NEWSLETTER FEBRUARY 2010

Danish Core Competences in Demand Sustainable Energy in World Bank Spotlight

Future Congressional Action on Energy Policy Food Energy and Ice

A G R O - B I O D I V E R S I T Y A N D E C O S Y S T E M S E R V I C E S U P C O M I N G E V E N T S

M U T U A L B E N E F I T S O F T H E F O R E I G N C O M P A R A T I V E T E S T I N G ( F C T ) P R O G R A M

Wall carpet at the Embassy of Denmarkrsquos residence

Words from the Ambassador

Winning the Same Future

Dear Members

Although barely into the year it is my pleasure as Danish Ambassador to the

United States to comment on probably the most important speech of 2011 The

State of the Union address

In the annual report on the condition of the nation President Obama praised the

economic growth achieved only two years after the worst recession in decades

Especially rises of the stock market along with healthy corporate profits spread

hope in the US The President underlined this point by saying ldquowe are poised for

progressrdquo

Innovation was identified as a lsquofirst step in winning the futurersquo This is in a period of

time where the US wishes to double its national export by 2015

The intensified competition however reminds politicians and industry around the

globe about the importance of investing in new innovation based sectors In Den-

mark high value-added activities have been a national priority for decades Danish

companies have gained global leadership in a range of competitive fields such as

biomedical renewable energy transportation and food sectors Today the US is

our third largest export market

In my position as Danish Ambassador to the United States I see that our two na-

tions share many key institutions and businesses within new technologies Promot-

ing synergies and positive trade relations seem particular promising in pushing a

national economic plan for increased innovation investment and trade after all

we are to win the same future The Presidentrsquos emphasis on developing a more

open and stable market place is an important example of building mutual coopera-

tion and better working relationships

As a transatlantic association the American-Danish Business Council (ADBC) is

dedicated to helping Danish and American companies in a wide range of foreign

business activities in either the US or Denmark This year ADBC has put together a

comprehensive program of seminars conferences roundtable discussions etc

within and across its six focus areas Energy Finance Defense Food amp Agriculture

Maritime and Health amp Life Science Please turn to page 14 for more information

on future events

I hope to have the pleasure of meeting with as many of you as possible on my trav-

els in the US as well as in Denmark

Best regards

Peter Taksoslashe-Jensen

Ambassador of Denmark to the United States

Danish Core Competences in Demand

President Barack Obama in his 2011 State of the Union Speech yet again emphasized

how innovation and cleaner energy technologies are top priorities for his Presidency

The Presidential priority seems to re-

flect public opinion A newly pub-

lished public opinion poll shows that

Americans gives top priority to legisla-

tion that would provide incentives for

alternative energy sources The Presi-

dentrsquos agenda seems favorable for

Danish firms offering environmental

and energy efficient products and ser-

vices to the American market

In his State of the Union speech Presi-

dent Obama articulated a clear cut

message on how America was ldquoto win

the futurerdquo to use Obamarsquos own re-

current phrase ldquoThe first step in win-

ning the future is encouraging Ameri-

can innovationrdquo he said ldquoWersquoll invest

in biomedical research information

technology and especially clean en-

ergy technology - an investment that

will strengthen our security protect

our planet and create countless new

jobs for our peoplerdquo

The President defined and interlinked

the solutions of the major challenges

facing the US in energy security envi-

ronmental protection and job crea-

tion in a redefinition of American

energy policy Obama asserted that

ldquoBy 2035 80 percent of Americanrsquos

electricity will come from clean en-

ergy sourcesrdquo

A USA TodayGallup poll conducted

Jan 14-16 2011 shows that the

Presidentrsquos agenda has strong public

support Out of eight actions the

Congress could take this year

Americans most favor an energy bill

that provides incentives for using

alternative energy Eighty-three per-

cent of individuals favor such en-

ergy legislation placing the issue

ahead of overhauling the federal tax

code or speeding up withdrawal of

troops from Afghanistan the poll

said (poll)

Weather or not the Congress will

agree with these ambitious goals

remains in doubt Republicans

mainly view ldquoinvestmentrdquo as

ldquospendingrdquo ndash something Republi-

cans are committed to curtailing

Wall carpet at the Embassy of Denmarkrsquos residence

Words from the Ambassador

Winning the Same Future

Dear Members

Although barely into the year it is my pleasure as Danish Ambassador to the

United States to comment on probably the most important speech of 2011 The

State of the Union address

In the annual report on the condition of the nation President Obama praised the

economic growth achieved only two years after the worst recession in decades

Especially rises of the stock market along with healthy corporate profits spread

hope in the US The President underlined this point by saying ldquowe are poised for

progressrdquo

Innovation was identified as a lsquofirst step in winning the futurersquo This is in a period of

time where the US wishes to double its national export by 2015

The intensified competition however reminds politicians and industry around the

globe about the importance of investing in new innovation based sectors In Den-

mark high value-added activities have been a national priority for decades Danish

companies have gained global leadership in a range of competitive fields such as

biomedical renewable energy transportation and food sectors Today the US is

our third largest export market

In my position as Danish Ambassador to the United States I see that our two na-

tions share many key institutions and businesses within new technologies Promot-

ing synergies and positive trade relations seem particular promising in pushing a

national economic plan for increased innovation investment and trade after all

we are to win the same future The Presidentrsquos emphasis on developing a more

open and stable market place is an important example of building mutual coopera-

tion and better working relationships

As a transatlantic association the American-Danish Business Council (ADBC) is

dedicated to helping Danish and American companies in a wide range of foreign

business activities in either the US or Denmark This year ADBC has put together a

comprehensive program of seminars conferences roundtable discussions etc

within and across its six focus areas Energy Finance Defense Food amp Agriculture

