Foreign and Military Affairs

Closer ties on renewable energy technology beneficial: Danish PM

By Wang Chenyan and Hu Haiyan (China Daily)
Updated: 2010-04-13 08:12

BEIJING - Denmark and China will benefit from closer cooperation in renewable energy technology, Danish Prime Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen said on Monday.

Closer ties on renewable energy technology beneficial: Danish PM

Premier Wen Jiabao proposes a toast to visiting Danish Prime Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen on Monday. [Agencies]

Given the remarkable utilization of renewable energy resources in China over the last five to ten years, the nation is likely to realize its ambitious targets as far as clean energy is concerned, Rasmussen said during a speech at the Peking University.

"Denmark may be a small country but when it comes to energy efficiency and clean-tech, we offer valuable experience and technologies. As China embarks upon realizing her ambitious targets to ensure sustainable growth, we may benefit mutually from an closer cooperation in clean technology," he said. Rasmussen is on a four-day visit to the country.

"Clean-tech now represents 16 percent of Danish exports (as per 2008 data). And within the EU, Denmark is among the leading exporters in this field. Our industries are highly specialized and we are constantly looking to take advantage of new opportunities. China is one of our key markets and Chinese companies are some of our most important partners," he said.

"My government has made investment in research and education, particularly in technical fields, seen by us as a key priority. We expect to learn a lot from China, which is clearly an emerging force in knowledge-intensive industries," he said.

Rasmussen also held talks with Premier Wen Jiabao on Monday. The discussion covered economic growth, the Copenhagen Accord and further cooperation between Denmark and China. Both leaders also witnessed the official signing of an agreement on a new Sino-Danish Center for Research and Education. The Beijing-based center is expected to become operational in 2013.

"The center represents the collaboration of Denmark and China on an equal basis. The Center will focus on five areas including clean technology, renewable energy, bio-science and medicine, nano-science and technology and innovation and welfare, in all of which, Denmark is well ahead," said Charlotte Sahl-Madsen, Minister for Science, Technology and Innovation.

"China should take a long-term view about cooperation with developed countries on clean technologies and solutions to fight climate change," said Zhang Haibin, an associate professor dealing with global environmental politics and international organizations at Peking University.

"No matter which country China collaborates with, it is impossible to get access to all the core technologies, since it is not in the political interest of the developed countries," Zhang said. "The center is of strategic significance. It not only means a technological breakthrough for China, but also comes as a great help to foster healthy competition, strive for the right initiative in climate change negotiations and in acquiring financial support," he added.

China Daily