Trade going 'from strength to strength'

Over his 29-year career, 19 years have been spent in China.

Nineteen years in another country is by no means a short stay, said Tom Behrens-Sorensen, chairman of Danish Chamber of Commerce in China (DCCC). Fifty-eight years of friendly ties between the two nations have also stood the test of time.

When Denmark established diplomatic ties with the People's Republic of China in 1950 it became one of the first Western countries to recognize the new nation after it was founded in 1949.

"Trade relations between China and Denmark have seen healthy development and are maintaining a strong momentum," Behrens-Sorensen told China Daily in an exclusive interview.

The chairman's remarks are supported by figures from DCCC - bilateral trade in goods reached about $8 billion last year.

"China is Denmark's most important trading partner in Asia today," Behrens-Sorensen said.

There are now about 350 Danish companies having some 550 representations in China engaged in general business, environmental technology, construction, design and food, the chamber chairman said.

The two nations also have cooperation in agriculture, fishing, environmental protection hi-tech, animal husbandry, shipping, logistics and creative industries.

Total Chinese investment in Denmark reached about $300 million in 2006, with Danish investment in China around $2 billion.

"We would like to encourage Chinese companies to invest more in Denmark. And seeing is believing. I hope bilateral business delegations exchange visits to deepen ties between us," he said.

"I would say strong growth, first of all, and basic business potential characterize our bilateral economic ties."

"There is no doubt that the Sino-Danish trade relationship will go from strength to strength," Behrens-Sorensen said, expressing his strong confidence on trade prospects.

Energy cooperation

In a move toward sustainable development, China is curbing industries with high energy consumption and heavy pollution and placing more importance on high technology, more efficient energy use and higher added value.

Denmark is a world leader in energy technology, particularly wind energy, in which it has cutting-edge technologies and world-leading companies, the chairman said.

Danish wind energy company Vestas, one of the top in the world, recently built a factory in China.

"Denmark also plays an important role in the smart use of energy, which is now also stressed in China," he said.

Another Danish company, Danfoss, has a leadership position in energy-saving technologies and is making China its second home market.

"The Chinese government has set ambitious targets for creating energy efficiency. I think the two countries have great potential for cooperation in the field," Behrens-Sorensen said.

Improved economy

As China marks the 30th anniversary of its reform and opening up, Behrens-Sorensen - who is also chairman of Maersk China Ltd - is impressed with the changes.

"The main positive development is the move from rule by men toward rule of law," he said. "Particularly China's membership in the WTO is a very positive development both for the nation and the world at large."

He added that Danish companies generally feel trade and investment in China has improved considerably, but say market access and protection of intellectual property rights could be improved.

The chairman said he also hopes China will use scientific environmental concepts in developing industries with rapid economic growth to avoid mistakes made by Denmark during the Industrial Revolution of the 19th century.

Social responsibility

The DCCC, a union of Danish enterprises doing business in or with China established in 2000, encourages its members to meet their social responsibilities in addition helping them adapt to the Chinese business environment.

"As corporate citizens in China, we feel it's important for us to engage ourselves and take an active role in contributing to China," the chamber chairman said.

The DCCC has held annual charity balls since 2003 that raised funds for the Project Hope that builds schools in rural regions and recent donations to Sichuan province for earthquake disaster relief.

DCCC's donations have funded two schools in Guizhou province and two in Qinghai province. It also plans to construct four school buildings and dormitories in Sun village in Jiangxi province.

Run-up to the Olympics

"2008 is a big year for China because of the Olympics in August," said Behrens-Sorensen, who is a torchbearer in Jingzhou, an ancient city in Hubei province.

"I feel honored and fortunate to be elected as a torchbearer and I wish the Beijing Olympics great success."

Behrens-Sorensen also invited visitors to his country. "Denmark is a peaceful country, a great nation of tranquility. We have picturesque countryside, great urban scenery, wonderful fresh air, a very long coastline, beautiful beaches and also friendly people," he said.

"For those who have a great fondness for the fairy tales of Hans Christian Andersen, you can see the place where he was born, the city of Odense," he said.

"One of the common characteristics of the Chinese people and Danish people is that we both have a good sense of humor and we like to laugh."

(China Daily 06/05/2008 page18)