Maritime and Health amp Life Science Please turn to page 14 for more information

on future events

I hope to have the pleasure of meeting with as many of you as possible on my trav-

els in the US as well as in Denmark

Best regards

Peter Taksoslashe-Jensen

Ambassador of Denmark to the United States

Danish Core Competences in Demand

President Barack Obama in his 2011 State of the Union Speech yet again emphasized

how innovation and cleaner energy technologies are top priorities for his Presidency

The Presidential priority seems to re-

flect public opinion A newly pub-

lished public opinion poll shows that

Americans gives top priority to legisla-

tion that would provide incentives for

alternative energy sources The Presi-

dentrsquos agenda seems favorable for

Danish firms offering environmental

and energy efficient products and ser-

vices to the American market

In his State of the Union speech Presi-

dent Obama articulated a clear cut

message on how America was ldquoto win

the futurerdquo to use Obamarsquos own re-

current phrase ldquoThe first step in win-

ning the future is encouraging Ameri-

can innovationrdquo he said ldquoWersquoll invest

in biomedical research information

technology and especially clean en-

ergy technology - an investment that

will strengthen our security protect

our planet and create countless new

jobs for our peoplerdquo

The President defined and interlinked

the solutions of the major challenges

facing the US in energy security envi-

ronmental protection and job crea-

tion in a redefinition of American

energy policy Obama asserted that

ldquoBy 2035 80 percent of Americanrsquos

electricity will come from clean en-

ergy sourcesrdquo

A USA TodayGallup poll conducted

Jan 14-16 2011 shows that the

Presidentrsquos agenda has strong public

support Out of eight actions the

Congress could take this year

Americans most favor an energy bill

that provides incentives for using

alternative energy Eighty-three per-

cent of individuals favor such en-

ergy legislation placing the issue

ahead of overhauling the federal tax

code or speeding up withdrawal of

troops from Afghanistan the poll

said (poll)

Weather or not the Congress will

agree with these ambitious goals

remains in doubt Republicans

mainly view ldquoinvestmentrdquo as

ldquospendingrdquo ndash something Republi-

cans are committed to curtailing

Words from the Ambassador

Winning the Same Future

Dear Members

Although barely into the year it is my pleasure as Danish Ambassador to the

United States to comment on probably the most important speech of 2011 The

State of the Union address

In the annual report on the condition of the nation President Obama praised the

economic growth achieved only two years after the worst recession in decades

Especially rises of the stock market along with healthy corporate profits spread

hope in the US The President underlined this point by saying ldquowe are poised for

progressrdquo

Innovation was identified as a lsquofirst step in winning the futurersquo This is in a period of

time where the US wishes to double its national export by 2015

The intensified competition however reminds politicians and industry around the

globe about the importance of investing in new innovation based sectors In Den-

mark high value-added activities have been a national priority for decades Danish

companies have gained global leadership in a range of competitive fields such as

biomedical renewable energy transportation and food sectors Today the US is

our third largest export market

In my position as Danish Ambassador to the United States I see that our two na-

tions share many key institutions and businesses within new technologies Promot-

ing synergies and positive trade relations seem particular promising in pushing a

national economic plan for increased innovation investment and trade after all

we are to win the same future The Presidentrsquos emphasis on developing a more

open and stable market place is an important example of building mutual coopera-

tion and better working relationships

As a transatlantic association the American-Danish Business Council (ADBC) is

dedicated to helping Danish and American companies in a wide range of foreign

business activities in either the US or Denmark This year ADBC has put together a

comprehensive program of seminars conferences roundtable discussions etc

within and across its six focus areas Energy Finance Defense Food amp Agriculture

Maritime and Health amp Life Science Please turn to page 14 for more information

on future events

I hope to have the pleasure of meeting with as many of you as possible on my trav-

els in the US as well as in Denmark

Best regards

Peter Taksoslashe-Jensen

Ambassador of Denmark to the United States

Danish Core Competences in Demand

President Barack Obama in his 2011 State of the Union Speech yet again emphasized

how innovation and cleaner energy technologies are top priorities for his Presidency

