Science Minister Visiting EXPO2010 and Hong Kong

– We see increasingly that China is no longer just a production centre for European ideas, but that also the knowledge-intensive jobs move to China and the rest of Asia. This is why we have a clear wish in Denmark to be present in China as much as possible, says Charlotte Sahl-Madsen.

The Science Ministry has had a close dialogue with China for a long time, and in 2008 formulated a strategy for collaborating in areas such as education, research and innovation. Most recently, this has resulted in the agreement on a Danish-Chinese University Centre in Beijing, which allows Danish researchers and students to study in China. Equally, in connection with the Minister's visit to EXPO2010, there will be events in the Danish Pavilion that focus on the opportunities for studying, researching and working in Denmark.

– It is expected that the EU and the United States will have to hand over their research leadership to China and India. If Denmark is to maintain its competitiveness in a globalised world, it is essential that we know how to retain and attract researchers and qualified manpower from these new growth centres, and that we are present in China ourselves, says Charlotte Sahl-Madsen.

During her visit to Hong Kong, the Minister will visit the Hong Kong Science Park and the electric car manufacturer MyCar, which recently started a collaboration with the Danish island Bornholm, the island acting as test facility for driving electric cars.

The visit will also focus on Danish business opportunities in China. In connection with the EXPO 2010 exhibition, the Minister will participate in a presentation of Villa Watt as a Danish example of how new technology can contribute to reducing energy consumption in buildings.

For further comments regarding the Minister's visit, please contact Communications Manager Anders Frandsen, tel. +45 30 48 84 50.