Meeting with Consul General of Royal Norwegian Consulate General Guangzhou

2023-07-31 | South China

On 31st July, the European Chamber South China Board Chair Mr Klaus Zenkel met Consul General Ms Hege Araldsen and Senior Adviser Mr Gary Gao from the Royal Norwegian Consulate General Guangzhou.

Mr Zenkel provided an overview of the European Business in China Business Confidence Survey 2023, revealing a significant decline in business sentiment. However, a majority of South China members expressed willingness to expand current business activities in the region. He also introduced the upcoming 2023/2024 European Business in China Position Paper. In regard to carbon neutrality, he highlighted the potential for European businesses to aid China in achieving carbon emissions peak by 2030 and carbon neutrality by 2060.

Ms Araldsen expressed gratitude for the visit and shared insights about the Norwegian Business in China Report, revealing that only 6% of companies based in China plan to reduce investments in 2023. She also noted potential business opportunities such as the green shift, decarbonisation and alternative fuels, and energy utilisation optimisation.

Both organisations agreed to continue business information exchange and cooperation for the benefit of the European business community in South China.