The Presidential priority seems to re-

flect public opinion A newly pub-

lished public opinion poll shows that

Americans gives top priority to legisla-

tion that would provide incentives for

alternative energy sources The Presi-

dentrsquos agenda seems favorable for

Danish firms offering environmental

and energy efficient products and ser-

vices to the American market

In his State of the Union speech Presi-

dent Obama articulated a clear cut

message on how America was ldquoto win

the futurerdquo to use Obamarsquos own re-

current phrase ldquoThe first step in win-

ning the future is encouraging Ameri-

can innovationrdquo he said ldquoWersquoll invest

in biomedical research information

technology and especially clean en-

ergy technology - an investment that

will strengthen our security protect

our planet and create countless new

jobs for our peoplerdquo

The President defined and interlinked

the solutions of the major challenges

facing the US in energy security envi-

ronmental protection and job crea-

tion in a redefinition of American

energy policy Obama asserted that

ldquoBy 2035 80 percent of Americanrsquos

electricity will come from clean en-

ergy sourcesrdquo

A USA TodayGallup poll conducted

Jan 14-16 2011 shows that the

Presidentrsquos agenda has strong public

support Out of eight actions the

Congress could take this year

Americans most favor an energy bill

that provides incentives for using

alternative energy Eighty-three per-

cent of individuals favor such en-

ergy legislation placing the issue

ahead of overhauling the federal tax

code or speeding up withdrawal of

troops from Afghanistan the poll

said (poll)

Weather or not the Congress will

agree with these ambitious goals

remains in doubt Republicans

mainly view ldquoinvestmentrdquo as

ldquospendingrdquo ndash something Republi-

cans are committed to curtailing

Danish Core Competences in Demand

President Barack Obama in his 2011 State of the Union Speech yet again emphasized

how innovation and cleaner energy technologies are top priorities for his Presidency

The Presidential priority seems to re-

flect public opinion A newly pub-

lished public opinion poll shows that

Americans gives top priority to legisla-

tion that would provide incentives for

alternative energy sources The Presi-

dentrsquos agenda seems favorable for

Danish firms offering environmental

and energy efficient products and ser-

vices to the American market

In his State of the Union speech Presi-

dent Obama articulated a clear cut

message on how America was ldquoto win

the futurerdquo to use Obamarsquos own re-

current phrase ldquoThe first step in win-

ning the future is encouraging Ameri-

can innovationrdquo he said ldquoWersquoll invest

in biomedical research information

technology and especially clean en-

ergy technology - an investment that

will strengthen our security protect

our planet and create countless new

jobs for our peoplerdquo

The President defined and interlinked

the solutions of the major challenges

facing the US in energy security envi-

ronmental protection and job crea-

tion in a redefinition of American

energy policy Obama asserted that

ldquoBy 2035 80 percent of Americanrsquos

electricity will come from clean en-

ergy sourcesrdquo

A USA TodayGallup poll conducted

Jan 14-16 2011 shows that the

Presidentrsquos agenda has strong public

support Out of eight actions the

Congress could take this year

Americans most favor an energy bill

that provides incentives for using

alternative energy Eighty-three per-

cent of individuals favor such en-

ergy legislation placing the issue

ahead of overhauling the federal tax

code or speeding up withdrawal of

troops from Afghanistan the poll

said (poll)

