Denmark will seek cooperation in green development with Vietnam during Danish Crown Prince Frederik's visit to the country early next month, which will be accompanied by a number of businesses and policymakers.

The trip, from November 1-3, 2022, will mark 50 years of relations between Vietnam and Denmark, Danish Ambassador to Vietnam Nicolai Prytz said on October 25 at a press conference on the event.

Common "green goal"

Press conference on the trip of Denmark Crown Prince

"Vietnam and Demark may have different starting points, and are in different positions, but we know we are in the same way because we have the same goal of zero emission by 2050," Ambassador Nicolai Prytz shared.

That common goal explains why the Crown Prince of Denmark's trip focuses on boosting investment and research between Vietnam and Denmark in two main fields: wind power and energy efficiency.

The governments of Denmark and Vietnam have allocated significant resources to develop bilateral economic ties, Nicolai said. "For many reasons, Vietnam is a very interesting country for Danish investors in many sectors," he added.

There are currently 135 Danish companies with legal status in Vietnam, according to Troels Jakobsen, head of the commercial section at the Danish Embassy in Hanoi.

The delegation accompanying Frederik's visit this time includes 36 companies, many Danish renowned brands worldwide such as Maersk Line, Lego, and Pandora, among other leading businesses in wind power and energy, Troels noted.

Special historic ties

Danish royal family have special historic bond with Vietnam, according to Danish Ambassador.

In 2009, Denmark's Princess Mary and Prince Frederik accompanied his father, Henrik, on an emotional return to Vietnam, where he grew up.

The Crown Prince revisited Vietnam in 2011 when the two nations commemorated their 40 years of relations.
"The Crown Prince is looking forward to coming back," said the ambassador.

In the upcoming visit, Crown Prince Frederick and his wife will have a courtesy meeting with leaders of the Party and the State of Vietnam.

A series of conferences and events will follow the meetings to promote development, investment, and cooperation in sustainable energy between Vietnam and Denmark.

The prince will then visit the northern port city of Haiphong and Ha Nam Province, where he will preside over some activities to promote wind energy development and its efficient use. He will conclude his Vietnam tour in the south by visiting Danish enterprises in Ho Chi Minh City and Binh Duong.

In Binh Duong, the crown prince will attend the groundbreaking ceremony of the Lego factory, with a total investment of more than US$1 billion.

The Danish ambassador said Vietnam and Denmark have massive room for further cooperation in the energy field, which has been promoted since 2013.

He mentioned the "green strategic" cooperation that Copenhagen has inked with some countries such as India and South Africa and is currently discussing a similar one with Vietnam.

"Once signed, the cooperation will bring many changes towards the goal of carbon neutrality in 2050 of both countries with numerous projects," he added.