Before the Danish PM Helle Thorning-Schmidt attended the World Economic Forum (WEF) Tuesday, she met with Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao.
Premier Wen welcomed Thorning-Schmidt to Tianjin. Thorning-Schmidt emphasized the importance of the bilateral relationship between the two countries and was committed to develop the strategic partnership between Denmark and China. Wen noted that China wants to further promote the two countries’ cooperation in such areas as trade, agriculture, environmental protection, tourism, maritime issues and culture.
The purpose of the meeting was to strengthen the bilateral relations between Denmark and China. Thorning-Schmidt explained that she would like to have closer consultations and cooperation with China in all areas. She would also create better conditions for Chinese companies investing in Denmark.
The European social model is worth fighting for
After meeting with Wen Jiabao the Danish PM participated in WEF, where she spoke at two panels. The first one “European Crisis, Global Impact” was followed by more than 400 particpants. Helle Thorning-Schmidt made it clear that the European model will be maintained.
“A fundamental goal is to ensure that the social market economies of Europe can be sustained. I believe the European social model based on core values of solidarity, safety nets and equal opportunity is worth fighting for.”
The Danish PM also spoke at the panel ‘Championing Competitiveness’, which discussed which factors that drives the success of competitiveness champions across the globe. This session was interactive with 60-100 CEO’s participating.
52 Danish companies in Tianjin
Later on the afternoon, Mrs. Thorning-Schmidt had a meeting with Party Secretary at CPC Tianjin Municipality Committee, Zhang Gaoli, where they discussed the economic activity in the Tianjin municipality of Danish companies. Today there are 52 Danish companies located in the Tianjin-area, which makes the municipality the most popular region in China in terms of investments from Denmark.
At World Economic Forum, Thorning-Schmidt also had bilateral meetings with the Prime Minister of Pakistan, Raja Pervez Ashraf, as well as Klaus Schwab, the director of World Economic Forum.