Weather or not the Congress will

agree with these ambitious goals

remains in doubt Republicans

mainly view ldquoinvestmentrdquo as

ldquospendingrdquo ndash something Republi-

cans are committed to curtailing

However Republicans may be more supportive of solu-

tions that can be competitive without subsidies in a

short period of time With this in mind the stage may

be set for Danish companies to offer the American mar-

ket its strong innovative products and services in the

environment and energy sector Moreover the Ameri-

can economy is recovering and in a recent interview

with Charlie Rose Tim Geithner stated that he believes

the US economy will grow by 3-4 percent in 2011 and

that unemployment will be below 8 percent in 2012

Thus the US economy and market look relatively favor-

able for Danish companies that succeed in appealing to

the Presidentrsquos agenda of interlinking cleaner energy

and job creation

For further information please contact Ulrik Eversbusch ma-

bajoumdk

ldquoWersquoll invest in bio-

medical research in-

formation technology

and especially clean

energy technology -

an investment that

will strengthen our

security protect our

planet and create

countless new jobs for

our peoplerdquo

Future Congressional Action on Energy Policy

Renewable Energy insiders met recently in Washington to discuss future

Congressional action on energy policy

Sources close to the Senate Energy

and Natural Resources Committee

stated that most of 2011 would be

taken up with budget not policy is-

sues

Moreover with five of the ten Repub-

lican members and three of the

twelve Democratic members of the

Senate committee being new to the

committee (many also being fresh-

man members) a good deal of time

will need to be spent on educating the

new members about the issues and

the options that were put forward in

the last Congress Thus it may well

be 2012 or at least late in 2011 be-

fore policy discussions begin to take

place Moreover policy will seem-

ingly be driven more by the House

than the Senate with staffers in the

Senate gauging if something is politi-

cally viable by asking what the House

will think about the issue or proposal

There will also be changes in ap-

proach The previous Congress fa-

vored comprehensive legislation sim-

ply because it was difficult to obtain

time for a bill to be considered and voted

on the floor Thus Senators preferred

bundling issues together into a compre-

hensive package that could be voted on

together The new Congress favors a less

comprehensive approach and a return to

more targeted consideration of bills

Budget neutrality will also be a priority of

the new Congress However this concept

will present challenges to the committee

structure With limited jurisdiction the

energy committee for instance cannot

recommend cutting the transportation

budget to pay for energy investments

Moreover as one source said ldquoIf it costs

money it will not happenrdquo

For moderate Republicans energy policy

should stand on five legs It should be

clean affordable abundant domestic and

diverse Renewable energy is clean It is

diverse (from wind and solar to biomass

biogas etc) It is domestic It could even

be abundant But Republicans see the

major obstacle as affordability

The Clean Energy Standard seems to be

the concept with the most support The trick will be finding a bal-

ance between affordability without having Natural Gas dominate as

oil and coal have done There is some support for tying credits to

emission reduction For example wind solar etc would receive a

full credit while Natural Gas would receive a percentage of a credit

A net zero carbon tax might also be an option with the revenue be-

ing refunded by lowering the FICA (Federal Insurance Contributions

Act) tax

When asked what the public and industry can do to push the

agenda the answer seemed to be increased engagement at the lo-

cal level Company employees and individuals should attend town

meetings meet with their representatives whenever possible and

write letters encouraging energy legislation to encourage renewable

solutions

In fact a USA-TodayGallup poll in mid January indicated over 80

percent of Americans want the Congress to pass incentives for re-

newable energy solutions ndash as a first priority What has been miss-

ing is the local manifestation of this desire That is one cannot

point to a poll of a Congressional district to underline the sentiment

for a member of Congress in that district So it is even more impor-

tant to engage with members to make known local support on this

issue

For further information please contact Mary Paul marjesumdk

Agro-Biodiversity and Ecosystem

Services

On the 16th of December 2010 International Centre for

Research in Organic Food Systems (ICROFS) hosted a

seminar at the Danish Embassy inviting leading American

scientists and scholars working with research and

development of organic farming systems

Agro-Biodiversity and Ecosystem Ser-

vices was the theme of the seminar

ICROFS had organized in cooperation

with the Embassy of Denmark

ICROFS an international research centre

established by the Ministry of Food amp

Agriculture of Denmark to focus on or-

ganic and sustainable agriculture produc-

tion had scheduled an exciting program

with six keynote speakers whom from

different angles highlighted the impor-

tance of biodiversity in ecosystems

Among these speakers was professor and

chairman of the Danish Climate Commis-

sion Kathryn Richardson

Between the presentations there was a

lively and fruitful discussion among the

participants who were primarily re-

searchers and program managers from

US universities and the United State De-

partment of Agriculture

Is organic farming the solution

The big question throughout the seminar

was Can organic farming be a solution

to the declining biodiversity in many eco-

systems This topic is relevant since

approx 60 of current ecosystem services

are declining or unstable

In areas where there are shortages of

fresh air lack of clean water landslides

drought or limited access to food peo-

ples living conditions are increasingly

challenged It is obvious that the agricul-

ture and food production depends on bio-

diversity and ecosystem services while at

the same time the production also affects

these functions

Several of the presentations showed ex-

amples of how different plants in one field

are depending in each other for example

by discouraging certain types of insects

that would otherwise damage the food

crops In the past years there has been an

increased focus in the US on the debate

on sustainable ecosystems linked together

with the production of organic food as

this market is spreading and gaining in-

creasing commercial importance in the

daily food consumption

For further information please contact Steen Steen-

sen mabajoumdk

Mutual Benefits of the Foreign Comparative Testing (FCT)

Program

In 1980 the US Department of Defense adopted a military procurement-program

designed to test and evaluate foreign alliesrsquo military technologies The Foreign

Comparative Testing (FCT) program was established with the purpose of managing

the demands of the American defense for advanced technology quickly and

The FCT is directed towards non-

developmental andor commercial

equipment To this date US invest-

ment in foreign technology has fos-

tered multibillion dollars procurement

of foreign equipment

From a Danish perspective the bene-

fits of the FCT are evident it provides

an opportunity for Danish companies

to demonstrate their products and

thereby provides access to the Ameri-

can market with minimal marketing

efforts

Several Danish companies such as

Therma and Systematic have already

benefitted from the FCT-program by

the awarding of contracts and in Au-

gust 2010 Danish heavy vehicle manu-

facturer Hydrema was given a contract

potentially worth $168 million to de-

liver Area Mine Clearing System

(AMCS) vehicles

The FCT-program visits Scandinavia

every other year with the next visit

likely to be in the spring of 2012

The current financial situation in the US

has led to a series of debates over

budget in the Department of Defense

which may influence the FCT program

by potential financial cutbacks

The Danish Embassy along with the Dan-

ish military industry will continue to

highlight the mutual benefits of the FCT

program the positive impact it has on

Danish exports while offering the US

Department of Defense quick and cost-

effective solutions for the challenges of

tomorrow

For further information please contact Per Lyse

Rasmussen pelyraumdk

April 2010 Danish Defence and Security Industries Association (FAD)

invited FCT-representatives along with US Ambassador to Denmark Laurie Fulton

to ldquoDanish Defense Industry Day to present Danish candidates to the FCT-program

