International expansion and exports to China

China as a market

The Chinese authorities aim to strengthen the service sector and modernise the country's industries. At the same time, they are taking climate and environmental threats seriously and investing heavily in environmental measures and renewable energy. This transition creates significant export opportunities in energy, environmental technology, smart cities, the maritime sector, the bioeconomy and aquaculture.

China is a dynamic market where change happens quickly, and it is easy to make mistakes. If you want to succeed here, you need to take a long-term approach and invest enough time, money and personal presence. Strong relationships with business partners and public authorities are essential. Navigating bureaucracy and regulatory requirements can be challenging, but legislation and conditions for foreign companies are improving in many ways. Read our tips for exporting to China.

China's urban middle class is a key driver of the country's economic growth and development. They are young and have strong purchasing power, but are also highly price-conscious. They also value health and a healthy lifestyle. Nordic goods and services, such as furniture, health food products, clean food, leisure activities, clothing and products for young children, align well with their preferences.

Read our report: Norway China Business Report 2024

Our presence in China

We help companies explore opportunities in the Chinese market. Our experienced team offers knowledge and contacts you can rely on. As Norway's official representative, we open doors for Norwegian businesses and exports to China.

Get in touch with us to discuss the opportunities available to your company in China.

Opportunities for Norwegian companies in China

Shipping and green technology

Norwegian companies in the maritime and offshore industries have many opportunities to gain a foothold in the Asian market. The traditional shipbuilding industry is moving to countries that can offer low construction costs, effective systems integration and cost-efficient engineering services combined with affordable financing. China has a significant need for clean energy and technologies that can reduce pollution. Solutions include lighter marine fuel oil for ship engines, as well as battery and hybrid technology for ferries and vessels operating on rivers and in ports.

Seafood and aquaculture

As China's economy and average income grow, quality of life and food safety are receiving greater attention. This trend creates opportunities for Norwegian companies to export more seafood and marine bioproducts to the Chinese market. At the same time, China is modernising its domestic aquaculture industry, and Norway's strong reputation in the sector makes us an attractive exporter of technology, equipment and services. Read more about the specific services and products the industry needs in this article.

Renewable energy

As the world's largest energy consumer, China also tops the emissions rankings. The country's transition to renewable energy is therefore crucial to achieving the goals of the Paris Agreement. Measures include increasing the share of renewables in China's energy mix to 15 per cent by 2020 and 20 per cent by 2030, making wind power generation competitive with local coal-fired power, and bringing the cost of solar power generation in line with local grid prices. Since 2019, all offshore projects have been put out to tender. This gives Norwegian companies the opportunity to compete for major offshore wind projects. China sees future opportunities in wind power, solar panels and solar energy, energy efficiency and electric vehicles.

Alongside its high energy consumption, China also faces challenges from air, water and soil pollution. This creates many opportunities in areas such as restoring water reservoirs, reducing industrial emissions, remediating agricultural land, gas extraction and more.

Health and medtech

China's medtech industry is growing and is set to become the world's second largest after the US. China is becoming an ageing society, with 241 million people aged over 60 in 2018. The three main segments of China's medtech industry are medical imaging systems, in vitro diagnostic (IVD) medical devices and high-value medical consumables. Other priority areas include biomedical materials, medical robotics, cancer treatment, remote healthcare systems, artificial intelligence in medical treatment and smart healthcare. Norway has extensive experience in medtech and elderly care. China's healthcare needs offer a range of opportunities for Norwegian medtech and healthcare suppliers.

Smart cities

In recent years, the Chinese government has encouraged the development of green, smart cities to address environmental concerns despite the rapid pace of urban development. This creates many opportunities for Norwegian stakeholders to contribute relevant experience, knowledge and technology in ICT, green buildings, urban planning, smart energy, water, waste, infrastructure and more.

Tourism

China is one of the world's fastest-growing outbound tourism markets. Thanks to rapid urbanisation, rising incomes and the easing of restrictions on international travel, the number of Chinese visitors to Norway rose by an impressive 856 per cent between 2008 and 2018. Many Chinese travellers see Norway and Scandinavia as their ideal destination. They associate Norway with beautiful scenery, good infrastructure, clean air, peace and relaxation. We are seeing a growing proportion of young Chinese people travelling to Norway. They are fascinated by the Norwegian and Scandinavian way of life, which many newly established Chinese families aspire to adopt. For more information, see Visit Norway's Market Insights: China

Creative industries

Demand for creative services and cultural products is growing in China. China's expanding urban middle class is style-conscious and has strong purchasing power, with an increasing focus on a healthy, natural lifestyle. Scandinavian design resonates well in this market, and we are seeing growing demand for high-quality furniture and design products across the residential, restaurant and hotel sectors. As a driving force in the cultural and creative industries, Norway is well placed to succeed in China, and we are ready to help companies interested in exploring these opportunities. For more information about opportunities for the creative industries in China, get in touch with one of our advisers.