CG Guangzhou Newsletter October 09

Dear all,

The rebound of the Chinese economy the last quarter has been remarkable, contributing in no small way to the brighter prospects for the world economy. This means a lot to Norway, whose economy is closely interdependent with that of China. At the same time, there is a certain amount of scepticism related to imbalances that may arise from stimulus-driven investments. One thing is clear; China will come out of the financial crisis with a larger share of the world's financial and political influence. That makes it all the more important for us to keep positioning Norway as a relevant partner for China, and to encourage China to use its strength in ways conducive to our interests.

Many of Norway's successes in China come as a result of highly specialised Norwegian competence and technology. At this time, I would like to mention Leonhard Nilsen & Sønner AS (LNS), which in partnership with Leighton Asia, has been awarded a contract to build a sewage tunnel from Aberdeen to Sai Ying Pun in Hong Kong. The tunnel will be 7, 5 km. long, partly under the seabed. As a result, the Hong Kong harbour will become cleaner!

Another success story came to an end in July, when Statoilhydro's and CNOOC's operation at the Lufeng oilfield in the South China Sea ceased after 12 years. The Lufeng operation has been an excellent example of a Sino-Norwegian industrial partnership. Let us tell about these partnerships to promote new ones, in offshore oil and gas exploration and other sectors where Norway offers world leading technology!

I would like to congratulate the Norwegian Chamber of Commerce in Hong Kong with its 25 year anniversary. The NCC remains a mainstay for Norwegian interests in Hong Kong, and I am impressed with all the voluntary effort that goes into keeping it that way. Ambassador Saether and I are looking much forward to take part in the activities planned by NCC and our Hong Kong Consulate for 6 to 8 November. 

I also very much welcome efforts by devoted individuals in Guangzhou to consolidate the small, but growing Norwegian community through a local Klubb Norge and forum pages for business in South China. For our part, we will promote Norway in Guangzhou through the first ever Norwegian cultural days in Guangzhou late November, showcasing our EXPO 2010 pavilion, Norwegian movies and impressions from the High North.

Last, but not least - I look forward to seeing many of you for our Christmas dinner December 5! 

Tormod C. Endresen

NOTCH09
	From the 24th of October to the end of November 2009, NOTCH 09’ will provide a comprehensive program of futuristic audio-visual performances, design and architecture exhibitions from both Nordic countries and China.Read more >

The Core jazz up Guangzhou
	To the core of Guangzhou.Read more >

Norwegian Cultural Days in Guangzhou
	From 19 to 22 November, we put Norway on the map in Guangzhou.Read more >

Julemiddag i Guangzhou - du er invitert!
	Lørdag 5. desember inviterer vi alle nordmenn i Sør-Kina på julemiddag hjemme hos generalkonsulen. Read more >