Sustainable Energy in World Bank Spotlight

The upcoming Energy Strategy of the World Bank Group places

heavy emphasis on clean energy sources Could this turn out to be a

window of opportunity for Danish providers of sustainable energy

When President Obama delivered his

State of the Union address on January 25

he introduced the American people to an

ambitious goal regarding energy policy

by 2035 80 of Americarsquos electricity will

come from clean energy sources

This line of thinking seems to have reso-

nated within the World Bank Group

(WBG) where a new Energy Strategy is

forthcoming The final strategy is ex-

pected to be presented in April but early

drafts indicate a heavy emphasis on clean

energy sources

It will be interesting to determine exactly

how the WBG will present its preferences

for various clean energy sources in the

strategy In particular the Energy Strat-

egy is expected to make a big push for

sustainable energy with regards to the

work on hydropower geothermal energy

solar power bioethanol and wind energy

which has increased substantially in

recent years

From a Danish perspective the upcom-

ing WBG Energy Strategy could prove to

be a big window of opportunity

If future World Bank

projects are to empha-

size clean energy Dan-

ish innovation and

know-how on sustain-

able energy might be

able to find itself at

the forefront of WBG

activities

For further information please contact Thomas

Djurhuus stekraumdk

Maritime Policy Developments Ballast water requirements in New York State The New York State Department of Environmental

