Denmark has opened a new embassy in the Philippines today.
The opening in the capital of Manila – which was attended by the trade and development minister, Mogens Jensen, who is currently touring the country and Vietnam as part of a Danish trade delegation – means that Denmark now has an ambassador in seven of the ten ASEAN nations in Southeastern Asian experiencing significant growth and development.
”With the opening of the embassy in the Philippines, Denmark will enjoy a stronger foothold in Southeast Asia, where 600 million people with an increasing purchasing power live,” Jensen said in a press release.
”It will allow us to strengthen the political and commercial bonds for the benefit of Danish business, and at the same time we can help the increasing number of Danish citizens in the Philippines.”
READ MORE: Four new embassies open today
Political change
The Philippines has tended to struggle in the past, but President Benigno Aquino has led a political campaign against corruption and poor governance since assuming power in 2010.
This has led to increased growth, and Danish exports to the nation in 2013 totalled 625 million kroner – an increase of 15 percent compared to 2012.
The political reforms in the country cater to Danish expertise, such as converting to a greener economy, education reforms, health improvements, environmental concerns, food products and agriculture.
Over the last few years, Danish companies have increased their activities in the Philippines. Maersk, Grundfos, Lindberg and Sonion all have considerable interests in the nation.
READ MORE: Danish food exports expand to Asia
Foothold in Southeast Asia
In November 2014, Denmark opened a new embassy in Yangon, Myanmar and also has embassies in Thailand, Singapore, Vietnam, Malaysia and Indonesia. The embassies also cover needs in Cambodia, Laos and Brunei.
The ten ASEAN nations make up the world's seventh largest economy, and it is predicted they will increase to the fourth largest by 2050 should the positive development continue.
Denmark had an embassy in the island nation until 2002, when it was closed down by the Venstre/Konservative-led government at the time.
