CCG hosts ambassador roundtable on common prosperity and the Nordic Model

【English】

【Chinese】

In the light of a worsening economy and an ever changing geopolitical environment, countries facing a constantly changing level of stability in globalization. Nordic countries such as Norway, Sweden, Denmark, Iceland and Finland are known for their extensive social programs, fair distribution systems, and transparent political environment.

On June 7, 2023, CCG hosted a roundtable discussion with Nordic ambassadors in its Beijing headquarters, which focused on the topic of ‘Paths Toward Common Prosperity: The Nordic Model And Beyond’.  The event focused on promoting bilateral communications between China and Nordic countries, focusing on social governance experience. The event was opened by CCG President Wang Huiyao.

H.E. Signe Brudeset, ambassador of Norway to China, H.E. Helena Sångeland, ambassador of Sweden to China, H.E.Thomas Østrup Møller, ambassador of Denmark to China, H.E. Thorir Ibsen, ambassador of Iceland to China, H.E. Leena-Kaisa Mikkola, ambassador of Finland to China, along with Ma Keqing, Executive Vice President of the Pacific Economic Cooperation Council made keynote speeches and participated in a roundtable discussion with fellow distinguished guests.

Guests attending the round-table discussion included Zhao Hongtao, Deputy Director of the North American, Oceania and Nordic Affairs Bureau of the International Liaison Department, Zhang Lirong, Secretary-General of the China Forum of the Tsinghua University Center for International Security and Strategic Studies, Li Xiaoyun, Senior Chair of Liberal Arts at China Agricultural University, Honorary Dean of the School of International Development and Global Agriculture, Mabel Miao, Secretary-General of CCG, Liu Hong, Deputy Director and Senior Research Fellow of CCG, Wang Zichen, Director of International Communication, and Fransesco Sisci, Senior Research Fellow of China Renmin University. Gao Zhikai, deputy director of CCG, presided over the round table.

Dr. Wang Huiyao’s welcome speech emphasized that in an era of changing globalization, countries around the world are facing severe social and economic challenges, and inequality is increasing. The Nordic Model is characterized by social equality, innovation and eco-friendly development, which has enabled Nordic countries to achieve long-term growth and prosperity. Wang Huiyao spoke highly of the government-led social security system in Nordic countries, and emphasized that China should give full play to the advantages of China’s social security system and work toward its goal of common prosperity for all people.

The ambassadors each spoke on topics such as the development models used in Nordic countries, taxation, education and population policies, and how to ensure social equality.

H.E. Signe Brudeset, ambassador of Norway to China said that in managing its economy, Norway promotes fair distribution through its tax system, and also subsidizes public programs with income from energy resources. At the same time, Norway uses a mixed ownership system in its economy, with both private enterprises and state-owned enterprises, all of which operate independently according to the rules of market economy.

H.E. Helena Sångeland, ambassador of Sweden to China highlighted the country’s population policy, noting that since the 1970s, Sweden has implemented a series of reforms in view of its current population situation, with key measures including encouraging the employment of women, providing more effective paid parental leave for parents, providing child health and parenting subsidies, and attracting immigrants. These policies ensure that Sweden’s population maintains a relatively reasonable growth rate.

H.E. Thomas Østrup Møller, ambassador of Denmark to China shared his insights on the mutual trust among Nordic countries, pointing out that these five countries are consistent in terms of their fair distribution, open and transparent policies, and citizens’ participation in public affairs, thus building a society with a high level of mutual trust.

H.E. Thorir Ibsen, ambassador of Iceland to China reiterated to Ambassador Thomas Ø strup Møller’s speech, he said that the five countries have taken very practical and positive measures in national governance to solve the challenges faced in different development periods.

H.E. Leena-Kaisa Mikkola, ambassador of Finland to China spoke on measures taken by China in education since its independence from foreign control, especially implementation of compulsory education.

During the following discussion, participants continued to discuss topics such as the development of social welfare systems, taxation, medical care and education equity. All agreed that in the process of improving standards of living and promoting equality, key factors are include tax policies, social security, market economy reform, population issues, government transparency, and the popularization of compulsory education, which can be leveraged to achieve common prosperity.