Norwegian business leaders and analysts are urging for closer green cooperation between China and Europe, emphasizing its crucial role in tackling global climate challenges and boosting economic recovery. They highlight the need for deeper dialogue and practical collaboration in sectors such as climate governance, green shipping, and digital innovation.
Amid mounting environmental concerns, China and Europe are advancing their partnership on sustainable development and green transition, contributing to the momentum toward the United Nations’ 2030 Sustainable Development Goals. This collaboration is evident in joint initiatives on clean energy deployment, technological innovation, and infrastructure development.
Carl Fey, a professor of strategy at BI Norwegian Business School, stated that China and the European Union share broad common interests in climate governance, green transition, and digital development. He believes that both sides can strongly complement each other. “Both Europe and China want a peaceful and open world,” Fey said. “Specialization and collaboration are the best ways to push technology forward.”
Fey pointed out that Norway’s expertise in offshore platforms and carbon capture, combined with China’s leadership in wind energy and shipbuilding, presents significant opportunities for cooperation. Building mutual trust and advancing agreements like the China-EU Comprehensive Agreement on Investment would further unlock cooperation potential, he added.
Erik Solheim, former United Nations under-secretary-general, emphasized that China and Europe should lead in building a rules-based international order that benefits all. “There is much more that unites us than divides us,” Solheim said. “Europe should welcome more Chinese green investments in areas such as electric batteries, electric vehicles, solar and wind energy. When business interests diverge, mutual openness should come first, not protectionism.”
Knut Arild Hareide, CEO of the Norwegian Shipowners’ Association, highlighted the critical role shipping plays in globalization and sustainable development. He warned against rising geopolitical tensions and protectionist trends. “Chinese shipyards are producing some of the world’s most advanced vessels today. Our members greatly value this collaboration,” Hareide said.
Norwegian business leaders also praised China’s leadership in green shipping innovation. Sidsel Norvik, director of Nor-Shipping, one of the world’s premier maritime trade fairs, said, “It is extremely inspiring to see new initiatives from China in areas such as wind-assisted propulsion, carbon capture, battery hybridization, and digitalization.”
Cristina Saenz de Santa Maria, chief operating officer of DNV Maritime, stressed that achieving net-zero emissions in shipping by 2050 is a global goal requiring close international cooperation. “China is a global leader in shipbuilding and will be a critical partner in this transition,” she said.
Tronstad Sagebakken, state secretary at Norway’s Ministry of Trade, Industry and Fisheries, emphasized the longstanding cooperation between China and Norway in ocean industries and green transition. “If we are to solve the big challenges of our time and accelerate the green transition, we need to work together,” Sagebakken said. “Norwegian experience in green shipping, combined with strong Chinese industry players, makes for a fruitful partnership.”
