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2 DANISH EXPORTERS 2008
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Danish flexicurity model, which
provides great flexibility on the
labour market combined with
great social security, has proved
to be very competitive in the global
economy.
Denmark is one of the countries
that give the highest priority to
the environment. Denmark was
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In the global economy, all countries
are small. Large countries are still
struggling to understand this fully,
but small countries like Denmark
have already for many years
recognised that they have to be
flexible and adaptable to protect
their national interests, retain their
identity and promote their trade
and industry.
Denmark has existed for more than
a thousand years. It is the oldest
kingdom in Europe, but today it
is governed as a parliamentary
democracy with an extended
welfare state and an effective
economic life. Denmark is one of
the richest nations in the world and
is at the same time characterised
by great social equality. The
Sm ALL IS BE AuT If uL
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the first country in the world
to establish a ministry of the
Environment in 1�73 and the
effort has continued ever since.
An extension of this priority is that
Denmark is a world leader within
the development and production
of wind turbines, combined heat
and power plants and other
environmentally friendly and
energy-saving machinery and
processes.
The clean environment, the high
social standard of living and
the well-developed infrastructure
make Denmark a popular holiday
destination for foreign tourists.
Denmark has always paid attention
to other countries. Since the Viking
Age when the Danes terrorised
the coasts of Europe and later
as a Christian trading nation,
Denmark has been intent on
receiving inspiration from abroad.
Since ancient times, Denmark has
been an agricultural country, but
in recent decades a considerable
industry and service sector has
developed.
Today, Denmark’s wealth is based
on very extensive foreign trade,
and the Danes are well travelled,
with a global perspective.
Denmark was one of the founders
of the uN and is a member of
NATO, the Eu and many other
international organisations. It is
also one of the countries
contributing most to developing
countries as a percentage of GDP.
The following section contains a
brief outline of Denmark’s social
conditions, Danish trade and
industry and the opportunities
for foreign investors. This is
followed by a description of
Denmark as a tourism destination
and descriptions of the individual
Danish regions.
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Denmark in the global economy
Like other European countries,
Denmark in the late 1��0s
experienced growing competitive
pressure from the Asian and
Eastern European countries, which
at that time were opening their
economies to the rest of the
world. for the very flexible Danish
economy, with high wages
and high productivity, the new
economies did not constitute a
threat, but rather an advantage,
both as new markets and as
outsourcing destinations, so that
the Danish companies could
remain competitive. In addition,
the strong Danish shipping
industry benefited greatly from
the huge growth in global trade.
But globalisation brought new
challenges, and this was the reason
why Anders fogh Rasmussen’s
Government in 2005 launched
an ambitious project: Denmark
as a leading growth, knowledge
and entrepreneurial society. The
purpose of the project, which
included both a government
committee chaired by the prime
minister and a broadly constituted
globalisation council with repre-
sentatives from all sectors of the
Danish society, was to develop
a vision and strategy for making
Denmark the most competitive
society in the global economy
by 2015, with a combination of
strong competitive power and
great cohesiveness.
In parallel, several commissions
worked on developing models
for enabling the Danish welfare
model to survive the demographic
changes facing most developed
countries, as the proportion of
elderly people in the population
grows, while the number of working
people continues to decrease.
The result of the two exercises
was ready in spring 2006, when
the political parties entered into a
broad agreement on the so-called
“welfare reforms”, i.e. reforms
intended to safeguard the welfare
society in the long term. The
resulting economic framework
is translated into the ambitious
“globalisation strategy”, with the
objective of making Denmark the
world’s most competitive society
by 2015.
The principal philosophy behind
the welfare reforms is to expand
the workforce and reduce the
number of people outside it. This
is being done by increasing the
pension age from 65 to 67 and the
early retirement age from 60 to 62.
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These ages will automatically be
further increased if the mean life
expectancy continues to rise. In
addition, various incentives will
be introduced to encourage young
people to complete their education
more quickly and therefore enter
the workforce sooner. moreover,
social security changes will
increase the incentive to become
an active job seeker.
The Government’s Globalisation
Strategy was adopted by the
folketing (Danish Parliament) in
autumn 2006 and spring 2007. It
consists of 350 specific initiatives
grouped around initiatives for
improved education, research,
better conditions for entrepreneurs
and greater capacity for adaptation
and renewal.
World-class education:
• Elementary and lower secondary
school pupils shall be among
the best in the world at reading,
maths, natural sciences and
English.
• All young people shall complete
out-of-school education.
• At least half shall complete
further education.
• The education shall be top
quality at all levels.
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Denmark as a leading
entrepreneurial society:
• Denmark shall continue to be one
of the European countries where
the largest number of new com-
panies is established every year.
• Denmark shall be among the
countries with the largest
number of growth
entrepreneurs in the world.
Denmark as a leading innovative
society:
• Danish companies and public
institutions shall be among the
most innovative in the world.
• Within Denmark, competition
shall be at the level of the best
OECD countries.
Overall, the globalisation strategy
and welfare reforms constitute an
extremely ambitious proposal for
enabling an advanced economy
with a developed welfare system
to tackle the challenges of
globalisation offensively over the
next 10-20 years.
Denmark as a leading
knowledge society:
• By 2010, the public funding of
research and development
shall account for 1% of GDP.
Together, public and private
companies shall spend at
least 3% of GDP on research
and development by 2010.
• The research shall be
innovative and world-class.
• Denmark shall be one of the
best countries at translating
research results into new
technologies, processes,
products and services.
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Denmark leads the way in the
wind energy industry. With 20,000
people employed in the sector, a
combined turnover of EuR 3 billion,
and companies sitting on 40% of
the world market, Denmark plays
a central role in the development
of the wind energy industry. Apart
from its established successes in
wind energy, Denmark also has
strong research activities in future
technologies such as hydrogen
and fuel cells, with leading-edge
research programmes at Risø and
the Danish Technical university.
District heating and natural gas
most Danish consumers have
access to energy distribution
networks such as district heating
and natural gas. Energy supply is
very efficient due to the integration
of heat and power. In addition,
local district heating power
plants are now being converted
to combined heating and power
production using natural gas,
waste and bio fuels. The industry
is being encouraged to establish
cogeneration.
The increased use of natural
gas and renewable energy
contributes to reducing carbon
dioxide emissions. Denmark is a
world leader in the utilisation of
renewable energy. Individuals,
companies and public institutions
are continuously being encouraged
to use energy more efficiently.
Oil and gas
Denmark achieved self-sufficiency
in oil and natural gas production in
1��2, after more than 20 years of
gradually developing methods of
extracting resources in the Danish
sector of the North Sea.
The main Danish production
company, DuC, has developed
new and specialised technological
solutions to extract oil as a number
of oil fields in the Danish sector are
chalk layers of low permeability.
To increase the yield from the oil
fields, operating companies have
developed innovative methods of
horizontal drilling to increase oil
flow, and water injection has been
used.
Pharmaceuticals and life science
The pharmaceutical industry is one
of the most modern and successful
in the world, and Denmark is
among the largest exporters per
capita of pharmaceutical products.
The sector has undertaken
massive investment in research
and development, and together
with IT/Communication it is the
industrial sector with the highest
R&D expenditure.
Of the more than 400 different
pharmaceutical products manu-
factured by Danish companies,
the most important are insulin,
antibiotics and psychotropics. A
Danish company is a world leader
on the global insulin market and
has the broadest diabetes product
portfolio in the industry.
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In the Copenhagen area the
pharmaceutical and medico-
technical industry benefits from
close interaction with the major
hospitals and medical institutes.
The companies have easy access
to research facilities, improved
access to skilled staff, and close
links to product end-users.
Denmark has developed into one
of the strongest clusters in life
sciences in Europe. It is a dense
network of universities, hospitals
and companies within biotech,
medtech and pharma, many of
which are R&D-based. Denmark
is no. 1 in the world in terms of
biotech patents, no. 2 in Europe
on the Best Performance Index
of Biotechnology Innovation
Scoreboard of the European
Commission, and holds the
third largest commercial drug
development pipeline in Europe in
absolute numbers. A joint Danish-
Swedish collaboration, medicon
Valley, is home to more than 60%
of Scandinavia’s pharmaceutical
industry and Europe’s fastest
growing biotech cluster measured
by products in development.
Another key component is the
universities. Danish universities
support strong research traditions
and are home to R&D-based life
science companies – each in its
own area of unique competencies.
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Textile and clothing industry
The Danish textile and clothing
industry has enjoyed a favourable
position, especially in the European
market. In more recent years,
manufacturing has moved to
Eastern Europe and Asia, and the
industry has changed its focus to
design, quality control, marketing
and sale.
