Norway won't impose sanctions on Chinese cars: PM

Norway will not impose sanctions on Chinese electric vehicles, and is eyeing further cooperation with China in areas of common interest such as shipping, seafood and green transition, said Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Store on Wednesday in Shanghai.

Store made the remarks as he concluded a three-day official visit to China in connection with the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between the two countries.

"Norway has no car production. We are not a member of the European Union, so we don't have a common trade policy and will not impose sanctions unilaterally in this regard," he said.

Norway is aiming to become the world's first country to end the sale of new gasoline and diesel cars by 2025. The Norwegian market has seen a rapid increase in the number of Chinese EVs, which have made a notable contribution to the country's green efforts.

According to the sales database of the Norwegian Road Federation, Chinese brands, including Volvo, increased their EV market share from 14 percent in 2023 to 23 percent in August this year.

Green transition is an area in which both countries share a common interest. On Tuesday, Store first visited Beijing and signed a joint statement with Chinese Premier Li Qiang to establish a dialogue on green transition.

"My visit to Beijing confirmed with the Chinese leadership that Norway and China (as two nations), different in size and geographic locations, see strategic opportunities to work together in areas of common interest. We can do more in trade cooperation, especially in the maritime area," he said, noting he has seen China more "confident, relaxed and open" during this visit.

China is a critical market for the Norwegian maritime industry, with about one-third of Norwegian companies present in China in the sector. China is also the world's largest shipbuilding country, where 55 ships are being built for Norway.

Largest carrier

Earlier on Wednesday, Store visited a shipyard in Nantong, Jiangsu province, where he attended the naming ceremony of one of the most environmentally friendly car carriers, which has been built jointly by Norway and China. Hoegh Borealis, which was delivered on the occasion, can carry 9,100 cars, and is the largest car carrier in the world.

Tomra, a Norwegian recycling solutions provider, which has been present in China for 14 years, expressed optimism over the outlook of the country's circular economy as well as the prime minister's visit.

Store's visit has been fruitful and sent positive signals, said Jet Chang, vice-president of public affairs at Tomra Asia.

"As Norway gains 15-day visa-free access to China, it would be much easier for senior business management to make a visit and communicate with the people here. The business section on both sides can expect positive and further bilateral cooperation," he said.

Chang spoke highly of the two nations' joint statement on green transition, which highlighted the development of the circular economy.

"We have seen steady and continuous growth of our business in China with the nation's improving business environment and particularly its efforts in garbage classification in recent years. We are very pleased to see the joint statement, which would benefit us a lot," said Chang.

Chang pointed out that developing a circular economy can better secure resources, reduce carbon emissions and environmental risks, as well as provide opportunities for investment and economic development.