It was with great sadness that we witnessed the terror rampage that targeted a free speech forum and the Jewish community in Copenhagen last month. Our thoughts are with the victims and their families.
I am sure Denmark will heal from this tragedy and continue to demonstrate determination and leadership in both combatting the scourge of terrorism and defending democratic values.
In American Danish Business Council we continue to focus on strengthening the commercial ties between Denmark and the US. It is very good news, that the Danish export of goods to the US grew by 7,5% in 2014, totaling 6.66 billion USD (44.38 billion DKK).
I would like to share with you that my staff and I continuously follow the negotiations of the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (TTIP) closely. The eighth round of the TTIP negotiations has just concluded. The tone was positive and constructive with two more rounds scheduled for April and July. The passing of TPA (“fast track”) legislation in Congress before the summer should aid passage of TTIP once the negotiations are concluded.
TTIP will mean far fewer barriers, lower tariffs, rapprochement of many regulations and increased trade and investment opportunities for Europeans and Americans. TTIP is greatly important for members of ADBC and for achieving our mission statement of improving trade and investment between Denmark and the United States.
March 23rd Select USA’s second Investment Summit will take place in Washington DC for foreign companies investing in the United States. This year Ambassador Gifford will join with a delegation of Danish companies and I look forward to hosting an event for the delegation and members of American Danish Business Council.