Accordingly, the entire industry
has been transformed, and
companies are increasingly
turning to know-how-intensive
work functions which demand
skilled personnel and high-tech
production equipment. As a result,
the Danish textile industry today
is as competitive as ever.
most of Denmark’s textile and
clothing companies are located in
central Jutland. The companies take
advantage of their geographical
proximity and mutual expertise.
Their innovation is supported
by the Textile Industry Institute
in Herning, which is a centre for
knowledge and development.
Transport
Denmark commands extensive
trading and distribution networks.
The competitiveness of the
Danish transport industry and the
efficiency of its logistics systems
– including customs services
– are crucial to the success of its
export industry. The transport
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infrastructure throughout Denmark
is impressive, even by European
standards, with a highly efficient
road and rail network, ten seaports
with free port and trade zone
facilities, and four international
airports.
Situated just � kilometres from
the city centre, Copenhagen
International Airport is the
most cost-efficient airport in
Northern Europe and the largest
in Scandinavia. most of Europe’s
capital cities are within a couple of
hours’ flying time in any direction,
making there-and-back visits
to customers and suppliers fit
comfortably into a single day.
Danish shipowners operate one
of the world’s most modern fleets
with the latest technology, and
have one of the largest container
fleets in the world. The Danish
merchant fleet consists of more
than 500 vessels with a combined
deadweight of more than 10
million tonnes.
IT infrastructure
Denmark is one of the world’s
most highly developed countries
in terms of telecommunications
and information technologies.
Liberalisation of the tele-
communications market means
that Denmark enjoys some of the
cheapest telecommunications
services within the OECD and
Denmark consistently ranks among
the absolute leaders in terms of
PC and Internet usage. In terms of
Information and Communication
Technologies (ICT), Denmark well
and truly leads the pack. Denmark
ranks particularly high on access
to the Internet, online public
services and a dynamic e-business
environment.
Denmark’s strength in the ICT
industry is based on the Danes’
ability to make technology and
content blend seamlessly together
combined with a talent for
developing pioneering applications
and technologies. Within a radius
of 300 kilometres, Denmark boasts
more than �,000 dedicated ICT
companies and almost 100,000
employees in the sector.
Denmark is at the forefront of
acoustics and has some of the
strongest acoustic engineering
teams in the world. In addition,
Denmark holds a strong position
within software development and
Danes generally have a unique
focus on functionality and design.
furthermore, Denmark stands
out as one of the most advanced
centres for telecommunication
activities, with an internationally
recognised wireless cluster.
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is leading within the biomedico
field, possessing unique core
competences within such fields as
neurostimulation, neurohabilitation,
pain research, stem cell research,
biostructures and protein design
as well as protein chemistry and
nanotechnology. The biomedico
cluster in Region North Jutland
builds, among other things, on
electronics and telecommunication,
and is therefore characterised by
a strong technological focus.
Renewable energy
Region North Jutland has strong
competences within renewable
energy. The university of Aalborg
is a leading knowledge centre
within the fields of wind power
and electricity generation. The
region is home to a number of
leading industrial companies.
Food
Parts of the region also have a
strong position within the food
industry. There is both speciali-
sation in quality food, such
as læsø salt, and extensive
industrial food production, as
well as a food processing industry
with close links to the iron and
steel industry, which specialises
in developing food processing
machinery. Food from northern
Jutland is well known all over
Denmark for its high quality and
fine taste.
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Highly qualified workforce
As in the rest of the country, the
level of education in the region
is very high. The region offers
easy access to out-of-school
education and various types of
short, medium-length and further
education. Many of the educa-
tional establishments collaborate.
They also work closely with trade
and industry, which helps to
ensure that the education in the
region provides the workforce with
the required competencies. The
university in the region – Roskilde
university Centre – is known
throughout Denmark for producing
graduates who are in demand in
both the public and the private
sectors.
Attractive for citizens and tourists
In addition to offering a good
framework for trade and industry,
the region is an attractive place
to live. The beautiful countryside
combined with good schools and
leisure opportunities is currently
attracting an increasing number of
people from the metropolitan area.
The region also appeals to tourists,
and both Danish and german
tourists enjoy, among other things,
the nature and the many coastal
areas as well as the numerous
cultural attractions. The tourism
industry, which is experiencing
rapid growth, also provides a broad
range of accommodation options
and recreational experiences.
Region Zealand links Scandinavia to the rest
of Europe – for instance across the Great Belt.
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Creative industries
The Capital Region has a unique
concentration of both creative
and technical talent within
the entertainment industry. Few
regions bear comparison with
the Capital Region in terms of its
films, computer games, fashion,
design etc.
Foreign investments
The Capital Region is one of the
most important metropolitan
areas in Europe for foreign
investments, on a par with cities
such as london, Paris, Barcelona,
Madrid and Stockholm. There are
numerous regional headquarters
in the region, and its unique
geographical location provides a
central platform for all of Northern
Europe and the Baltic region.
The attractive metropolitan area
The Capital Region is an attractive
place to live and work. Copenhagen
is a peaceful city, offering a wealth
of cultural and recreational options,
which are enjoyed by tourists
and residents. Consequently,
Copenhagen is also attractive for
foreign workers.
On 1 July 2000 a fixed link between Denmark and Sweden opened across the Øresund from Kastrup to Malmö, Sweden’s third largest city.
The spiral staircase at the House of the Society of Danish Engineers.
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DENMARK WElCOMES FOREIgN INVESTORS
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Denmark welcomes foreign
investors. Competitive business
costs and very flexible labour
market conditions make Denmark
an attractive choice for new
investors. Combined with its
excellent geographical location,
outstanding infrastructure and
leading-edge competencies within
ICT, life sciences and renewable
energy, Denmark is the perfect
hub for Northern Europe.
Denmark commands extensive
trading and distribution networks.
The competitiveness of the
Danish transport industry and the
efficiency of its logistics systems
– including customs services –
have been crucial to the success
of its export industry. For any
investor considering the choice of a
European country for their regional
headquarters, distribution hub,
contact centre, research facility
or production unit, infrastructure
and communications are vital
elements in the decision mix. And
on all these key criteria Denmark
has first-class credentials.
The transport infrastructure
throughout Denmark is impressive,
even by European standards, with
a highly efficient road and rail
network, ten seaports with free
port and trade zone facilities, and
four international airports. Situated
just 8 kilometres from the city
centre, Copenhagen International
• Microsoft
• CSC
• IBM
• Pfizer
• Ferring
• Novo Nordisk
• Blogen Idec
• Aeras
• Dell
• Sony
• Vestas
Invest in Denmark and join
these successful companies
Airport is the most cost-efficient
airport in Northern Europe and
the largest in Scandinavia. Most of
Europe’s capital cities are within a
couple of hours’ flying time in any
direction, making there-and-back
visits to customers and suppliers
fit comfortably into a single day.
Invest in Denmark, which is part
of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs,
provides the international investor
with professional advice and
customised services, and connects
you to the right people – free of
charge and in full confidentiality.
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Denmark is located just where
Europe becomes Scandinavia. An
ancient seafaring nation encircled
by four seas and which over the
years has been subject to the
constant, cosmopolitan influence
of the many merchant ships
mooring at its ports.
A country shaped into hills and
dales by the massive glaciers of
the Ice Age; with short distances
and therefore unique opportunities
to plan a holiday brimming with
urban life, culture and nature.
A successful holiday in Denmark can
thus include nurturing the soul, the
body and the inner child. During
a single day, you can play in the
waves, experience the picturesque
small and large historical towns,
and enjoy seasonal produce and
Danish gastronomy. All within very
manageable distances.
It is particularly easy to get about
because of the country’s highly
functional infrastructure. Trains,
planes and buses are comfortable
and easily accessible. And tourists
who come by car – or hire one – find
both the road network and traffic
information easy to understand.
Denmark is also linked by ferries,
which facilitate visits to the many
small and charming islands.
Denmark – the informal kingdom
Denmark is the oldest monarchy in
Europe and is characterised by rare
informality and – at least in our
own opinion – healthy scepticism
in relation to authorities. The Danes
are welcoming, without being
importunate. Interested without
undue curiosity. A smile brings
people closer, we usually say. And
indeed tourists will experience that
a smile opens doors and builds
bridges between nationalities.
Copenhagen – a capital of
abundance
Copenhagen and its surroundings
are replete with exciting stories.
The atmosphere is international
with a touch of the uniquely
Danish, relaxed style. The city has
something to offer every generation.
A stroll through Copenhagen will
soon show that the Danes are a
people brimming with energy. The
distances are so short that the
cobbled, atmospheric latin quarter
with avant-garde design and
fusion cafés, the pedestrian street
Strøget and the shops with world-
class design and fashion in the
many charming little side streets
can all be experienced on foot.
Copenhagen is a city for relaxing.
