Distinguished guests,

It is a great pleasure for me to participate in the opening of this Seminar on Food Security and Control here in Abu Dhabi.

I have on my first day in Abu Dhabi had the unique possibility of participating in the World Future Energy Summit along with a group of Danish companies which possess world class competences within areas such as renewable energy and energy efficiency.

Being present here today makes me happy to present a sector with long and well-respected traditions. Agriculture and food products play a very important role for Denmark and the Danish economy. It is one of our most important and globally well-known export commodities. In fact two thirds of our food production is exported worldwide.

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 the United Arab Emirates as well has an efficient inspection system. Delegations of food inspectors from the UAE 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.