Shanghai and Suzhou. From 5-12 November, scholars, performers, and students engaged in hands-on exchange with the Shanghai Dramatic Arts Center and Nanjing University. Events included the “Echoes of Ibsen” at the Consul General’s residence. The programme underscored the continued engagement with Ibsen’s work in China as momentum builds toward the 2028 Ibsen bicentennial.
Children’s Book Fair Shanghai
Norwegian children’s literature was in the spotlight at the China International Children’s Book Fair 14-16 November, where NORLA’s stand saw strong engagement and keen interest from publishers and readers alike. It was inspiring to see Norwegian stories resonating with Chinese audiences, alongside parallel literary events hosted at the Residence. The visit also offered a rare and meaningful opportunity to highlight Sámi cultural voices in China, bringing Indigenous perspectives to the forefront of the exchange.
Opening of First Fosse Study Center in Shanghai
China’s first-ever Jon Fosse Studies Center was inaugurated at Shanghai Theater Academy, alongside a two-day China-Norway Theatre & Literature Dialogue. Norwegian guests, the Consulate team, and leading Chinese scholars attended. The visit also marked the Shanghai premiere of Dream of Autumn, directed by Professor He Yan and performed by actors from the National Theatre of China.
Creative Corner
Tank Art Festival
Norwegian artist Trine Lise Nedreaas captivated an estimated 10,000 visitors at one of Shanghai’s leading festivals for young and experimental art 5-7 October. Her installation Pulse brought a cosmic sense of rhythm to the international section of the event. The multiscreen work blended performance and film, featuring a hula‑hooper spinning illuminated rings that evoke a miniature solar system in motion. Looping continuously throughout the three-day festival.
Jingdezhen International Ceramic Expo
Consul Frida Kracht Ur visited the Jingdezhen International Ceramic Expo from 18–22 October, where she met with Norwegian artists Ole Morten Rokvam, Linda Jansson Lothe, and Torbjørn Kvasbø, all participating in the local artist‑in‑residence programme. The visit featured Rokvam’s contribution to the Woodfire Festival, including a Norwegian‑inspired clean‑burning kiln. The programme concluded with Ur’s attendance at the official opening ceremony alongside provincial leaders and diplomatic representatives from 13 countries.
ART021
Norwegian art featured prominently at ART021 14-16 November as Shanghai entered its vibrant art season, with Norwegian artist Nina K. Ekman presenting works centered on the iconic giant saguaro cactus. Her participation highlighted Norway’s contemporary artistic voice on one of China’s most influential art platforms.
People and Exchange
Academic Visits and Exchanges
October focused on academic exchange and cooperation. Throughout the month, we hosted visits from Norwegian institutions including Fridtjof Nansen institute, the Research Council, and delegations from several universities, alongside visiting Norwegian students. The programme combined receptions for academics and students centered on knowledge exchange, a public lecture by senior researcher Ms. Iselin Stensdal on China and the Arctic co‑hosted with the think tank China Crossroads, and participation in celebrations marking the Fudan University Nordic Centre’s 30th anniversary.
Her Journey – 30 Years of Transformation
To mark the 30th anniversary of the Beijing Declaration, we hosted a gathering celebrating female empowerment across generations. The event featured Liu Mingming, the 75‑year‑old “Grandma CEO” and Sheng Xia, a community social worker from rural Yunnan, highlighting pathways to empowerment from global business to grassroots action. Held in partnership with Lean In Shanghai and the Shanghai Huji Foundation, the gathering concluded with remarks by Finnish Consul General Anu Vuori and a video message from Gro Harlem Brundtland, underscoring the Declaration’s continued relevance.
Student Christmas Celebration
To kick of the holiday season the residence welcomed 25 Norwegian students from Shanghai, Suzhou, and Hong Kong for a festive Christmas gathering hosted together with the Norwegian Seamen’s Church in Asia. The program included presentations on the work of the Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, international career opportunities, and the support the Seamen’s Church provides to students abroad.
Last Remarks
As the new year begins, we mark a period of transition in our team. We would like to thank our intern Isabella for her valuable contributions and wish her all the best. We are also pleased to welcome two new interns, Christian Stensøe and Sibora Tefa, both of whom bring a strong interest in China, experience with the Chinese language, and complementary academic perspectives.
Christian has a background in Chinese business, language, and literature, with academic experience from East China Normal University and an exchange at Tsinghua University. He also holds a bachelor’s degree in computer science and is currently pursuing a master’s degree with a specialization in artificial intelligence.
Sibora is completing a master’s degree in business analysis, economics, and international relations at the Norwegian School of Economics, with exchange experience from the National University of Singapore. Her background spans cross‑institutional learning initiatives, political committee work, and creative projects. Their skills and experience will be a strong addition to the team.
Stay updated on what we do at the Consulate General by following our social media accounts:
Instagram – norwayinshanghai
LinkedIn – Royal Norwegian Consulate General in Shanghai
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.