Benches, parks, cafés and pubs
with cold draught beer are found
everywhere. Moreover, culture
is a natural part of the street
scene. Museums, concert venues
and small galleries compete for
attention. And just round the
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DENMARK AS A HOlIDAy COuNTRy
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corner, you will find Nyhavn’s
colourful café scene or a relaxing
harbour tour, showing the city
from a completely different angle,
where buildings – old and new –
illustrate centuries of Copenhagen
history.
The Danish cities
Every Danish city has its own
story to tell. It can be read in the
historic buildings, the modern
architecture, the local history
museums or simply by studying
the street life. The Danish cities are
all within a few hours’ journey from
Copenhagen, but are, of course,
best experienced by spending the
evening and night there as well.
Aarhus – the world’s smallest
metropolis. The second-largest
city in Denmark, Aarhus, which
is beautifully situated in eastern
Jutland by sea and woods has an
international feel.
Odense – Hans Christian
Andersen’s birthplace. Denmark’s
third-largest city, Odense is located
in the middle of the fertile island
of Funen. Here, the fairy tale writer
Hans Christian Andersen was born
in 1805.
Aalborg – a city full of energy. The
city, which is beautifully situated
by limfjorden in northern Jutland,
is known for its rich cultural scene
and its thriving nightlife.
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Denmark – a plethora of choices
Denmark offers innumerable
choices for visitors. With a coastline
of 7,300 kilometres, there are
rich opportunities to experience
the relaxed Danish beach life, go
sailing or angling.
The bicycle is a very Danish way of
getting about. It offers an almost
perfect combination of exercise
and fresh air. Denmark is also ideal
for inexperienced cyclists, as there
are no insurmountable mountains,
just gentle hills. The country has
more than 10,000 kilometres of
sign-posted cycle paths.
Denmark is also a great country for
those who enjoy swinging a golf
club. The season is long, the climate
pleasant, the landscape suitably
undulating and there are winter
greens for dedicated golfers. More
than 140 golf courses are available
throughout the country. Visitors
are welcome on almost all courses
and the green fees are reasonable.
For those who need thorough
pampering after a busy period at
work, a Danish wellness holiday
may be the answer. These holidays
provide an opportunity to recharge
both body and soul with offers
including massage, aromatherapy,
spa baths, yoga and much more.
The soul finds peace in the woods.
The Danish woods are among the
most popular destinations for
excursions by Danes and they are
both open and free to everyone. The
colours of the woods change with
the seasons – from the delicate
spring-green tinge when the beech
trees burst into leaf in May and the
woodland floor is carpeted with
white windflowers, to the glow of
falling autumn leaves which has
inspired so many Danish painters.
you can walk on marked paths. you
can cycle. you can take a picnic
basket – many hotels even offer a
picnic basket service! - or you can
visit one of the many picturesque
restaurants and cafés which are
often found at the very edge of the
woods.
Denmark strengthens efforts in
the meeting and conference market
Meetings and conferences is a large
and attractive business area in the
global tourist trade. In Denmark
alone, foreigners attending
meetings account for annual
revenues of 2.3 billion DKK.
For many years, Denmark has drawn
attention to traditional competition
parameters such as facilities,
accessibility, team-building and
attractive settings for social
events with a view to attracting
large-scale meetings, congresses
and conferences. In future, focus
will also be on the content of the
meetings. This is an area in which
Denmark has the potential to
become a strong player and create
growth in tourism.
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Currency
The Danish currency is the krone
and the øre. One krone equals 100
øre.
Danish kroner can be withdrawn
from most of the many cash points
established at individual bank
branches with a Euro, Visa, Cirrus
or Mastercard.
The cash point will state which
cards are accepted. The cash
points can also be used outside
normal banking hours.
Currency can be exchanged in
banks during banking hours. There
are also many bureaux de change,
which remain open outside banking
hours. They are usually located in
high streets and at traffic hubs.
Banking hours
Banks are normally open Monday
to Friday 10 am – 4 pm, extended
to 6 pm on Thursdays.
Shopping hours
Shops are normally open Monday
to Thursday from 9 or 10 am to
5.30 or 6 pm. On Fridays, they
normally remain open until 7 or 8
pm, although regional shops often
close at 6 pm.
Shopping centres are normally
open until 7 or 8 pm every weekday.
On Saturdays, the shops close at
noon or 1 pm. However, most large
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PRACTICAl TRAVEl INFORMATION
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48 DANISH EXPORTERS 2008
be powered from the mains
instead of the batteries and
accumulators. In those days that
was quite a revolutionary thought
and it proved to be a
solid foundation for
the success they
achieved in the in
the years ahead to be
a major consumer
electronics manu-
facturer. The way
they did it is
eloquently ex-
pressed in the
vision of Bang &
Olufsen today,
i.e. ”Courage to
constantly question
the ordinary in search
of surprising, long-lasting
experiences”.
High-quality products
Today the product portfolio
comprises music systems, video
systems, loudspeakers and
telephones. Bang & Olufsen
have a b-to-b development and
manufacturing section for medico
products to third parties and an
ICEpower division for development,
manufacturing and licensing of
high-quality digital amplifier
technology.
Two engineers, Peter Bang and Svend Olufsen, founded Bang & Olufsen in 1925.
Maximus 45 from 1945
Throughout the history of Bang &
Olufsen, they have believed that
they can make a difference to
others than themselves. Bang &
Olufsen products are an ultimate
expression of vision and value. It
is not enough for Bang & Olufsen
to do what everyone else does
- they try to do it better. Different
does not mean exclusive or
the most expensive - but maybe
the most inventive, surprising
solution.
It began with radios
Two engineers Peter Bang and
Svend Olufsen founded Bang &
Olufsen in 1925. They wanted
to make a radio
that could
ED08_Bang & Olufsen.indd 48 24-08-2007 14:25:55
DANISH EXPORTERS 2008 49
Bang & Olufsen a/s
Peter Bangs Vej 15
DK-7600 Struer
Denmark
Tel.: +45 96 84 11 22
Fax.: +45 96 84 50 33
www.bang-olufsen.com
Performance
Viewing and listening
experiences that con-
tinue to surprise and
delight every time
you watch television
or listen to music,
and technology that
works for you, not
the other way
around; that is why
Bang & Olufsen is
all you ever will
need or want for
your home enter-
tainment.
Design
For Bang & Olufsen,
design is far more
than mere styling of
existing products;
rather it is the
expression of an
idea, the concept
made conscious. In
this sense, design
unites aesthetics and
function, creating
unique, highly dif-
ferentiated products
that are not limited
by the time of their
creation or the space
in which they are
placed.
Humanisation
Designed to be a part of the
home and give pleasure,
Bang & Olufsen’s audio
and video products offer
the opportunity for you to
personalise your viewing
and listening spaces. Our
products speak one
language, offering home
integration on your terms,
and where you interact up
close by touch, or pleasur-
ably sitting back with the
Beo4 remote control.
Craftsmanship
The quality of finish and
craftsmanship of a Bang &
Olufsen product encourages
you to approach and touch.
Our uncompromising attitude
to quality is the reason
we create products and
experiences of real and
lasting value, with a quality
that is much more than is
expected.
ED08_Bang & Olufsen.indd 49 24-08-2007 14:26:32
50 DANISH EXPORTERS 2008
Danfoss technology creates
modern living conditions for
people all over the world. Clean
water, heating and cooling are
crucial to our well-being. These
features are achieved in both
homes and industry thanks to
Danfoss’ wide range of products,
high-technology solutions and
indispensable systems.
Danfoss is one of Denmark’s
largest industrial groups and a
leading player in the international
market of high-technology and
service and systems solutions
within the focus areas: Industry,
heating, refrigeration and air-
conditioning, as well as drinking
water and wastewater. Danfoss
supplies products to a large
group of customers, including
machine producers, wholesalers,
installers, technical universities
and homeowners.
The company fulfils customer
needs within different fields,
ranging from food preservation
and productivity to energy-
savings, environmental improve-
ments and comfort solutions.
The resource saving products
define the future in a world,
which increasingly focuses on
environmental considerations and
the scarce resources of nature.
The Danfoss Group is a global
company with more than 60
factories in 24 countries and sales
companies and distributors in
more than 75 countries. More than
21,000 people work for Danfoss
on a global scale, of which about
6,000 are located in Denmark.
The Group had net sales of about
19.4bn DKK in 2006.
ED08_Danfoss.indd 50 24-08-2007 14:28:54
Nordborgvej 81
DK-6430 Nordborg
Denmark
Tel.: +45 74 88 22 22
Fax: +45 74 49 09 49
www.danfoss.com
Danfoss A/S
DANISH EXPORTERS 2008 51
Recent developments
Danfoss currently aims to develop
new products and invests millions
of Danish Kroner annually in
ventures and potential business
areas. Between 50 and 80 new
patents are taken out on an annual
basis.
