Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Store touted his country's salmon farms in a retail outlet in Shanghai on Tuesday, indicating that Norway's seafood industry sees increasing opportunities in China.
The Chinese market has emerged as the world's leading market for Atlantic salmon, for which Norway accounts for more than half of global production.
Store is currently making an official visit to China from Sept. 9 to 11 in honor of the two countries' 70th anniversary of diplomatic ties. He left Beijing and arrived in China's financial hub Shanghai by high-speed rail at Tuesday night.
His first stop in Shanghai was a retail outlet for Norwegian seafood where he attended an event to promote Norwegian salmon.
In 2023, Norwegian seafood exports to China reached 160,000 tons. China accounted for 13 percent of its total exports. This market share, as the prime minister promised, will only grow larger just as it has around the world.
"Year by year, more and more countries, more and more continents. And now, seriously coming to the Chinese market," he said at the event.
China is Norway's largest trading partner in Asia. In term of seafood exports, it is the second largest destination for Norway, only after the European Union. Supporting the Norwegian Seafood Council as the first stop in Shanghai for the prime minister shows the country's commitment to further opening the market.
Prime Minister Store will give a speech at Fudan University in Shanghai on Wednesday.
He will also pay a visit to a shipyard in Nantong, east China's Jiangsu province, where Norwegian and Chinese suppliers are building one of the most environmentally friendly ships of the time to date.
Norwegian PM hopes to hook bigger market for Atlantic salmon in China
Norwegian PM hopes to hook bigger market for Atlantic salmon in China
Giant pandas at the Chongqing Zoo in southwest China celebrated the human beings' Mid-Autumn Festival with a gourmet treat as the furry animals eagerly gathered around to savor a special meal of fresh bamboo shoots made in the style of the festive pastry of mooncakes for human beings.
Fresh bamboo shoots from the Jinfo Mountain in Chongqing, a seasonal delicacy known as "square bamboo shoots," have made their way into the festive menu of the zoo's 23 resident giant pandas.
In one delightful scene, four adorable pandas -- Shuangshuang, Chongchong, Xixi and Qingqing -- gathered around a wooden table, each absorbed in peeling and devouring fresh bamboo shoots.
The giant pandas, with some sitting comfortably on small chairs, others lying leisurely on the ground, were busy peeling the bamboo shoots with ease and munching on the crisp and tender flesh.
In another playful moment, a giant panda waddled with excitement toward a bunch of bamboo shoots laid out on a swing. After reaching its prize, the panda flopped down on the ground, enjoying its treat with satisfaction. Soon, another panda approached, initially sitting on the ground to enjoy the bamboo shoots before climbing onto the swing to continue its feast.
Their fluffy faces, along with their playful behaviors, captivated the visitors.
"The giant pandas look so adorable when they are eating the bamboo shoots," said a visitor.
"These bamboo shoots provide a valuable source of energy and nutrition for giant pandas. And the square bamboo shoots are one of their favorite treats," said Yin Yanqiang, head keeper of giant pandas at Chongqing Zoo.
The Jinfo Mountain bamboo shoots are at their freshest during this time of the year, and the giant pandas, living in the mountainous city of Chongqing, are perfectly positioned to enjoy this seasonal gift from nature.
Giant pandas at Chongqing Zoo celebrate festival with gourmet treat