Conservation on 7 February 2011 decided to keep in place its

uniquely strict regulation regarding ballast water treatment

technology However the deadline for the New York

No ballast water treatment technology

currently exists or is likely to be commer-

cially available in the foreseeable future

which can meet the special criteria set by

New York As such the decision of 7 Feb-

ruary will only postpone what should be

a complete repeal of the legislation The

present uncertain situation causes diffi-

culties for shipping companies when in-

vesting in new ships given that there is

no clear standard for these vessels to

meet

Further the potential consequences of

New York State essentially ruling out

maritime trade throughout its jurisdic-

tion would be detrimental to related in-

dustries and trading partners in the New

York area as ship-owners would direct

vessels to call on ports further south

along the Atlantic coast

Denmark holds the Chairmanship of the

Consultative Shipping Group (CSG) of 18

maritime nations and the group has pre-

viously engaged the US administration

on this issue The group is currently con-

sidering ways to support the voice of

concerned shipping companies and other

stakeholders who rely on free and open

international maritime transportation

services

CSG countries have supported the devel-

opment of mandatory international

measures to protect the marine environ-

ment In future contacts with both state

and federal US authorities Denmark

and the CSG will promote the view that a

single international standard is the only

workable regulation in respect of this

issue Such a tool already exists with the

International Ballast Water Convention

which the United States helped support

through the International Maritime Or-

ganization but has not yet ratified

For further information please contact Maritime

Advisor Henrik Juhl Madsen hemadsumdk +1

(202) 797 5351

Future Congressional Action on Energy Policy

Renewable Energy insiders met recently in Washington to discuss future

Congressional action on energy policy

Sources close to the Senate Energy

and Natural Resources Committee

stated that most of 2011 would be

taken up with budget not policy is-

sues

Moreover with five of the ten Repub-

lican members and three of the

twelve Democratic members of the

Senate committee being new to the

committee (many also being fresh-

man members) a good deal of time

will need to be spent on educating the

new members about the issues and

the options that were put forward in

the last Congress Thus it may well

be 2012 or at least late in 2011 be-

fore policy discussions begin to take

place Moreover policy will seem-

ingly be driven more by the House

than the Senate with staffers in the

Senate gauging if something is politi-

cally viable by asking what the House

will think about the issue or proposal

There will also be changes in ap-

proach The previous Congress fa-

vored comprehensive legislation sim-

ply because it was difficult to obtain

time for a bill to be considered and voted

on the floor Thus Senators preferred

bundling issues together into a compre-

hensive package that could be voted on

together The new Congress favors a less

comprehensive approach and a return to

more targeted consideration of bills

Budget neutrality will also be a priority of

the new Congress However this concept

will present challenges to the committee

structure With limited jurisdiction the

energy committee for instance cannot

recommend cutting the transportation

budget to pay for energy investments

Moreover as one source said ldquoIf it costs

money it will not happenrdquo

For moderate Republicans energy policy

should stand on five legs It should be

clean affordable abundant domestic and

diverse Renewable energy is clean It is

diverse (from wind and solar to biomass

biogas etc) It is domestic It could even

be abundant But Republicans see the

major obstacle as affordability

The Clean Energy Standard seems to be

the concept with the most support The trick will be finding a bal-

ance between affordability without having Natural Gas dominate as

oil and coal have done There is some support for tying credits to

emission reduction For example wind solar etc would receive a

full credit while Natural Gas would receive a percentage of a credit

A net zero carbon tax might also be an option with the revenue be-

ing refunded by lowering the FICA (Federal Insurance Contributions

Act) tax

When asked what the public and industry can do to push the

agenda the answer seemed to be increased engagement at the lo-

cal level Company employees and individuals should attend town

meetings meet with their representatives whenever possible and

write letters encouraging energy legislation to encourage renewable

solutions

In fact a USA-TodayGallup poll in mid January indicated over 80

percent of Americans want the Congress to pass incentives for re-

newable energy solutions ndash as a first priority What has been miss-

ing is the local manifestation of this desire That is one cannot

point to a poll of a Congressional district to underline the sentiment

for a member of Congress in that district So it is even more impor-

tant to engage with members to make known local support on this

issue

For further information please contact Mary Paul marjesumdk

Agro-Biodiversity and Ecosystem

Services

On the 16th of December 2010 International Centre for

Research in Organic Food Systems (ICROFS) hosted a

seminar at the Danish Embassy inviting leading American

scientists and scholars working with research and

development of organic farming systems

Agro-Biodiversity and Ecosystem Ser-

vices was the theme of the seminar

ICROFS had organized in cooperation

with the Embassy of Denmark

ICROFS an international research centre

established by the Ministry of Food amp

Agriculture of Denmark to focus on or-

ganic and sustainable agriculture produc-

tion had scheduled an exciting program

with six keynote speakers whom from

different angles highlighted the impor-

tance of biodiversity in ecosystems

Among these speakers was professor and

chairman of the Danish Climate Commis-

sion Kathryn Richardson

Between the presentations there was a

lively and fruitful discussion among the

participants who were primarily re-

searchers and program managers from

US universities and the United State De-

partment of Agriculture

Is organic farming the solution

The big question throughout the seminar

was Can organic farming be a solution

to the declining biodiversity in many eco-

systems This topic is relevant since

approx 60 of current ecosystem services

are declining or unstable

In areas where there are shortages of

fresh air lack of clean water landslides

drought or limited access to food peo-

ples living conditions are increasingly

challenged It is obvious that the agricul-

ture and food production depends on bio-

diversity and ecosystem services while at

the same time the production also affects

these functions

Several of the presentations showed ex-

amples of how different plants in one field

are depending in each other for example

by discouraging certain types of insects

that would otherwise damage the food

crops In the past years there has been an

increased focus in the US on the debate

on sustainable ecosystems linked together

with the production of organic food as

this market is spreading and gaining in-

creasing commercial importance in the

daily food consumption

For further information please contact Steen Steen-

sen mabajoumdk

Mutual Benefits of the Foreign Comparative Testing (FCT)

Program

In 1980 the US Department of Defense adopted a military procurement-program

designed to test and evaluate foreign alliesrsquo military technologies The Foreign

Comparative Testing (FCT) program was established with the purpose of managing

the demands of the American defense for advanced technology quickly and

The FCT is directed towards non-

developmental andor commercial

equipment To this date US invest-

ment in foreign technology has fos-

tered multibillion dollars procurement

of foreign equipment

From a Danish perspective the bene-

fits of the FCT are evident it provides

an opportunity for Danish companies

to demonstrate their products and

thereby provides access to the Ameri-

can market with minimal marketing

efforts

Several Danish companies such as

Therma and Systematic have already

benefitted from the FCT-program by

the awarding of contracts and in Au-

gust 2010 Danish heavy vehicle manu-

facturer Hydrema was given a contract

potentially worth $168 million to de-

liver Area Mine Clearing System

(AMCS) vehicles

The FCT-program visits Scandinavia

every other year with the next visit

likely to be in the spring of 2012

The current financial situation in the US

has led to a series of debates over

budget in the Department of Defense

which may influence the FCT program

by potential financial cutbacks

The Danish Embassy along with the Dan-

ish military industry will continue to

highlight the mutual benefits of the FCT

program the positive impact it has on

Danish exports while offering the US

Department of Defense quick and cost-

effective solutions for the challenges of

tomorrow

For further information please contact Per Lyse

Rasmussen pelyraumdk

April 2010 Danish Defence and Security Industries Association (FAD)

invited FCT-representatives along with US Ambassador to Denmark Laurie Fulton

to ldquoDanish Defense Industry Day to present Danish candidates to the FCT-program

Sustainable Energy in World Bank Spotlight

The upcoming Energy Strategy of the World Bank Group places

heavy emphasis on clean energy sources Could this turn out to be a

window of opportunity for Danish providers of sustainable energy

When President Obama delivered his

State of the Union address on January 25

he introduced the American people to an

ambitious goal regarding energy policy

by 2035 80 of Americarsquos electricity will

come from clean energy sources

This line of thinking seems to have reso-

nated within the World Bank Group

(WBG) where a new Energy Strategy is

forthcoming The final strategy is ex-

pected to be presented in April but early

drafts indicate a heavy emphasis on clean

energy sources

It will be interesting to determine exactly

how the WBG will present its preferences

for various clean energy sources in the

strategy In particular the Energy Strat-

egy is expected to make a big push for

sustainable energy with regards to the

work on hydropower geothermal energy

solar power bioethanol and wind energy

which has increased substantially in

recent years

From a Danish perspective the upcom-

ing WBG Energy Strategy could prove to

be a big window of opportunity

If future World Bank

projects are to empha-

size clean energy Dan-

ish innovation and

know-how on sustain-

able energy might be

able to find itself at

the forefront of WBG

activities

For further information please contact Thomas

Djurhuus stekraumdk

Maritime Policy Developments Ballast water requirements in New York State The New York State Department of Environmental