In recent years, Danfoss
technology has won a number
of Danish and international
prizes. Several Danfoss products
have received awards for
their design, functionality and
user-friendliness. In 2006,
Danfoss Drives was awarded
the “Frost & Sullivan Award
for Product Innovation”. The
Division received the prize for
the VLT® AutomationDrive – a
flexible solution for a number
of industrial application
requirements – designed to
combine functionality and user-
friendliness.
Energy-savings, improved comfort
and environmental improvements
are central factors in the
development of the products
of tomorrow. An example is
the new thermostat whose
harmonious, pure and stylish
design complements modern
towel rails and their colour range.
Product development over recent
years has also resulted in a new
range of industrial refrigeration
valves. Their flexible, modular
construction offers improved,
faster and simpler installation and
customer service.
ED08_Danfoss.indd 51 24-08-2007 14:28:57
54 DANISH EXPORTERS 2008
A cooperative with values
Danish Crown is a cooperative
jointly owned by more than
15,000 farmers, and the fourth
largest company in Denmark.
These farmers have two major
interests in the company. Firstly,
they supply the livestock to
Danish Crown’s many slaughter-
houses and for further processing.
Secondly, they also own the
company and are therefore
interested in generating maximum
profits.
Danish Crown’s success in
establishing a global business
system requiring large invest-
ments is largely founded on the
ties and the values that still exist
in a cooperative.
Willingness to change
Danish Crown operates in a sector
in which orders are received in the
evening and products are shipped
in the morning. Rapid adaptability
is essential in order to remain
competitive. The ability and
willingness to change – both in
terms of operations and products
– is also essential in order to adapt
to the market in time.
ED08_Danish Crown.indd 54 24-08-2007 14:33:48
DANISH EXPORTERS 2008 55
Danish Crown Amba
Marsvej 43, Paderup
DK-8900 Randers
Denmark
Tel.: +45 89 19 19 19
Fax.: +45 86 44 80 66
www.danishcrown.com
The road to a global position as
an international food company
has been achieved via a carefully
planned development strategy, in
which product development has
been one of the key areas.
Danish Crown all over the world
When a pig is slaughtered at
one of the Danish Crown
slaughterhouses in Denmark,
it is already known which parts
of the pig will be processed in
Germany, Russia, the Netherlands
and Japan. The head goes to
one place, the hind quarters to
another, the streaky bacon to a
third, the shoulder to a fourth, and
spare ribs to a fifth. It depends on
the meat percentage, cut, weight,
animal welfare conditions, and
consumer requirements.
The global workplace
Danish Crown has its roots in
Denmark, but given that over 90
per cent of production is sold
abroad, it is the international,
rather than the domestic market-
place, which is most significant.
Danish Crown must therefore
constantly adapt to remain
competitive.
Bringing DC quality home
The way Danish Crown is
working with the best chefs is
a bit like Formula 1. The major
car makers invest in innovation
in collaboration with the elite
of motor racing. Danish Crown
similarly learns a lot from our
collaboration with some of the
world’s best chefs. They are good
at demanding the best quality,
and they do not compromise.
Danish Crown passes on this
experience to consumers in the
form of new ingredients and
products.
ED08_Danish Crown.indd 55 24-08-2007 14:33:50
58 DANISH EXPORTERS 2008
Grundfos was founded by Poul
Due Jensen in 1945. This one-man
endeavour has grown to become
one of the world’s leading pump
manufacturers with over 14,000
employees in all parts of the world.
In addition, Grundfos products are
merchandised by distributors in a
large number of countries.
Central to all Grundfos activities
are three core values:
Be responsible - Think ahead -
Innovate.
The values are not merely well-
intentioned words on a piece of
paper. They are an integral part
of the day-to-day work for every
Grundfos employee around the
world.
Be responsible
Grundfos is well aware of its
responsibilities: the responsibility
towards the people who are
Grundfos, towards the innovative
soul of Grundfos and towards
the surrounding world. Approxi-
mately 85% of a pump’s life cycle
costs are incurred by power
consumption. Analysing and
reducing this consumption helps
the end-user save money and
brings down the global demand
for electricity.
Think ahead
The company encourages a certain
way of thinking based on the belief
that everyone must contribute
by using his or her judgment and
foresight. The SmartTrim feature
on large Grundfos heavy-duty
channel impeller pumps resets
the impeller clearance quickly
and on-site without dismantling or
special tools. Maximum efficiency
is re-established, and downtime
is minimised.
Innovate
It is innovation that makes
Grundfos unique. The Grundfos SE
wastewater pump range features
ED08_Grundfos.indd 58 27-08-2007 08:39:35
DANISH EXPORTERS 2008 59
Grundfos
Poul Due Jensens Vej 7
8850 Bjerringbro
Denmark
Tel.: +45 87 50 14 00
Fax: +45 87 50 14 02
www.grundfos.dk
liquid-free motor cooling, where
a solid stator housing with built-in
cooling conduits transmits excess
heat to the pumped liquid. The
pump can operate wet or dry, in
virtually any installation.
More than 16 million pumps
annually
With an annual production of
more than 16 million pump units,
Grundfos is one of the world’s
leading pump manufacturers.
Today, Grundfos is the world’s
largest manufacturer of circulator
pumps, covering approximately
50 per cent of the world market.
Application areas for Grundfos
pumps include heating, air
con-ditioning, water supply, waste-
water, dosing, fire systems, and
machine tools. In addition to
pumps, Grundfos manufactures
electric motors for the pumps
and has a considerable production
of electric motors for separate sale.
Furthermore, Grundfos develops
and sells state-of-the-art electronics
for pump controls and system
integration.
Extensive R&D
Grundfos has one of the largest R&D
departments in the pump industry,
employing nearly 500 engineers
and technicians. Investments in
research, product development,
and equipment amounted to almost
¤73 million in 2004, embodying the
company’s long-term commitment
to new products and continued
globalisation.
ED08_Grundfos.indd 59 27-08-2007 08:39:36
Tage Klint, son of P.V. Jensen
Klint, was a creative entrepreneur
who, in 1943, decided to turn his
family’s artistically folded lamp
shades into a regular business.
He also added a crucial detail to
the original shades: the unique
“collar” at the top of the lamp,
designed to fix the shade to a
metal frame. Furthermore, he
designed a number of lamps
which have all been a part of the
LE KLINT range.
In 1953, his son Jan Klint took over
the company. As a business man,
he was years ahead of his time. In
order to secure his employees, he
created a fund which has owned
the company LE KLINT since 1972.
In addition, the fund supports
former employees, designers and
architects.
True classics
Kaare Klint was another son of P.V.
Jensen Klint. He was a well-known
and respected architect and a
skilled craftsman and designer
who has had considerable
influence on Danish furniture
making. The company LE KLINT
benefitted from Kaare Klint’s
great talent from the beginning.
Today, the “fruit lantern” which he
created in 1944, is as successful
as ever and one of the company’s
most popular lamps.
64 DANISH EXPORTERS 2008
ED08_Le Klinkt.indd 64 27-08-2007 08:51:03
DANISH EXPORTERS 2008 67
Nordea Bank Danmark A/S
Christiansbro Strandgade 3
DK-1401 Copenhagen K
Denmark
Tel.: +45 33 33 33 33
Fax: +45 33 33 63 63
www.nordea.dk
Nordea’s vision is to be perceived
as the leading Nordic bank,
acknowledged for its people,
creating superior value for cus-
tomers and shareholders. The
bank is making it possible for
customers to reach their goals
by providing a wide range of
products, services and solutions
within banking, asset manage-
ment and insurance.
Nordea has around 10 million
customers, more than 1,100 branch
offices, 30,000 employees and a
leading netbanking position. The
Nordea share is listed on the stock
exchanges in Stockholm, Helsinki
and Copenhagen.
Full-scale financial services
The Group offers full-scale finan-
cial services in all countries in the
Nordic and Baltic Sea region. To
get a single point of entry for
financial solutions, customers will
only need one partner in the entire
market.
The number of personal customers
is almost 10 million while Nordea’s
corporate department serves 1
million customers, including both
small and large companies from
the private and public sector
as well as institutions.
In its international operations the
Group strives to be the leading
Nordic bank for foreign corres-
pondent banks and companies
offering services such as pay-
ments, trade finance, account
holding and custody services.
Through its extensive presence
the Group has great experience
in serving export companies and
local subsidiaries in the region
as well as overseas customers
with an interest in the Nordic and
Baltic region.
In the European asset management
market Nordea is also a leading
player. Pension funds, institutions,
foundations and wealthy private
individuals have entrusted the
Group with their assets totalling a
triple-digit billion euro amount.
Cash management
Through its combination of do-
mestic networks in all four
Nordic countries and Nordic solu-
tions, Nordea enables customers
to benefit from complete cash
management services.
