Distinguished guests,

It is a great pleasure for me to participate in the opening of this 'Seminar on Free Global Trade of Safe Products’.

I am - along with the accompanying delegation - very happy to receive such a high degree of hospitality here in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. In the last decades many business delegations have travelled between our two countries. Government officials have held consultations and exchanged views. Members of the Royal families have met. Friendships have been forged; mutual trust and understanding have been enhanced. Both our societies are eager to expand and strengthen relations. My visit here in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is a proof of this.

Like oil has played an important role for the economic and industrial revolution in Saudi Arabia, agriculture and food products play an important role for the Danish economy. We have a long and proud tradition for production of food. It is one of our most important and globally well-known export commodities. In fact two thirds of our food production is exported worldwide.

In the commercial relations between Denmark and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia food products make up an important part.

I have just witnessed the signing ceremony of a new agreement between our two countries that recognizes export certificates for trading of beef. This is a significant achievement. With this agreement in place all relevant food commodities can now be traded.

Free global trade is the foundation for prosperity in our societies. Global trade in food products is based on a prerequisite of high safety levels in food production and an effective control system.  As consumers, we all know the importance of being able to trust that the food we eat and serve for our families is safe and of high quality.

In Denmark we are proud of having a system in place which enables Danish exporters to guarantee high quality and safe products to the world’s markets.

The manufactures are entrusted the responsibility of producing safe and high quality products.  Along with the essential role of the manufactures, we have in Denmark established a control system which carries out inspection during the entire food production chain from farm level to the final product.  Denmark very much appreciates that Saudi Arabia as well has an efficient inspection system in place. Several Saudi Arabian delegations of food inspectors have been visiting Denmark. We look forward to continue this cooperation in the future to exchange information and share knowledge.

Let me conclude by saying that I am convinced that today’s program will further strengthen the good relations between our institutions, and our business communities as well as between our two countries.

I wish you all the best in your endeavours to promote safe and high quality food products to the benefit of both consumers and manufacturers,

Thank you.