During the visit to Gujarat, the Prime Minister will meet with his Indian counterpart Prime Minister Narendra Modi to discuss the future prospects of the India-Denmark bilateral relations. As the sixth largest economy in the world and an emerging power with strong interests in sustainable solutions, India offers immense opportunities for Danish companies with green expertise.

“My visit to India and my meeting with Prime Minister Modi marks a significant strengthening of Denmark's relationship with India. Prime Minister Modi and I last met in Stockholm in April 2018 in connection with a Nordic-Indian summit. India is the world's largest democracy, a fast-growing economic power and represents a huge market for Danish companies as well. The visit is a unique opportunity to promote Danish business interests in India,” said Prime Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen.

Developing commercial relations with a focus on sustainable growth

The Danish business delegation to India will include CEOs from more than 20 leading companies within different industries. The companies will take part in the Denmark Country Seminar and present Danish knowhow within the areas of sustainability, health care and transportation.

The Danish government sees a large untapped potential for further trade and investment cooperation between Denmark and India, as Danish companies have developed expertise and knowledge within several areas that are in high demand in India. This includes areas such as sustainable urban development; renewable energy; improved efficiency in the agricultural sector and water technologies.

“Our expectations for the outcome of the visit to India are high and the response among Indian partners is a living proof of the friendly and open-minded relations that have existed between our two countries for a very long time. We are certain that this visit will strengthen our mutual trading and economic ties – bringing growth, prosperity and sustainability to both our countries,” said Thomas Bustrup, Deputy Director General of the Confederation of Danish Industry.

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Sharing sustainable water solutions with India

One of the major challenges that India is facing is related to water resources and sanitation. Soon to overpass China as the most populous nation, India is at a critical point in providing clean and safe water to its growing population.

During the visit to India, the Minister for Environment and Food of Denmark, Jakob Ellemann-Jensen, will attend several meetings with Indian ministers and Danish companies to explore future cooperation within the water area, focusing on the treatment of contaminated rivers.

On January 19, he will attend the Danish Water Technology Seminar where Aarhus Vand will present their cooperation agreement with the city of Udaipur.

To address India’s water challenges, Aarhus Vand is leading a 4-year cooperation agreement between the authorities of Aarhus and Udaipur. The objective of the cooperation agreement is to support sustainable improvements in the water area in Udaipur, located in the Indian state of Rajasthan. Simultaneously, the cooperation will support the Danish water sector's export opportunities in India through increased trade and strengthen the relations between India and Denmark.

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Denmark as a partner country

 It is the second time that Denmark has been chosen as a partner country for the Vibrant Gujarat – this year being the ninth edition. The election itself underlines the positive development in Indo-Danish relations, and the growing Indian interest in Danish knowhow and green solutions.

On Friday 18, the Danish Prime Minister will attend the Denmark Country Seminar/Danish CEO Forum, where State of Green will act as the moderator of the panel discussion.

The panel will discuss how Indian and Danish companies can work with the UN Sustainable Development Goals and how it these efforts should be supported by public authorities. The role of partnerships in achieving the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development will furthermore be highlighted.

Denmark is also exhibiting at the Trade Show Exhibition where State of Green, DI and Embassy of Denmark in India have organised a joint Danish Pavilion under the theme Denmark – Sharing Sustainable Solutions. The pavilion will focus on some of Denmark’s strongholds including renewable energy, water and smart livable cities. At the pavilion, Indian stakeholders can meet and network with the Danish businesses.