At the same time, customers can
take advantage of the Group’s
extensive international network
including branches in Germany,
Singapore, the UK and the USA
and experience a range of intra-
group synergies.
Leading internet bank
With more than 4.6 million e-
customers, Nordea is a world
leader in electronic banking,
continuously developing new ser-
vices for personal and corporate
customers.
ED08_Nordea_2.indd 67 27-08-2007 08:59:30
76 DANISH EXPORTERS 2008
The Danish Chamber of Commerce
is part of a worldwide network of
chambers which assists its members
with information, advice and ex-
change of business opportunities.
The Danish Chamber of Commerce
takes part in the European legisla-
tive process through the European
organisation for Chambers of
Commerce, Eurochambers, and
through Eurocommerce, the
European organisation for retail,
wholesale and international trade.
The Danish Chamber of Commerce
is also affiliated with the Inter-
national Chamber of Commerce in
Paris, France, and with the Baltic
Sea Chambers of Commerce
Association.
The Danish Chamber of Commerce
has been approved by the EU Com-
mission to host an EU Information
Center for small and medium-sized
enterprises (SMEs). It also provides
information on tenders in Europe.
Commercial information and advice
The Danish Chamber of Commerce
offers information to its members
on the general and trade-specific
market development in Denmark
and abroad, partly through key
figures and partly through financial
analysis.
The Danish Chamber of Commerce
safeguards its members’ interests
in relation to EU Institutions and the
The Danish Chamber of Commerce
is the main business organisation
for trade, transport and service
companies in Denmark. It is a
private organisation owned by
its members. Membership is
voluntary, and the Chamber has
approximately 15.000 member
companies and 90 branch
associations affiliated to the
organisation.
The Danish Chamber of Commerce
assists member companies in
all matters relating to trade,
transport, and service, including
foreign trade, commercial legi-
slation, business development,
educational policies, business
legislation, business policies,
technology and the environment.
Contacts and influence
The Danish Chamber of Commerce
is represented in all relevant
councils and working groups that
prepare commercial legislation. It
is thus able to give direct advice
to the government and other
official organisations. The Danish
Chamber of Commerce safeguards
its members’ interests in relation
to the EU Commission and Danish
authorities via direct negotiations
with the involved parties. As a
result, the Chamber has established
a valuable network of contacts to
politicians and other government
representatives that are highly
beneficial for its members.
ED08_DanskErhverv.indd 76 27-08-2007 09:31:34
Børsen
DK-1217 Copenhagen K
Denmark
Tel.: +45 33 74 60 00
Fax.: +45 33 74 60 80
www.danskerhverv.com
Danish Chamber of Commerce
and public support schemes.
The Danish Chamber of Commerce
plans import and export promotion
activities for groups of companies
and establishes contact to foreign
authorities and business sectors.
On behalf of the Danish Ministry
of Foreign Affairs, the Danish
Chamber of Commerce manages an
office dedicated to the promotion
of products from developing
countries.
DANISH EXPORTERS 2008 77
Danish authorities via direct nego-
tiations with the involved parties.
The Danish government and the EU
consult with the Danish Chamber
of Commerce in connection with
changes in customs duties, quotas
and other trade restrictions. The
Danish Chamber of Commerce has
close relations to politicians and
civil servants and is represented
in more than 150 Danish and inter-
national organisations, committees
and boards.
Export and import promotion
The Danish Chamber of Commerce
arranges business drives and
delegation trips abroad for its
members. The business drives are
offered on attractive financial terms
on the basis of group discounts
ED08_DanskErhverv.indd 77 27-08-2007 09:31:41
Confederation of Danish Industries
is the voice of Danish industry.
Currently, 7,000 companies have
chosen to join forces within DI.
DI aims to provide the best
working conditions for Danish
industry in order to improve its
international competitive edge
and profile.
DI International
As part of DI, DI International
supports the DI member com-
panies in their international
activities.
The department works with:
• DI International Business
Development
• International Market Promotion
• International Market Policy
DI International Business
Development (DIBD)
DIBD offers advisory services to
Danish companies in connection
with their international establis-
ment and business development.
Working closely with the compa-
nies, DIBD offers advise on:
• Strategic concepts when
considering internationali-
sation of the company
• Outsourcing
• Export
• Foreign establishment
• International marketing and sales
• Financing in connection with
international activities.
78 DANISH EXPORTERS 2008
ED08_Dansk Industri.indd 78 27-08-2007 09:34:52
DIBD specialises in capacity-
building projects with sister
organisations in developing
countries. DIBD has worked
with industrial organisations
in Tanzania, Ugada, Kenya,
Zambia, South Africa, Egypt,
Nicaragua, Bangladesh, Vietnam
and Cambodia. The primary
objective of these projects is
to build sustainable business
organisations with growth potential.
In order to support Danish compa-
nies in sale and establishment
DIBD has offices in Shanghai,
Moscow, Sao Paulo and New York
manned by Danish and local staff.
International Market Promotion
Global market promotion activities
are conducted both nationally
and internationally. DI member
companies are offered assistance
from DI in their approach into new
and emerging markets worldwide.
Every year, International Market
Promotion arranges a number
of business delegation visits to
potential markets and hosts a
large number of foreign business
delegations in Denmark.
DI member companies can also
participate in and benefit from a
large number of conferences and
seminars providing accurate and
up-to-date market information
about present and future markets
for Danish companies.
International Market Policy
The International Market Policy
Department deals with a range
of issues all related to DI member
companies’ trade with and invest-
ment in countries outside the
European Union. The department
focuses on the legislative/
political framework for doing
business abroad, offering its
member companies the oppor-
tunity to gain the full use of
globalisation. It aims to gain
influence over legislation and
other rules, which are passed
or formulated by the Danish
parliament or authorities. The
same applies to rules adapted or
formulated on an international
level such as the European Union
and WTO. Furthermore, it assists
its members with advice in relation
to its main focus areas:
• International trade and
investment policy
• Export incentives
• Corporate social responsibility
• Trade sanctions and export
control
• Socio political risks such as
human rights, corruption,
security and terrorism.
DANISH EXPORTERS 2008 79
H. C. Andersens Boulevard 18
DK-1787 Copenhagen V
Denmark
Tel.: +45 33 77 33 77
Fax: +45 33 77 33 00
www.di.dk
Dansk Industri
ED08_Dansk Industri.indd 79 27-08-2007 09:35:01
World wide events
- since 1975 more than 500 events
on all continents, in more than 80
countries
Export Promotion Denmark is a
specialized service provider within
International Business Promotion.
The services cover event and
logistics management:
• From idea - to concept - to plans
and budgets
• Matching partners according to
targets
• Planning, coordination and pro-
duction in Denmark and abroad
• Budget control of sub-suppliers
and partners
• On-site delivery - on time - to
budget and specifications
• Follow-up services - evaluation -
reporting and auditing
The services are developed
through active dialogue with
international businesses and
organisations. The aim is to
provide “no-nonsense value
services” based on integrity,
specialist skills, focus and action.
They adapt concept ideas and
company needs to local conditions
and provide a one-stop service
including planning and implemen-
tation services, technical logistics,
project management of events
- matching the ever changing envi-
ronment of international business.
Products and Services
Event Management
• Conferences
• Seminars
• Workshops
• VIP Lunches
• Contact meetings
• Gala Dinners
• Social events & entertainment
• Press
• Web services, online registration
& payment
Exhibitions
• Design & Layout
• On-site construction and
supervision
• Delivery & decoration
• Forwarding & customs declaration
• Coordination of services from
exhibition management
Graphic Solutions
• Layout, design, production
supervision, delivery anywhere
• Banner backgrounds
• Backdrops
• Company meeting stations
• Thematic exhibitions
• Head table banners
• Posters
• Speaker signs
• Name tags for delegates and
guests
• Digital presentations
• CD-ROMs incl. programming
• Web design
82 DANISH EXPORTERS 2008
ED08_Export Promotion Denmark.in82 82 28-08-2007 08:26:23
One-Stop Event Management
Export Promotion Denmark has
delivered more than 500 events in
80 countries since 1975
Azerbaijan, China, India, Iran,
Iraq, Israel, Japan, Jordan,
Kazakhstan, Kuwait, Lebanon,
Malaysia, Mongolia, Myanmar,
Oman, Qatar, Russia, Saudi
Arabia, Singapore, South Korea,
Syria, Taiwan, Thailand, Turkey,
United Arab Emirates, Vietnam,
Yemen, Canada, United States,
Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colom-
bia, Peru, Venezuela, Algeria,
Angola, Côte d’Ivoire, Egypt,
Ghana, Kenya, Libya, Morocco,
Nigeria, South Africa, Uganda,
Australia, New Zealand, Cuba,
Mexico, United States, Albania,
Austria, Belarus, Belgium,
Bosnia, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech
Republic, Denmark, England,
Estonia, Finland, France, Germany,
Greece, Holland, Hungary, Italy,
Latvia, Lithuania, Norway,
Poland, Portugal, Romania,
Scotland, Serbia, Slovakia,
Spain, Sweden, Switzerland,
Turkey, Ukraine.
