It is a great pleasure for the Crown Princess and me to be visiting Poland together with a large delegation of Danish businesses. We have been very much looking forward to what will be, no doubt, an inspiring, intensive and productive time here in Poland. 

Poland and Denmark are neighbours through the Baltic Sea. Not only are we close geographically but, we also share many of the same values. We believe that open and free societies, exchange of people and economic cooperation are important for our countries. 

Together with the Danish Minister for Trade and Development Cooperation, the Crown Princess and I are heading a business delegation of more than 60 Danish companies. The Danish Ministers for Health and Environment will join us tomorrow. The companies represent the following sectors; energy and environment, health and rehabilitation, design and fashion, food production and defence. We believe that each of them will bring great possibilities for cooperation and business between Poland and Denmark.  

In Warsaw and Szczecin we will have the opportunity to meet their Polish counterparts. The main themes are cooperation and innovation. Indeed this is the best way to deal with the challenges of present times: Global competition, welfare challenges and energy security. 

We should take advantage of the synergies and together find innovative and smart ways of reaching the goals we set. Let the coming days be full of open minds and idea generation and I am sure this can lead to further development of stronger commercial ties.

In international rankings, Denmark is ranked as one of the most innovative and business friendly countries in the world. In more specific terms, we have excellent conditions for running a business. Our labour force is flexible and highly qualified, and we are world-leaders within areas such as Cleantech, Life Sciences and ICT. In other words: We have a lot to offer and a lot to share.

Poland has many success stories that we can also learn from. We admire Poland for its achievements. In a couple of months Poland will celebrate its 25th anniversary of democratic transformation. Today, Poland is recognised for its well-educated and entrepreneurial people who have been integral to the successful path of development that Poland finds itself on.

For Denmark, Poland has become a very important business partner. Prospects for future cooperation are very positive. Many Danish companies are already active in Poland and provide great success stories. There are also many new companies eager to start cooperation with their Polish counterparts. And it is the same for Polish companies in Denmark. 

Let us use the coming days to discover how we can best match our needs, competences and experiences for the benefit of both of our businesses and our countries.

But our relations are not only economically defined. This year the Danish Cultural Institute in Poland is celebrating its 20th anniversary. Culture reflects our history, traditions and our identity and it reflects why we are, who we are.  Through cultural exchange can we gain a better understanding of each other; our similarities, our differences – and even our oddities. The activities of the Institute provide yet another platform for deepening the relations between Denmark and Poland.

Before concluding, I would like to add that Denmark has been ranked as one of the happiest nations globally. The reasons are many but, among others include; healthy living, good healthcare, a clean environment, trust and responsibility. I am sure that these themes will be discussed in the coming days and hopefully contribute to increasing happiness in our two countries.

The Crown Princess and I are looking forward to participate in the many interesting events and wish you all some valuable days that I am sure will lead to further prosperity and friendships between Poles and Danes.

Thank you for your attention.