Norway signs deal to help resume salmon exports to China

Norway moved closer to resuming its exports of farmed salmon to China on Tuesday after the two countries signed an agreement on the topic, Norway's Fisheries Ministry said on Tuesday.

The exports have largely been blocked since the 2010 award of the Nobel Peace Prize to Chinese dissident Liu Xiaobo. A deal had been expected after the two countries late last year resumed full diplomatic relations.

"I have hopes that this agreement will allow the resumption of salmon exports to China," Norwegian Fisheries Minister Per Sandberg said.

Norway is the world's largest producer of farmed salmon, and the deal with China opens a large market to companies such as Marine Harvest, Salmar, Leroey, Norway Royal Salmon and Grieg Seafood.