Vesterbrogade 6D 9th Floor
DK-1620 Copenhagen V
Denmark
Tel.: +45 33 32 17 11
Fax: +45 33 32 19 10
www.ees.dk
Export Promotion Denmark
DANISH EXPORTERS 2008 83
ED08_Export Promotion Denmark.in83 83 28-08-2007 08:26:41
• promote its members’ political
interests as employers and
strengthen cooperation
among employers through its
membership of the Danish
Employers’ Confederation.
Diversity equals strength
The Danish Construction
Association comprises a wide
spectrum of members in terms of
geography, profession and size.
This diversity is a strength in
itself, as it ensures that everyone
is heard. The Danish Construction
Association has solid local
anchorage through regional and
local units.
24 sections handle professional
issues, and member companies
join the section relevant to their
type of business. Sections include
companies in the following areas:
aluminium facades, bricklaying
work, building contractor work,
cables and pipes, carpentry, civil
engineering, concrete industry,
construction equipment leasing,
demolition, environment, export
(Danish Contractors Working
Abroad), flooring, joinery,
industry, mobile crane leasing,
new homes construction, paint
work, paving, road construction,
roofing, sand and shingle
dredging, scaffolding, sewers,
and stone masonry.
Consultancy and service
The Danish Construction
Association seeks to provide
members with the best possible
service within the fields of
industrial policy, commercial
law, business development and
training, collective agreements,
labour law, environmental affairs,
and export.
The Association’s international
department safeguards member
interests within the export
political area by maintaining a
close relationship with relevant
authorities, and national and
international institutions.
Furthermore, the department
keeps an eye on both development
aid programmes and potential
financial instruments, provides
practical export assistance
through the development of export
tools, and raises the profiles of
member companies abroad.
DANISH EXPORTERS 2008 85
Dansk Byggeri
Noerre Voldgade 106
P.O. Box 2125
DK-1015 København K
Denmark
Tel.: +45 72 16 00 00
Fax: +45 72 16 00 10
www.danskbyggeri.dk
ED08_DanskByggeri.indd 85 28-08-2007 08:29:37
100 DANISH EXPORTERS 2008
ED08_Greenland.indd 100 24-08-2007 10:17:15
DANISH EXPORTERS 2008 101
GREENLANDGreenland is geographically
located between two major
economies of the world, the USA
and Europe. Greenland therefore
is a potential gateway for trade.
Its Arctic location makes a
specific contrast to its Danish tie,
being part of the Danish Realm.
One of the challenges that
Greenland faces is its isolation
and its vulnerable economy. The
Greenland business community
has despite the isolation
and challenges developed
strongholds within four core
areas: fisheries and hunting,
mineral resources, tourism and
the service industry.
Greenland is currently experiencing
a development that is presenting
the Greenlandic and international
business community with plenty
of opportunities for investment
in international growth sectors.
Changes to legislation and
schemes to promote trade are
being implemented in order to
make it easy and attractive for
foreign companies to establish
in Greenland. This is done in
close contact with private as well
as public owned businesses to
ensure that conditions stimulate
growth and employment within
the society. The Home Rule
Government also cooperates
closely with a number of
interested parties in order to
create optimal conditions for
future joint ventures in oil,
mineral and ice as well as water
production.
The Home Rule Government is
involved in many international
organisations and negotiations
at a bilateral or multilateral level
with a variety of actors and has
in the recent years established
a dense network of national
and international framework
conditions that hold a number of
exciting possibilities.
Greenland has also experienced
a significant increased interest
as a travel destination. There
has been a considerable growth
in the number of visitors to the
country. Today tourists from all
over the world come to Greenland
to experience Greenland’s
nature and the unique original
Greenlandic culture. Development
and investment potential is
great in particular with regard
to infrastructure and alternative
tourist experiences.
Greenland has great investment
potential within a number
of sectors and will therefore
be happy to assist external
enterprises or investors who
are looking to develop both
existing and new industries in
the country. Greenland’s Home
Rule has established consultancy
firms that operate within the
various business sectors that
provide consultancy and the sale
of services.
This section of Danish Exporters
gives merely a brief introduction
to the new and possible ventures
available in Greenland. It is,
therefore, my hope that the
provided information will be
useful for future development
of commercial ties between
Greenland and numerous
interested parties abroad.
Aleqa Hammond
Minister of Finances
and Foreign Affairs
ED08_Greenland.indd 101 24-08-2007 10:17:22
104 DANISH EXPORTERS 2008
In 1953, Greenland’s status as a
Danish colony was terminated and
the country became an integral part
of the Kingdom of Denmark. At the
same time, the Danish constitution
was extended to serve Greenland,
which, as a result, has two members
in the Danish Parliament.
The Greenland department, which
falls under the Danish Prime
Minister’s office, is responsible
for Home Rule affairs and for
coordinating the duties of other
ministries. Greenland has had its
own representation in Copenhagen
since the establishment of Home
Rule.
Home Rule was introduced
in 1979, and consists of the
parliament (Landstinget), the
government (Landsstyret) and the
Administration. The Greenlandic
parliament consists of 31 members.
After the election in 2005,
four parties were represented:
Siumut (Social Democrats), Inuit
Ataqatigiit (Socialist), Atassut
(Liberals), Demokraterne (Social-
Liberals) and one independent
member.
Siumut leads the government in a
coalition with Inuit Ataqatigiit and
Atassut until April/May 2007 when
a new coalition between Siumut
and Atassut was formed. It seems,
so far, that the politics of the new
coalition will pursue the same
goals as the old coalition.
In March 2003, a commission
submitted a report on the future
relationship between Denmark
and Greenland, and after internal
POLITICS
Prime Minister of Denmark Anders Fogh Rasmussen (to the right) with the sledge patrol Sirius.
President of the European Commission José Manuel Barroso and Prime Minister Anders Fogh Rasmussen on board the R/V Marian S. Marian. The ship was on a scientific expedition to Greenland. Scientists on board studied the effects of global warming.
Tariq Mikkel K
han/PO
LFOTO
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DANISH EXPORTERS 2008 109
GREENLANDIC STRONGHOLDSFishing industry
Fishing is the dominant trade in
Greenland. Some 6,500 people are
employed in this industry, which
corresponds to approximately a
quarter of the labour force. Fishing
is also extremely important as a
source of supplementary income in
individual households. In terms of
exports, the fishing industry totally
dominates the market.
Mineral and natural resources
The geological conditions for
the successful exploitation of
minerals and raw materials are all
present in Greenland, but resource
exploitation in the Arctic is,
unfortunately, generally far more
costly than in milder climates.
South Greenland has a gold
mine, the gold content of which
is deemed to be around 30 grams
per tonne of ore. This is a high yield
for a gold mine, and it is estimated
that the mine contains 15 tonnes of
gold, corresponding to a value of
approximately DKK 1.2 billion.
The inland ice and melt-off provide
abundant water resources that are
used both for energy production
and as drinking water for the local
population as well as for export.
Furs
Traditionally, Greenland has been
a society of hunters but nowadays
hunting is mostly confined to the
North and East Greenland region.
It is mainly individual households
that engage in hunting, using the
meat from the caught seals. Some
sealskins are also used by these
households for clothing, but the
majority of skins are sold to the
many small production units that
manufacture skin and fur products
for the domestic market, as well
as to the small number of larger
companies that have made a name
for themselves on the international
market.
Metal and metal products 19%
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110 DANISH EXPORTERS 2008
REGIONS OF GREENLANDThe Central region – Nuuk and
Sismiut
The Central region, which has
the highest population density,
comprises the municipalities
of Paamiut, Nuuk, Maniitsoq,
Kangaatsiaq and Sisimiut. This
region is the country’s business
centre. Nuuk, the capital of
Greenland, is home to the
Landstinget and the Home Rule
Administration, the university, the
college of education and a number
of other institutions of higher
education. The capital is also home
to the headquarters of the country’s
banks and the majority of the major
companies in Greenland. With its
large Atlantic Quay, Nuuk is the
most important port in Greenland.
Sisimiut, Greenland’s second-
largest town, is home to a number
of large commercial enterprises.
Its most important industry is
fishing – for prawns, crab and cod
in particular. Royal Greenland’s
largest fish factory, one of the most
advanced plants in the world, is
located in Sisimiut.
110 DANISH EXPORTERS 2008
The Statue of the Danish missionary Hans Egede, who founded Nuuk in 1728
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DANISH EXPORTERS 2008 111
The Disko region – Ilulissat
The Disko region, which comprises
the municipalities of Aasiaat,
Qasigiannguit, Qeqertarsuaq and
Ilulissat, is home to approximately a
quarter of the country’s population.
