Interview: China's service trade fair needed amid rising protectionism, says Norwegian official

BEIJING, Sept. 15 (Xinhua) -- In a world with growing protectionism, platforms like the China International Fair for Trade in Services (CIFTIS) are needed more than ever to promote global trade cooperation, a Norwegian official has said.

"I think CIFTIS is an excellent opportunity and more important than ever," said Henning Kristoffersen, commercial counselor of the Royal Norwegian Embassy in Beijing, at the ongoing 2024 CIFTIS.

He noted that the five-day event highlights China's commitment to "inviting foreign companies to engage and access its market."

"In general, foreign companies are very curious as to how much China will continue to open its markets in the future," the official told Xinhua, adding that this year's fair indicates further openness in China's economy.

Attending the service fair for the seventh year, Norway, as a coastal country, has a focus on displaying its marine products and services.

Kristoffersen sees a lot of potential for collaboration with China in industries where Norwegian companies have long-established partnerships. "We already have strong cooperation in these sectors, and we are developing them further," the official said.

He also praised China's significant progress in driving the "green shift," saying that all forms of collaboration with China in the context of the green shift are crucial.

Once lived in Shanghai in 1999 and visited many Chinese cities, Kristoffersen said he was impressed by China's development over the last 25 years.

He described China's innovations and technologies in solar energy, wind power, batteries, and electric vehicles as "phenomenal to watch," and said China deserves more recognition for its leadership in driving the "green shift."

Emphasizing Norway's need to accelerate its green transition, he said cooperation with China is inevitable.

"I believe we will continue to see European investments in China's car industry, as well as Chinese automakers expanding into Europe," the official said.

During Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Store's recent visit to China, the introduction of a 15-day visa-free policy for Norwegian citizens was announced, making it much easier for Norwegians to visit China for tourism and business, Kristoffersen said.

"I hope to see more cooperation between Norwegian and Chinese companies," he said, expressing his desire for Norwegian businesses to succeed in the Chinese market with their products.