Norway-the land of forests, fjords and breathtaking mountain ranges-will showcase its natural advantages and energy use at the World Expo 2010.

The northwest European country will share its experiences in resources and energy conservation under the theme, "Norway: Powered by Nature," Oyvind Slaake, vice minister of Norway's Trade and Industry, said. Slaake signed a participation contract with the Shanghai Expo organizers yesterday.

Most Norwegian cities are close to the sea, forests or mountains.

"The Expo capsules will highlight how we invite nature into our cities and use it to improve our quality of life," said Philip Lote, communication director of Norway's Expo project.

The vice minister said the Norway Pavilion at the Expo will highlight the country's engagement with environmentally friendly energy use.

The pavilion will be made of wood and bamboo with 15 model "trees."

"The trees will represent Norway's varied landscapes," said Arild Blixrud, acting commissioner general of Norway at the Expo.

The prefabricated laminated wooden building kits will be assembled on the site.

The pavilion will also be equipped with a Fjord Restaurant that will serve Norwegian cuisine and a business center for conferences and forums, the commissioner general said.

The Norwegian government wants to keep the 15 "trees" in China after the Expo as a "symbol of the friendly relations between the two countries," Blixrud added. The "trees" could be split and moved to different parts of China, or relocated in their entirety, Blixrud told Shanghai Daily.

The pavilion will cost 150 million Norwegian kroner (US$22.8 million) to build, half of it provided by the Norwegian government and the other half by private enterprises, Blixrud said.

(Shanghai Daily October 17, 2008)