A message from Consul General Lise Nordgaard

Dear fellow Norwegians and friends of Norway - we are soon halfway into the year. Looking back at the first half of 2021, I am pleased to say that it has been a year full of activities for the Consulate General in Shanghai. I have also had the chance to get to know several Norwegians and Norwegian businesses in Shanghai, as well during my first visit to Jiangsu in April. I look very much forward to meeting more Norwegians in the other provinces of Eastern China.

With the Covid-19 pandemic under control in China, the Consulate General was able to organize a 17 May National Day reception for more than 300 guests, organized together with Norwegian Seafood Council, Norwegian Business Association, and Innovation Norway. A traditional National Day for the Norwegian community in Shanghai hosted by by Klubb Norge, with children’s parade, speeches, and ice cream, was also possible. You can read more about these events, and find photos and videos of the highlights, in the newsletter below. 

As we enter the summer months, many of us normally go to Norway for holiday to see family and friends. The Covid-19 situation has made travelling complicated. I will encourage all of you to closely follow regulations issued by Chinese and Norwegian authorities.

The Chinese word for crisis, wēijī, is composed by the two characters danger (wēi) and opportunity (jī), Perhaps staying in China this summer can provide some opportunities in the midst of a challenging global situation. Such as a walk in the Zhujiajiao Water Town in the outskirts of Shanghai, checking the water temperature in Hainan or hiking the Huangshan mountain in Anhui.

Whether you will stay in China or go to Norway for the upcoming summer break, I wish everyone a great summer and look forward to continuing and strengthen the cooperation with you all in the months to come.

Finally on a more personal note, it has been a true pleasure to get to know so many active and positive Norwegians and friends of Norway since moving here in January. My family and I find life in Shanghai very interesting and look forward to exploring more of the city and the surrounding provinces.

With kind regards
Lise Nordgaard