Ilulissat is the third-largest town in
Greenland. In recent years, the town
has developed into the commercial
centre of northern Greenland.
Fishing, particularly for prawns,
Greenland halibut and crab, is the
primary trade, and the town is home
to several local fish factories. The
economic expansion of the area
has also attracted several large
construction companies to Ilulissat.
The North and East Greenland
region
The North and East Greenland region
comprises the municipalities of
Uummannaq, Upernavik, Qaanaaq,
Ammassalik and Ittoqqortoormiit.
Some 20% of Greenland’s population
lives in this region, most of whom
depend largely on the hunting of
marine mammals and some fishing.
Generally speaking, the North and
East Greenland region has limited
opportunities for economic growth
apart from the development of
tourism and mineral exploration.
The South region – Qaqortoq
The South region comprises the
municipalities of Nanortalik,
Qaqortoq and Narsaq. Agriculture,
especially sheep farming, is
widespread in this region. Fishing
also plays a major role as do
a number of other production
activities, including gold mining.
Qaqortoq is the fourth-largest town
in Greenland and the largest in
the South region. It is the financial
centre of this area having a large
fishing fleet and a fish factory that
processes fantail prawns.
Settlement Tasiilaq/Ammassalik
In front an ”Umiaq”, a womens skin boat. In use till middle of last century. In the back ground Zions Church in Ilulissat
The church in Qaanaaq/ Thule View over Narsaq and the Narsaq Sound
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112 DANISH EXPORTERS 2008
INvESTING IN GREENLAND
Foreign investors in Greenland
have, so far, focused on the
exploitation of oil, gas and mineral
raw materials, but interest in other
sectors is growing. Greenlandic
expertise in the areas of fishing
and the processing of skins and
furs is also attracting foreign
capital.
The Arctic offers opportunities
to test various products under
extreme weather conditions
such as cold and wind. For some
years, the vW Group had a test
track on the inland ice, close to
Kangerlussuaq.
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DANISH EXPORTERS 2008 113
TOURISM IN GREENLAND
Visiting Greenland
Air Greenland flies from
Copenhagen to Kangerlussuaq
and Narsarsuaq several times a
week. These airports offer easy
access to other parts of the country
either by plane, helicopter or ship.
In almost all towns there are good
hotels with restaurants serving
internationally inspired dishes.
But the specialities of Greenlandic
cuisine should not be missed.
DANISH EXPORTERS 2008 113
The Greenland Tourism and
Business Council is the official
industrial development enterprise,
wholly owned by the Home
Rule. Its chief target groups are
entrepreneurs and small companies
in the field of land-based trade,
industry and tourism. The
Greenland Tourism and Business
Council is based in Nuuk where the
organisation provides consultancy,
innovation solutions, competency
development, documentation and
information. Greenland Tourism’s
information office in Copenhagen
is responsible for marketing
initiatives, promoting exports,
the distribution of information
material, maintaining relations
with the press and travel
agencies and replying to queries
from consumers.
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114 DANISH EXPORTERS 2008
Greenland Travel is the most
successful travel agency, selling
the largest number of tickets to
and from Greenland. The company
has offices in Nuuk, Sisimiut,
Ilulissat and Copenhagen. All the
major towns in Greenland offer
excellent facilities for large-scale
international conferences.
Nuuk
Children all over the world know
Santa Claus, and most of them know
that he lives in Greenland. Nuuk
is therefore home to the largest
postbox in the world to which
children send their Christmas wish
lists every year. Not far from the
postbox is the Greenland National
Museum. visitors to the museum
will find exhaustive information on
Greenlandic culture from prehistoric
times to the present day.
The Katuaq Cultural Centre, with
its stunning architecture, provides
a beautiful setting for a number
of cultural activities including
exhibitions, plays and concerts.
Sisimiut
In Sisimiut, the lower jaw of a
Greenland whale forms an entry
arch into the old town, which
houses the old blue church,
Bethel, from 1775. In recent
years, hikes from Kangerlussuaq
to Sisimiut have become very
popular.
Maniitsoq
Naturally, skiing is a popular sport
in Greenland and there are great
opportunities for skiers here. The
ski resort of Apussuit is located
east of Maniitsoq and offers
downhill and cross-country skiing
at all levels, both summer and
winter.
Ilulissat
If you like ice, make sure you visit
Ilulissat, home to the Jakobshavn
glacier. This glacier is the most
productive glacier in the northern
hemisphere, boasting speeds of
over 30 meters per day. Ilulissat
Isfjord has been included on
UNESCO’s World Heritage List.
Qeqertarsuaq
Outside Qeqertarsuaq, on Disko
Island, you can ski on the top of
the Sermersuaq glacier during
the summer. The so-called Base
Camp 1010 offers sleigh, ski and
snowmobile trips.
Uummannaq
Uummannaq is the essence of
Greenland – at least for those who
associate Greenland with Arctic
nature where sealing continues
to be a way of life. The area offers
untold opportunities to experience
nature, either by hiking or sailing
on the fjord.
The South region
Many hikers choose southern
Greenland as their destination
since this is where the country’s
only woods can be found along-
side the deep fjords. This is also
where the first Scandinavians
settled more than a 1,000 years
ago. Many of their ruins can still be
seen here today. Here you also find
a reconstruction of the first church
in North America.
It is important to wear the right clothes when you go dog sleding in North Greenland
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116 DANISH EXPORTERS 2008
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DANISH EXPORTERS 2008 117
FAROE ISlANDSAs a modern country in the North
Atlantic, the Faroes are well
aware of the need to develop and
maintain good trade relations
with other countries. We are a
modern, outward-looking Nordic
people with a well-developed
infrastructure, economic growth
and high levels of education,
living in a spectacular natural
landscapes in northern Europe
and surrounded by a productive
and healthy marine environment.
The Faroese economy has
traditionally been dominated by
the fishing industry, and Faroese
companies have developed
considerable skills and know-
how in this field. As well as our
significant export of quality fish
products, Faroese manufacturing
has specialised in producing
machines and equipment
especially designed for fishing,
fish farming and fish processing.
Over the past decades the Faroes
have also been exploring and
developing new and diverse
business possibilities, with a
growing emphasis on technology
and services.
The Atlantic Frontier to the south
of the Faroes is an area which is
expected to provide the basis for
a future oil and gas industry in the
Faroes.
This brief introduction is a
welcome addition to the increasing
focus on, and interest in, the many
and varied possibilities for trade
and business with our small but
dynamic country.Jóannes Eidesgaard
Prime Minister
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118 DANISH EXPORTERS 2008
The loneliness of the ocean, the
silence everywhere, interrupted
only by the voices of birds in
motion, weaving changing
patterns that create the forms
of the landscape - its heights
its depths. The sound of water
running over rocks, and the distant
murmur of the sea deep down at
the foot of the cliffs. The profile of
Faroe Islands is indeed dominated
by its spectacular breathtaking
nature.
A whole society with its own
history, its own language and its
own culture. Far away from the
wide world and yet at the centre of
the world.
From being originally a society
of small isolated villages with
an economy dominated by
agriculture, the Faroe Islands
have transformed into a modern
fishing nation, with an elaborate
infrastructure, welfare and a
strong and valuable international
involvement.
The Faroe Islands are very
dependent on imports from the
outside world as the economy is
based almost solely on the fishing
industry and related industries.
Today the Faroese are trying to
move into fields of technology
and they are also exploring
the possibilities of oil and gas
exploitation.
118 DANISH EXPORTERS 2008
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DANISH EXPORTERS 2008 119
Geography and nature
The Faroes are located in the
North Atlantic, approximately 430
kilometres southeast of Iceland,
600 kilometres west of Norway
and 300 kilometres northwest
from Scotland. The distance from
Copenhagen to the Faroes is
approximately 1,300 kilometres.
The Faroes comprise 18 islands,
separated by narrow sounds or
fjords. The total area is 1,399 sq.
km. The largest island is Streymoy
(373.5 sq. km) with the capital,
Tórshavn. The overall length of
the archipelago north-south is
113 kilometres, and 75 kilometres
east-west.
Plants and vegetation growth are
sparse, influenced by the islands’
geographical location and climate.
There are no true woods or forests,
but grass is plentiful. Only a small
part of the land is cultivated, the
rest is utilised as grazing pastures
for the approximately 70,000
sheep. There are some cattle and
horses. Animal life is also sparse,
but there is a rich and varied bird
life, especially seabirds.
Transport and infrastructure
Vagar Airport, the only airport
in the Faroes, is located on the
island of Vagoy. In 2006 the
airport had 6,579 flight arrivals
and departures and a total of
208,254 passengers.