Conservation on 7 February 2011 decided to keep in place its

uniquely strict regulation regarding ballast water treatment

technology However the deadline for the New York

No ballast water treatment technology

currently exists or is likely to be commer-

cially available in the foreseeable future

which can meet the special criteria set by

New York As such the decision of 7 Feb-

ruary will only postpone what should be

a complete repeal of the legislation The

present uncertain situation causes diffi-

culties for shipping companies when in-

vesting in new ships given that there is

no clear standard for these vessels to

meet

Further the potential consequences of

New York State essentially ruling out

maritime trade throughout its jurisdic-

tion would be detrimental to related in-

dustries and trading partners in the New

York area as ship-owners would direct

vessels to call on ports further south

along the Atlantic coast

Denmark holds the Chairmanship of the

Consultative Shipping Group (CSG) of 18

maritime nations and the group has pre-

viously engaged the US administration

on this issue The group is currently con-

sidering ways to support the voice of

concerned shipping companies and other

stakeholders who rely on free and open

international maritime transportation

services

CSG countries have supported the devel-

opment of mandatory international

measures to protect the marine environ-

ment In future contacts with both state

and federal US authorities Denmark

and the CSG will promote the view that a

single international standard is the only

workable regulation in respect of this

issue Such a tool already exists with the

International Ballast Water Convention

which the United States helped support

through the International Maritime Or-

ganization but has not yet ratified

For further information please contact Maritime

Advisor Henrik Juhl Madsen hemadsumdk +1

(202) 797 5351

the concept with the most support The trick will be finding a bal-

ance between affordability without having Natural Gas dominate as

oil and coal have done There is some support for tying credits to

emission reduction For example wind solar etc would receive a

full credit while Natural Gas would receive a percentage of a credit

A net zero carbon tax might also be an option with the revenue be-

ing refunded by lowering the FICA (Federal Insurance Contributions

Act) tax

When asked what the public and industry can do to push the

agenda the answer seemed to be increased engagement at the lo-

cal level Company employees and individuals should attend town

meetings meet with their representatives whenever possible and

write letters encouraging energy legislation to encourage renewable

solutions

In fact a USA-TodayGallup poll in mid January indicated over 80

percent of Americans want the Congress to pass incentives for re-

newable energy solutions ndash as a first priority What has been miss-

ing is the local manifestation of this desire That is one cannot

point to a poll of a Congressional district to underline the sentiment

for a member of Congress in that district So it is even more impor-

tant to engage with members to make known local support on this

issue

For further information please contact Mary Paul marjesumdk

Agro-Biodiversity and Ecosystem

Services

On the 16th of December 2010 International Centre for

Research in Organic Food Systems (ICROFS) hosted a

seminar at the Danish Embassy inviting leading American

scientists and scholars working with research and

development of organic farming systems

Agro-Biodiversity and Ecosystem Ser-

vices was the theme of the seminar

ICROFS had organized in cooperation

with the Embassy of Denmark

ICROFS an international research centre

established by the Ministry of Food amp

Agriculture of Denmark to focus on or-

ganic and sustainable agriculture produc-

tion had scheduled an exciting program

with six keynote speakers whom from

different angles highlighted the impor-

tance of biodiversity in ecosystems

Among these speakers was professor and

chairman of the Danish Climate Commis-

sion Kathryn Richardson

Between the presentations there was a

lively and fruitful discussion among the

participants who were primarily re-

searchers and program managers from

US universities and the United State De-

partment of Agriculture

Is organic farming the solution

The big question throughout the seminar

was Can organic farming be a solution

to the declining biodiversity in many eco-

systems This topic is relevant since

approx 60 of current ecosystem services

are declining or unstable

In areas where there are shortages of

fresh air lack of clean water landslides

drought or limited access to food peo-

ples living conditions are increasingly

challenged It is obvious that the agricul-

ture and food production depends on bio-

diversity and ecosystem services while at

the same time the production also affects

these functions

Several of the presentations showed ex-

amples of how different plants in one field

are depending in each other for example

by discouraging certain types of insects

that would otherwise damage the food

crops In the past years there has been an

increased focus in the US on the debate

on sustainable ecosystems linked together

with the production of organic food as

this market is spreading and gaining in-

creasing commercial importance in the

daily food consumption

For further information please contact Steen Steen-

sen mabajoumdk

Mutual Benefits of the Foreign Comparative Testing (FCT)

Program

In 1980 the US Department of Defense adopted a military procurement-program

designed to test and evaluate foreign alliesrsquo military technologies The Foreign

