DENMARK AND CHINA INTENSIFY LONG-STANDING COOPERATION IN SHIPPING

The first maritime consultation between China and Denmark took place in Beijing, China on 1-2 February 2010. The consultation was conducted by the Danish Maritime Authority and the Bureau of Water Transport in China (Ministry of Transport) with an aim to intensify Sino-Danish cooperation in maritime transport. One outcome of the consultation was an accord to continue this structured dialogue in the field of shipping.

Mr. Andreas Nordseth, Director General of the Danish Maritime Authority was very pleased with his discussions with Mr. SONG Dexing, Director General of the Bureau of Water Transport in China:

“We are very pleased that China and Denmark have this fruitful dialogue and exchange of ideas and experiences on maritime issues. We look forward to extend our cooperation in this field. Chinese and Danish shipping companies are among the world’s largest carriers and I believe that we have many common interests”, Mr. Nordseth said. 


Mr. Andreas Nordseth, Director General of the Danish Maritime Authority and Mr. SONG Dexing, Director General of the Bureau of Water Transport in China, seconded by Mr. Søren Jacobsen, Chargé d’Affaires of the Danish Embassy in China (in the middle), agree to continue the structured dialogue on maritime transport.

Shipping cooperation adds to Sino-Danish relationship
“This consultation meeting proves that China and Denmark have a structured cooperation in a wide range of economically important fields. I find this particularly impressive in a year where Denmark will celebrate our 60th anniversary of the official recognition of the People’s Republic of China. As a sign of Denmark’s commitment to the EXPO 2010 in Shanghai, our pavilion will be featuring the world famous sculpture of The Little Mermaid”, Mr. Søren Jacobsen, Chargé d’Affaires of the Royal Danish Embassy in China, said.

Among the issues discussed during yesterday’s talks were the impact of the financial crisis on shipping, research cooperation on energy efficiency in ships and on safety technology. A number of other issues were mentioned, including piracy, since both Denmark and China have sent warships to protect international shipping in the Gulf of Aden.
In 2008 Denmark and China entered into a comprehensive strategic partnership agreement.

China and Denmark have long-standing relations in shipping
Denmark is one of the world’s most important shipping nations with a century long tradition of peaceful cooperation with China. Currently Danish ships carry a substantial share of Chinese export goods abroad.

The consultations are in line with the Memorandum of Understanding on Amendment to the Maritime Agreement between then Government of People’s Republic of China and the Government of Denmark from the year 2000, supplemented by the EU-China Maritime Transport Agreement in 2002.

Already in 1974, Deng Xiaoping signed the first maritime agreement between Denmark and China, the only one signed by Deng Xiaoping with any third country.