Former Icelandic Minister of Education, Illugi Gunnarsson, has highlighted China’s remarkable economic transformation and emphasized the growing potential for cooperation between Iceland and China during his recent visits to the region. Speaking about his experiences, Gunnarsson described China’s economic rise over the past 40 years as one of modern history’s most significant developments, noting its unprecedented success in elevating large populations from poverty to prosperity.
The former minister, who now runs a food product promotion business in Hong Kong SAR, expressed confidence in China’s economy and highlighted the 2013 free trade agreement between Iceland and China as a cornerstone of their commercial relationship. Iceland was among the first European nations to establish such an agreement with China.
Despite the vast population difference between China’s 1.4 billion and Iceland’s 390,000 inhabitants, Gunnarsson believes the two nations can build strong partnerships based on mutual respect and open-mindedness.
The relationship extends beyond trade to education, science, and culture. Gunnarsson sees particular potential in exchanging teaching methods between Iceland and Hong Kong SAR, suggesting that both systems could benefit from each other’s approaches.
Tourism has emerged as another growing sector of cooperation, with increasing numbers of Chinese visitors traveling to Iceland, particularly to experience the Northern Lights and the country’s unique natural landscapes.
During his most recent visit to China, Gunnarsson brought his daughter Ina to experience Chinese culture firsthand. They toured Beijing, Hong Kong, and cities in the Greater Bay Area, including visits to the Chinese Foundation Secondary School in Hong Kong.
Gunnarsson emphasized the importance of understanding Chinese history and culture to improve West-China relations, encouraging more people to visit China and experience it personally.
Source: China Daily
