Norwegian officials say Norwegian seafood exports to China are expected to continue to grow strongly as the two countries make good progress in negotiating a free trade agreement.

“China is Norway ’s most important trading partner in Asia, and I am positive about our export of seafood to this market,” said Norwegian Minister of Fisheries and Seafood Harald Nesvik at a recent press conference. Development is pleased. ”

“During my visit to China, I observed close cooperation between the Norwegian and Chinese seafood industries, and I look forward to the long-term growth of seafood trade between the two countries.”

Nesvik said that negotiations on the China-Norway FTA have made “very good progress”. He did not elaborate further.

Official figures show that Norwegian seafood exports to China are gaining momentum, and China has now become the fastest growing market for Norwegian seafood this year.

Seafood exports

According to the Norwegian Seafood Council, a listed company owned by the Norwegian Ministry of Trade, Industry and Industry, Norway’s total seafood exports to China reached nearly 112,000 tons at the end of the third quarter, a year-on-year increase of 14%. And fishing.

Driven by fresh salmon, Norway’s sales increased by 92% in the first nine months of this year. Norway has achieved steady development in all seafood categories exported to the Chinese market, including Norwegian Arctic cod and mackerel. “Our survey shows that Norway is the favorite seafood producing place for Chinese consumers. From the cold and clear waters of Norway, Norwegian seafood will continue to satisfy the appetite of Chinese consumers,” said Victoria Blasen, head of China and Hong Kong. (Victoria Braathen) said. With the Norwegian Seafood Council.

In November, the National Security Council and Norwegian Seafood Company demonstrated at the 2nd China International Import Expo, where they showcased selected seafood products. CIIE will be held in Shanghai from November 5th to November 10th.

Bai Ming, deputy director of the International Market Research Institute of the China Academy of International Trade and Economics, said that China’s efforts to open up its markets, such as hosting CIIE, will provide new opportunities for global companies to expand in promising markets. Cooperation.

Nesswick said that China’s economic growth rate is still higher than that of many other countries. The Minister said that given the current uncertainties in the world economy, he was convinced that the world’s second largest economy when asked about the potential of the Chinese market There will be new opportunities.

As for the protectionist wave, he said, “It is much better to trade between countries than to build walls between each other.”

Neswick said he hopes that countries will open trade instead of closing it, because “a trade war between big powers will affect us all.”