Overview: A New Hotspot in Wuhan
The 2025 China-Nordic Economic and Trade Forum is approaching, with the event set to be held in Wuhan, Hubei. This year’s edition introduces Denmark as the host nation, underscoring the deepening ties between China and Nordic countries. Since its inception in 2018, the forum has established itself as the national platform dedicated to sustained Sino-Nordic economic cooperation, delivering six successful rounds and expanding regional exchanges, notably for Hubei’s engagement with European partners.
Nordic-Chinese Cooperation at the Forefront of Europe-Asia Trade
Officials describe the China-Nordic forum as a robust bridge for trade, investment, and innovation. The relationship with Nordic countries has long been characterized by shared values and complementary strengths. Historically, Sweden, Denmark, and Finland were among the earliest Western nations to establish official ties with China. The forum emphasizes how Nordic economies have continued to push forward, with China and the Nordics advancing in balanced trade and high-end investment projects. In recent years, bilateral flows have diversified toward high value-added goods and green technologies.
Trade Momentum and structural Upgrades
Recent figures show a strong bilateral trajectory. In 2024, trade between China and the five Nordic countries reached about $53.17 billion, up 8.5% year on year. In the first eight months of 2025, the total stood at roughly $37.96 billion, up 7.1% from the same period a year earlier. The mix increasingly features high-value products, including pharmaceuticals, precision machinery, electrical machinery, and vehicles, signaling a gradual shift in the trade structure toward quality and efficiency. The Nordic partners continue to expand their export sophistication to China while seeking China’s vast market for manufacturing, R&D, and services.
Investment Flows: Nordic Confidence in China’s Growth
Nordic companies have demonstrated sustained confidence in China’s development prospects. Cumulative direct investment from the Nordic region in China exceeds $150 billion, with Sweden and Denmark each contributing more than $50 billion. These investments are anchored in long-term positioning, as Nordic firms view China as a strategic center for production, distribution, and innovation across automotive, machinery, maritime, and forest products chains. The trend reflects a broader Nordic belief in China’s large-scale consumer market and its evolving ecosystem for high-end manufacturing and technology.
EVs and Batteries: A New Pinnacle of Cooperation
The forum highlights the electric vehicle and battery sectors as a focal point of China-Nordic collaboration. Nordic countries are well known for leading the global green transition, and their high EV penetration mirrors China’s rapid advancement in new energy vehicles. Chinese automakers and battery producers have found receptive markets in Nordic nations, while Chinese battery players are increasingly eyeing Europe through Nordic gateways. Nordic firms are also expanding their footprint in China, turning the region into a crucial hub for the continent’s automotive and energy supply chains. Officials note that green technology collaboration in areas such as battery production, charging infrastructure, and sustainable mobility is poised to accelerate under the forum’s framework.
Three Engines of Potential: Green, Innovation, and Quality
During the proceedings, leaders summarize three core keywords for the China-Nordic partnership: green, innovation, and quality.
Green remains the defining color of the bilateral agenda. Both sides emphasize sustainable development, shared climate commitments, and the use of green finance tools to unlock cross-border projects in green trade, green transport, and sustainable agriculture. Recent high-level dialogues and formal green frameworks demonstrate a joint determination to deepen cooperation beyond rhetoric into tangible environmental benefits.
Innovation is the bedrock of Nordic strength and China’s push toward high-end production, intelligent manufacturing, and green transformation. The Nordic countries rank among the world’s top innovators, and China is accelerating its own innovation-driven growth. The China-Nordic forum aims to expand collaboration in digital economy, information technology, artificial intelligence, and biotech, helping to nurture new growth drivers across the two regions.
Quality reflects consumer demand in China as living standards rise. Nordic brands—ranging from mechanical and electrical equipment to high-end consumer goods and design-forward products—are highly valued in China for their reliability, safety, and aesthetics. The forum envisions a stronger push to bring Nordic foods, fashion, furniture, and home electronics into Chinese households through improved import channels and stronger brand presence at major trade events.
Looking Ahead: Expanding Markets and Exhibitions
Beyond the negotiating table, the forum signals ongoing engagement with China’s leading trade platforms. Nordic participants are invited to participate actively in major expos such as the China International Import Expo (CIIE), consumer exhibitions, and investment and trade fairs. These events will help bring Nordic products—ranging from Nordic berries and salmon to distinctive foods and home goods—closer to Chinese consumers who increasingly seek high-quality, diverse options for a better life.
Conclusion: A Bright Path for China-Nordic Cooperation
With Denmark as the host nation and a broad agenda spanning green finance, collaborative innovation, and high-quality production, the 2025 China-Nordic Economic Forum in Wuhan is poised to deepen economic ties, accelerate the EV and battery supply chain, and broaden Sino-Nordic partnerships across industry and culture. The forum’s success underscores a shared ambition: to harness green, innovative, and quality-driven growth for mutual benefit, now and in the years ahead.
