Thank you for the warm introduction.  I’m delighted to be here tonight and to have the opportunity to welcome you to Denmark and to the Creative Business Cup and STAY.

Our two great nations celebrate 68 years of diplomatic ties this year in addition to the 10th anniversary of our Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. To further applaud the positive effect of our bilateral relations, Creative Business Cup and STAY have invited some fantastic talents and startups to join the conference earlier today, where they could show all about their ideas, and be a part of the STAY conference.

Preceding our parliamentary and strategic partnership, China has been an inspiration in Danish culture in more than one way. As a symbol of aesthetics and art, especially regarding porcelain, Chinese culture has inspired Danish interior design. Though porcelain was not manufactured in Denmark until 800+ years later than in China, this is now one of our iconic trademarks and exports. Royal Copenhagen is known in most parts of the world and demonstrates the simplicity and beauty that is Danish creativity, with inspiration from Chinese craftsmanship.

As with China, Denmark has long run and proud traditions within the creative industries. Although a small country in size, our nation is often referred to for inspiration on architecture and interior decoration.

As the second largest economy in addition to second largest importer and consumer in the world, China holds an important position as influencer of future business world. Simultaneously, China is one of the most important trading partners of Denmark. Joining forces and hosting this event has clearly demonstrated the power of our nations’ partnerships as a frontrunner of innovation and development.

Creative Business Cup is aimed at strengthening entrepreneurship in the creative industries. The creative industries are growing in significance both in Denmark and globally. These industries create jobs and growth and come up with new solutions to the challenges societies face. Creative businesses are also a great resource of value creation in other, more traditional industry sectors.

For me it is not my first time at a Creative Business Cup event, and I have been looking forward seeing the Chinese creative and innovative ideas gathered here in Copenhagen. And I have furthermore been looking forward to talking to both Danish and International partners in the STAY program, to learn more about this interesting and important initiative you have taken with STAY.

The creative industries are important to the wealth and success of all our societies.  The creative industries are drivers of growth and jobs and to the development of new, innovative solutions to various challenges that companies and societies face. And I believe that STAY will be a solid platform for the future innovation, creativity and competitiveness of these businesses here in Denmark and globally, attracting new talents and start-ups to Denmark from abroad – hopefully also a great number from China, all making creative products and services – music, literature, animation, art, design and fashion – a make new business, invent new ideas – and create growth in both Denmark and the rest of the World.

A warm welcome to all of you.