Norway at CIFTIS: Trade, art and the ocean as bridges to China

The pavilion of Norway at the 2026 China International Fair for Trade in Services, where it serves as Guest Country of Honor. (People's Daily Online/Xie Ying)

The 2026 China International Fair for Trade in Services (CIFTIS) is being held from Sept. 9 to 13 in Beijing. This year, Norway has been named the Guest Country of Honor, a recognition of its long-standing status as a commercial and cultural partner. For the Norwegian companies and artists taking part, the fair represents not only a gateway to the Chinese market, but also a platform for meetings and cooperation. Their presence reflects the gradual expansion of relations between the two countries.

At this year's CIFTIS, Norway is presenting its largest national pavilion yet, of about 260 square meters at Beijing's Shougang Park, with a record participation of around 20 companies. They are showcasing their expertise in a range of fields, including maritime technologies, green energy, healthcare, nutrition, services, art and entertainment. For Henning Kristoffersen, commercial counsellor at the Norwegian Embassy in China and director of Innovation Norway China, CIFTIS is where Norwegian companies can find opportunities and showcase their services and products.

"CIFTIS is a great platform, a great place to meet new potential customers, and new potential business partners for Norwegian companies," he explained.

The economic relationship between Norway and China rests on solid foundations. Maritime trade, seafood and ocean-related technologies are among its long-standing pillars. In 2025, Norwegian seafood exports to China reached NOK 12.3 billion (around $1.32 billion), totaling approximately 178,000 tonnes, with salmon accounting for a predominant share.

"Norway is what we call a maritime nation. Almost all of our strengths, products and services have a connection to the ocean," Kristoffersen explained.

Kathrine Lindman, a Norwegian who has spent the past two decades building an international reputation as a jewelry designer and artist, said she came to Beijing with the aim of identifying partners and exhibition venues.

"I am participating in CIFTIS because I am very interested in the Chinese market," she explained. She has already established contacts for exhibitions in southern China and hopes to find partners in Beijing who can give her creations greater visibility.

Her view of China also reflects the interest the country is generating among Norwegian professionals.

Kathrine Lindman, a Norwegian jewelry designer, speaks to reporters at the 2026 China International Fair for Trade in Services. (People's Daily Online/Xie Ying)

The jewelry of Norwegian jewelry designer Kathrine Lindman on display at the 2026 China International Fair for Trade in Services. (People's Daily Online/Xie Ying)

However, in the Norwegian pavilion, the search for commercial opportunities goes hand in hand with another dimension: human and cultural exchange.

Sverre Krogh Hjelmeland, a Norwegian photographer and artist from NorArt, emphasized his ambition to develop projects with Chinese artists and promote exchanges in both directions: "I want to show my Norwegian perspective in China. And I would like to see the Chinese perspective on Norway." For him, the world is a single market — an aspect of China-Norway relations that goes beyond trade statistics. Cultural, artistic and people-to-people exchanges also help foster greater mutual understanding between the two peoples.

The interest shown by these entrepreneurs and creators comes at a time when relations between Beijing and Oslo are gaining new momentum. The two countries have maintained diplomatic relations for more than seven decades and have gradually developed commercial and institutional ties across a wide range of sectors.

Through green technology companies, maritime specialists, healthcare and nutrition businesses, as well as artists and creators, Norway is presenting Beijing with an image that extends well beyond that of a mere salmon exporter.

For Kristoffersen, the outlook is clearly positive. He summed up China-Norway relations in three words: "opportunities, cooperation and growth."

Visitors at the 2026 China International Fair for Trade in Services view Norwegian products on display. (People's Daily Online/Xie Ying)