In March, Are Tomasgard, Second Deputy Leader of the Norwegian Confederation of Trade Unions (LO), visited SASS. Professor Gan Chunhui, Executive Vice President, met with the delegation to discuss the digital economy, new forms of employment in the digital age, and institutional cooperation.
Professor Gan noted that in recent years, emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence, biomanufacturing and quantum information, have become key engines of China’s high-quality economic and social development. These technologies are reshaping the country’s industrial structure and labour market while also creating new uncertainties for economic development and employment. In the long run, he said, technological progress and the advancement of intelligent technologies will hold tremendous potential and deserve close attention. He expressed the hope that both sides would strengthen exchanges, deepen dialogue and cooperation on the practical challenges posed by emerging technologies, and jointly explore effective ways to navigate the opportunities and challenges they present.
Mr. Tomasgard remarked that trade union relations between Norway and China have a long history. Since the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding in 1996, the two sides have treated one another with mutual respect and developed broad consensus on a wide range of areas. He observed that rapid technological change is profoundly reshaping industrial structures and labour markets, creating opportunities while also bringing uncertainty. He added that the rapid development of the Chinese economy and the way Chinese trade unions have adapted to the changes offer valuable experience for Norway. He expressed his hope of strengthening exchanges and cooperation with SASS to jointly explore effective approaches to safeguarding workers’ rights and interests in the context of technological transformation.
Mr. Zhao Deguan, Vice Chairman of the Shanghai Federation of Trade Unions (SFTU), briefed the delegation on Shanghai’s economic and social development, particularly the recent developments of SFTU. He pointed out that Shanghai is the cradle of the Chinese labour movement and the birthplace of the Communist Party of China, with a rich history of the revolutionary labour movement. He expressed the hope that this visit would serve as an opportunity to further strengthen exchanges between the two sides and jointly promote trade union development in both places.
During the thematic seminar, Professor Zhan Yubo, Deputy Director of the Institute of Economics at SASS, gave a presentation on labour relations and regulatory frameworks in China’s emerging business models, whilst Professor Li Jinfeng from the Institute of Politics and Public Administration shared his research findings on socio-economic development in the digital age.
