A large Norwegian business delegation, led by the Norwegian Minister of Trade and Industry, Mr. Trond Giske, visited Shanghai to partake in the launch of the Norwegian Expo uniforms and semi-launch of the food that will be served in the Norwegian Pavilion. Local businesses, industries and friends of Norway were among the guests to what one could call a "Norwegian Night" through and through.
"That was a 100 % success for both the food and the Norwegian uniforms," said an excited Trond Giske after the presentation and launching of the uniforms.
Success
Fursetgruppen, who will run the restaurant in the Norwegian Pavilion, prepared a delicious meal with features from the food which will be served during the actual Expo period. The food was popular among the guests and well received by the audience.
The two Norwegian Expo designers, Wenche Lycke and Johan Rye-Holmboe, also made a great impression with their collection +47.
Dialogue and communication through +47
The Norwegian uniforms, ranging from guide uniforms to representation clothes, were launched to a big gathering of Chinese press. The collection is named after the Norwegian country code, +47, symbolizing a wish and hope for more dialogue and communication between Norway and China. The designers found inspiration in the Norwegian traditional mountain anorak and used red as the main colour.
"In China, the colour red represents happiness. We hope that the name and choice of colour will create more interests and dialogues between the two countries," said Lycke and Rye-Holmboe.
During the fashion event, the Chinese audience was introduced to the Norwegian mountain rules, which most people found most amusing. All in all, the + 47 concept led to great excitement among the audience.
"I give the designers full credit for their work. They have designed some impressive uniforms from a solid concept," Giske concluded.
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Strengthening relations
Trond Giske emphasized the importance of the Chinese market and that China is an increasingly important trade partner for Norway during his three-day official trip to Shanghai and Beijing.
"China is becoming a more and more important trade partner for Norway. Our participation in Expo 2010, Shanghai is a part of the Norwegian Government’s long-term commitment to China," he said.