Life of Guangzhou - Norway to Open Consulate General in Guangzhou

Mr. Erik Solheim

The Norwegian Minister of the Environment and International Development, Mr. Erik Solheim, will visit Guangzhou July 3 to meet with political leaders and mark that Norway is opening a Consulate General in Guangzhou.

During his visit, Mr. Solheim will meet with the Party Secretary of Guangdong, Mr. Wang Yang, the Governor of Guangdong, Mr. Huang Huahua, and other senior representatives of Guangdong, Fujian, Hainan and Guangxi provinces, to discuss what Norway has to offer South China within trade, technology, research and culture.

“Norway and China are old friends, having had diplomatic relations for 54 years, and the contact between our countries has grown tremendously. I am very happy that we can add the Consulate General in Guangzhou to our diplomatic missions in Beijing and Shanghai. The South is a very important part of China, economically, historically and culturally”, says Minister of the Environment and International Development, Mr. Solheim.

“Norway and Norwegian technology can help fulfilling South China’s ambition to develop further in a sustainable way”, says the new Consul General of Norway, Mr. Tormod C. Endresen. “Norway offers world-leading technology within the maritime, environmental and energy sectors, sectors of significant importance to Guangdong and the neighbouring provinces in the years ahead. There is also a very interesting potential for enhanced co-operation in education, research, culture and tourism”, adds the Consul General.

Apart from official meetings, Mr. Solheim also wishes to meet with young people of South China, to learn about their vision for their future. Being fond of running, Mr. Solheim will meet a group of students from Zhongshan University and South China Technology University for a morning run around the Tian He Sports Stadium at 8:00 July 3.

The Consulate General will be formally opened during a ceremony at Westin Hotel from 12:00 to 14:00 July 3. The ceremony will mark the strengthening of relations between Norway and South China and provide a taste of Norway in the form of contemporary art, technology and Norwegian seafood.