World EXPO 2010: Official dinner in Shanghai

Excellencies,
Distinguished guests,
Ladies and gentlemen,
 

晚上好！
(Good evening)

It is a great pleasure for me to be here in Shanghai on the occasion of Norway Day at the World EXPO 2010.

China impressed the world during the Beijing Olympics in 2008. From what I have heard, the Chinese people has once again presented to the world an unforgettable event. I am very much looking forward to visiting the EXPO area tomorrow.

Shanghai has been the centre of Norwegian commercial activities in China since the 19th century, and it is here the majority of Norwegian companies in China are based today. Norway’s first diplomatic mission in China was our Consulate General in Shanghai, which opened right after our independence in 1906. And today, our Norwegian community in Shanghai is once again our largest in East Asia.

China has chosen to raise a pertinent question at Expo 2010. How can we create better lives for people living in cities?

For us Norwegians, nature is a source of inspiration, recreation and clean energy, and I am sure that many Chinese share this view. Norway has chosen “Powered by Nature” as its slogan to address the EXPO theme “Better cities, better life”. Most Norwegians, including those living in cities, enjoy spending time outdoors. The weather can be harsh in Norway, but we have learned to appreciate the extremes – and the beauty in the often unpredictable variety of weather.

In the Norwegian pavilion, Norwegian and Chinese traditions have been brought together – through the use of timber and bamboo. I hope this will inspire others to find new and innovative ways of using sustainable building materials.

Norway and China has found common ground within a wide range of areas. Many of you present here this evening have established extensive business relations with trusted partners. China is an important trading partner for Norway, and both our economies have strong potential for development through our respective skills, knowledge and resources. Doing business together enables us not only to exchange goods and ideas, but also understand and respect each other. Such contact is crucial for a prosperous and peaceful world.

I am very happy to be here this evening. I am confident that the World EXPO in Shanghai will further deepen the friendly relations between our two countries, to the benefit of us all.

谢谢。
(Thank you)