From August 7th to 10th, Chinese Ambassador to Norway, H.E.Ms.Hou Yue, visited major seafood production regions of Gratangen and Ibstad in the Troms-Finnmark county. During the visit, Ambassador Hou attended China-Norwegian Seafood Trade Seminar, where she met with Ms. Kristina Hansen, State Secretary of the Norwegian Ministry of Trade, Industry and Fisheries, as well as Mr. Christian Chramer, the CEO of the Norwegian Seafood Council. She held discussions with mayors of the two cities, representatives from seafood companies, and marine environmental research institutions, etc. Ambassador Hou also visited seafood production and aquafarm facilities in the region. Representatives from the Norwegian Seafood Federation, the Fishing Vessel Association, and other related organizations participated in the above mentioned activities.

Ambassador Hou stated that under the leadership of the Communist Party of China, we are advancing in the Chinese Path of Modernization through high-quality development. China and Norway enjoy strong economic complementarity and extensive potential. Norway’s expertise in aquafarming and fishery technology is in high demand in China. We welcome more Norwegian companies and products to the Chinese market. The Chinese Embassy in Norway will continue to provide support and assistance to promote cooperation between the two countries.

State Secretary Hansen said that Maritime industry is crucial to Norway's development and counted for over 35% of the total GDP. Norway places high importance on economic and trade cooperation with China, which provides enormous market to various Norwegian products, including seafood. Norway is committed to providing high-quality and sustainable seafood to Chinese consumers and looks forward to achieving more fruitful results in pragmatic cooperation. The Ministry of Trade, Industry, and Fisheries will continue to play an active role in this endeavor.

Mayors of the two cities, representatives from industry associations, and seafood corporations lauded China's development in recent years. They noted that China has become one of the fastest-growing markets for Norwegian seafood exports. As China's economy strongly rebounds, it is expected to bring more development opportunities to Norway, particularly in the seafood sector. The representatives expressed their willingness to continue investing in the Chinese market, contributing to deepening the bilateral relationship and enhancing friendship between the two peoples.