There are approximately 20 larger
ports/harbours, and most are
constructed as fishing ports with
an average draught depth of
approx. 6-7-metres. Most harbours
are capable of docking vessels
with an approx. length of 50
metres, and major ports will dock
vessels of 100 metres or more.
Vessels exceeding 100 metres in
length, and which have a draught
of 7 metres or more should check
the situation in advance.
There are regular scheduled
connections by sea all year round
to Iceland, Great Britain and
the European continent. Cargo
destined for America is shipped
via Denmark, Iceland or Holland.
In addition chartered vessels also
transport cargo. The Faroes are
also used as a transit port.
GEOGRAPHy & POPulATION
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DANISH EXPORTERS 2008 121
The løgting has at most 32 MP’s
elected in 7 constituencies. Elections
to the Faroese løgting (Parliament)
are held every four years.
The coalition in power is headed
by the Prime Minister Jóannes
Eidesgaard comprises 7 ministers
representing the People’s Party,
the unionist Party and the Social
Democratic Party.
International relations
That the Faroese Home Rule has
a wide mandate, may be seen
amongst other things, by the fact
that the Faroes are not members of
the Eu, nor EFTA (and thereby not of
the EEA).
In 1992, an interim EEC mutual free
trade agreement was concluded
between the Faroe Islands and the
EEC. However, for the main Faroese
export article, fish products, there
are several restrictions on the
quantities, which may enter the Eu
duty-free.
In international fisheries organi-
sations embracing the North
Atlantic, where the Eu represents
metropolitan Denmark, the
Kingdom of Denmark maintains a
separate membership in respect
of Faroe Islands.
As a rule, bilateral agreements
concerning Faroese fishing rights
inside the fishing zones of other
nations and/or access of fishing
vessels to the Faroese zone have
been concluded, and in practice
the annual quotas fixed under
these agreements are negotiated
by the Home Government itself. In
accordance with an understanding
between the Faroese and the Danish
authorities the Home Government
concludes its own fishing treaties
with the other Nordic countries.
Political structure
The Faroes are part of the Danish
Realm. Constitutionally, Faroese
conditions in relation to the
Danish state were last determined
in the Home Rule legislation
drafted in 1948. This legislation
determines which administrative
and legislative areas shall be
joint affairs and which could be
designated to the Faroese Home
Rule, to administer or legislate on.
Full legislative and administrative
competence in areas subject to
Faroese authority are for instance:
Physical planning, mineral
resources of the subsoil and
seabed, living marine resources,
environmental issues, telecom-
munications, industrial affairs,
the labour market and taxation.
Social and health affairs, and
education are joint affairs, with
the administrative responsibility
residing with the Home
Government. Judicial, monetary,
defence and foreign affairs are
principal affairs that cannot be
taken over.
The løgting (Parliament) is the
legislative assembly for special
Faroese affairs, and also appoints
the løgmann (Prime Minister) who
administers designated Faroese
affairs, in many cases also joint
affairs in agreement with the
Danish Government.
POlITICS
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124 DANISH EXPORTERS 2008124 DANISH EXPORTERS 2008
FAROESE STRONGHOlDS
Agriculture
until the middle of the 19th
century agriculture was the main
occupation in the Faroe Islands.
Today it supplies the country with
barely half the total consumption
of lamb and mutton, most of the
milk for direct consumption,
a fraction of the consumption
of beef and eggs, and half the
consumption of potatoes.
Fishing and fish farming
The fishing fleet consists of about
158 vessels with a total tonnage
of 78,000 GRT ranging from
simple wooden coastal vessels
to the more sophisticated ocean-
going factory trawlers. Most of the
catches are landed in the Faroe
Islands.
The catches are either exported
fresh or processed into fresh
or frozen fillets and salt fish in
factories scattered throughout
the country.
The fish farming industry takes
advantage of the clean and cool
oceanic waters surrounding
the islands. Salmon and trout
production amounts to 14% of
total exports.
Fish-related industries
Besides the fishing industry there
are shipyards and other trades that
supply the fishing industry. Faroese
manufacturing has specialised
in producing machinery and
equipment designed for fishing,
fish farming and fish processing.
Computer systems developed for
the monitoring of fish processing
are exported.
Hydrocarbon sector and oil
industry
The Petroleum Division is
responsible for administering
oil and gas exploration and
production activities on the Faroe
Shelf with regard to a future oil
industry in the Faroe Islands and
for co-ordinating all oil related
activities. The Petroleum Division
shall also prepare the ground
prior to Government decisions in
petroleum related matters.
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DANISH EXPORTERS 2008 125
REGIONS IN THE FAROE ISlANDSThe Faroe Islands are split into
no less than 34 municipalities.
The number of municipalities is
especially high if we consider
the country’s total population
and area. Only 6 of the 34
municipalities have a population
of more than 1,500.
The fishing industry and other
major trades are primarily located
in the larger towns. The larger
municipalities of Tórshavn,
Klaksvík, Runavík, Tvøroyri,
Fuglafjøđur, Vágur, Kirkjubø and
Skála have created an association
of local authorities known as
Kommunusamskipan Føroya,
which is designed to safeguard
their interests vis-à-vis the
government.
The smaller municipalities are
part of another affiliation, known
as Føroya Kommunefelag, which
in turn aims to safeguard the
interests of the rural population.
In general, the local municipalities
enjoy a high degree of autonomy
and they co-operate in many
areas such as electricity supply
and production, waste disposal,
education and health services.
DANISH EXPORTERS 2008 125
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126 DANISH EXPORTERS 2008
There are excellent investment
opportunities available in the
fishing industry and related
sectors in the Faroe Islands,
as well as in the building and
construction sector. As a result
of the magnificent and unspoiled
nature of the Faroe Islands, there
are also very good investment and
growth prospects to be found in
the tourism sector.
The greatest opportunities,
however, are to be found in the
extraction of oil and natural gas.
The North Sea is known for its
natural resources, and the people
of the Faroe Islands are hopeful
that their territory in the North
Sea will yield oil and natural gas,
which may be extracted profitably.
Several overseas companies have
already shown a great deal of
interest in the islands’ subsoil.
INVESTING IN THE FAROE ISlAND
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DANISH EXPORTERS 2008 127
to selected towns and villages
throughout the Faroes.
Banks in major towns and some
villages are open from 9.00 to
16.00 weekdays, on Thursdays
until 18.00. Banks are closed on
Saturdays and Sundays.
Most shops are open from 9.00 to
17.30. On Saturdays shopping is
limited - stores open at 9.00 and
close either at 12.00 or 14.00. On
Sundays all stores are closed.
September. In the winter season
the ship sails between Denmark,
The Faroes, Shetland and Iceland.
There is room for 1,482 passengers
on board the new cruise-ferry,
and it can to carry up to 800 cars.
A well-developed, national
system of roadways and ferries
connect most towns and villages
in the Faroes and is operated by
Strandfaraskip landsins. Atlantic
Airways offers helicopter service
Visiting the Faroe Islands
Atlantic Airways, the national
carrier of the Faroe Islands
and Icelandair provide service
to the Faroes. Regular flights
are available all year round to
Denmark and Iceland. In the
summertime there are also flights
to Great Britain and Norway.
Visitors can thus fly to Vagar
Airport from Copenhagen, Billund,
Aalborg, Reykjavík, london,
Aberdeen, Stavanger and Oslo.
Regular bus and ferry connections
to Tórshavn are linked to
scheduled arrival and departure
flights. The trip takes 1 hour 40
minutes by bus and ferry and
twelve minutes by helicopter.
The passenger and car ferry,
Norröna, operated by Smyril
line sails between Denmark and
the Faroe Islands all year round
and moreover from Norway, the
Shetlands, and Iceland during
the summer season from may to
TOuRIST IN THE FAROE ISlAND
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128 DANISH EXPORTERS 2008
Good hotels are easily found
in Tórshavn, Klaksvík and on
the large islands, whereas the
possibilities are rather limited
on the small islands. Atlantic
Airways and Smyril line arrange
package tours to the Faroe Islands
including accommodation in
hotels or private accommodation.
The selection of restaurants
is rather limited on the Faroe
Islands. However, good ‘nouveau
cuisine’ is to be found in all the
larger hotels, where it is also often
possible to taste local Faroese
dishes and specialities.
Attractions
The overwhelmingly spectacular
nature is the main tourist attraction
and there are many opportunities
to experience these wonders.
There are multiple possibilities for
hiking, trekking, fishing and the
Faroe Islands are a bird-watchers
paradise. Boat trips, bus tours,
riding treks, bird watching, hiking
or trekking can be arranged from
the tourist information office in
Tórshavn.
Faroese history is exhibited in the
historical museum in Tórshavn,
and all year round original Nordic
Arts and crafts of various artists
are displayed in the Nordic
House.
128 DANISH EXPORTERS 2008
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