Launched just before the Chinese New Year celebrations, the Norwegian Seafood Export Council has commenced a one-year marketing programme.
Trond Giske, Trade and Industry Minister said: " I am very happy to see how popular Norwegian salmon has been among Chinese consumers since it first became commercially available here in the 1990s.
"Even more gratifying is the fact that the value of Norwegian salmon exports to the Chinese mainland increased by 57 per cent last year. This great result reflects a positive trend in exports from Norway to China in general, an export which increased 40 per cent in 2009 despite the challenging global economic conditions."
China is now Norway's largest trading partner in Asia and the fifth largest trade partner worldwide. Both countries recognise the mutual benefits of free trade and are engaged in talks about the creation of a free trade agreement.
"Norway and China have cooperated for a number of years over fisheries and aquaculture, while both countries are two of the largest exporters and consumers of seafood in the world. I am sure that Norway's economic relations with China will continue to flourish in years. In particular, the upcoming World Exposition in Shanghai will give us a great opportunity to present Norway and the Norwegian seafood in a unique way. We have recently built finished the Norwegian Pavilion, which has the theme "Powered by Nature '," said Svein Ole Sæther, Norwegian ambassador to China.
Last year was a record for exports of Norwegian salmon to China. The total exports of salmon from Norway to the Chinese mainland and Hong Kong was 23,170 tonnes and had a value of CNY 945 million.
Norway Promotes Salmon To Chinese Markets
NORWAY - Producers have launched a nationwide campaign to promote Norwegian salmon for Chinese consumers, starting at Hualian Group BHG supermarket in the international shopping centre in Beijing.
