The Italian economy is the Eurozone’s third largest, and the country is one of Denmark’s largest export markets. In 2017, Denmark’s exports to Italy were worth a little more than DKK 16 billion and Denmark imported DKK 21 billion in Italian goods and services. The two countries are among the EU’s biggest advocates of free trade, and Italy is an important trading partner for Denmark.

The business promotional campaign will focus on how to find solutions nowadays to challenges in the areas of health, climate change, water and energy conservation, urbanization and sustainable food production, which are not only of interest in Italy and Denmark, but also in many parts of the world. The shared challenges create space for innovation, new opportunities and new partnerships across national borders.

In 2018, Rome turns 2,771 years old, and since the Roman Empire’s beginning, innovation and knowledge have been an integrated part of Italian society and economic life. Already back in ancient times, the Romans built a water system that supplied baths and fountains with water, and (the ruin of) the world’s first hospital is found on Tiber Island in the Tiber River in Rome.

Yet, Italy – like Denmark – faces a number of developmental challenges with industrial readjustment combined with a growing population of older people, maintenance of a well-functioning health care system and sustainable societal development. People and environment are central pivot points for the readjustment and development both countries must relate to. At the same time, it’s a readjustment through which Denmark and Italy can learn from each other.

During the business promotional campaign, the Crown Prince Couple will take part in a number of business activities that have the objective of strengthening relations between Denmark and Italy and supporting the position of Danish companies in Italy.

The full program for the visit will be announced later.