Comparative Testing (FCT) program was established with the purpose of managing

the demands of the American defense for advanced technology quickly and

The FCT is directed towards non-

developmental andor commercial

equipment To this date US invest-

ment in foreign technology has fos-

tered multibillion dollars procurement

of foreign equipment

From a Danish perspective the bene-

fits of the FCT are evident it provides

an opportunity for Danish companies

to demonstrate their products and

thereby provides access to the Ameri-

can market with minimal marketing

efforts

Several Danish companies such as

Therma and Systematic have already

benefitted from the FCT-program by

the awarding of contracts and in Au-

gust 2010 Danish heavy vehicle manu-

facturer Hydrema was given a contract

potentially worth $168 million to de-

liver Area Mine Clearing System

(AMCS) vehicles

The FCT-program visits Scandinavia

every other year with the next visit

likely to be in the spring of 2012

The current financial situation in the US

has led to a series of debates over

budget in the Department of Defense

which may influence the FCT program

by potential financial cutbacks

The Danish Embassy along with the Dan-

ish military industry will continue to

highlight the mutual benefits of the FCT

program the positive impact it has on

Danish exports while offering the US

Department of Defense quick and cost-

effective solutions for the challenges of

tomorrow

For further information please contact Per Lyse

Rasmussen pelyraumdk

April 2010 Danish Defence and Security Industries Association (FAD)

invited FCT-representatives along with US Ambassador to Denmark Laurie Fulton

to ldquoDanish Defense Industry Day to present Danish candidates to the FCT-program

Sustainable Energy in World Bank Spotlight

The upcoming Energy Strategy of the World Bank Group places

heavy emphasis on clean energy sources Could this turn out to be a

window of opportunity for Danish providers of sustainable energy

When President Obama delivered his

State of the Union address on January 25

he introduced the American people to an

ambitious goal regarding energy policy

by 2035 80 of Americarsquos electricity will

come from clean energy sources

This line of thinking seems to have reso-

nated within the World Bank Group

(WBG) where a new Energy Strategy is

forthcoming The final strategy is ex-

pected to be presented in April but early

drafts indicate a heavy emphasis on clean

energy sources

It will be interesting to determine exactly

how the WBG will present its preferences

for various clean energy sources in the

strategy In particular the Energy Strat-

egy is expected to make a big push for

sustainable energy with regards to the

work on hydropower geothermal energy

solar power bioethanol and wind energy

which has increased substantially in

recent years

From a Danish perspective the upcom-

ing WBG Energy Strategy could prove to

be a big window of opportunity

If future World Bank

projects are to empha-

size clean energy Dan-

ish innovation and

know-how on sustain-

able energy might be

able to find itself at

the forefront of WBG

activities

For further information please contact Thomas

Djurhuus stekraumdk

Maritime Policy Developments Ballast water requirements in New York State The New York State Department of Environmental

Conservation on 7 February 2011 decided to keep in place its

uniquely strict regulation regarding ballast water treatment

technology However the deadline for the New York

No ballast water treatment technology

currently exists or is likely to be commer-

cially available in the foreseeable future

which can meet the special criteria set by

New York As such the decision of 7 Feb-

ruary will only postpone what should be

a complete repeal of the legislation The

present uncertain situation causes diffi-

culties for shipping companies when in-

vesting in new ships given that there is

no clear standard for these vessels to

meet

Further the potential consequences of

New York State essentially ruling out

maritime trade throughout its jurisdic-

tion would be detrimental to related in-

dustries and trading partners in the New

York area as ship-owners would direct

vessels to call on ports further south

along the Atlantic coast

Denmark holds the Chairmanship of the

Consultative Shipping Group (CSG) of 18

maritime nations and the group has pre-

viously engaged the US administration

on this issue The group is currently con-

sidering ways to support the voice of

concerned shipping companies and other

stakeholders who rely on free and open

international maritime transportation

services

CSG countries have supported the devel-

opment of mandatory international

measures to protect the marine environ-

ment In future contacts with both state

and federal US authorities Denmark

and the CSG will promote the view that a

single international standard is the only

workable regulation in respect of this

issue Such a tool already exists with the

International Ballast Water Convention

which the United States helped support

through the International Maritime Or-

ganization but has not yet ratified

For further information please contact Maritime

Advisor Henrik Juhl Madsen hemadsumdk +1

(202) 797 5351

Agro-Biodiversity and Ecosystem

Services

On the 16th of December 2010 International Centre for

Research in Organic Food Systems (ICROFS) hosted a

seminar at the Danish Embassy inviting leading American

scientists and scholars working with research and

development of organic farming systems

Agro-Biodiversity and Ecosystem Ser-

vices was the theme of the seminar

ICROFS had organized in cooperation

with the Embassy of Denmark

ICROFS an international research centre

established by the Ministry of Food amp

Agriculture of Denmark to focus on or-

ganic and sustainable agriculture produc-

tion had scheduled an exciting program

with six keynote speakers whom from

different angles highlighted the impor-

tance of biodiversity in ecosystems

Among these speakers was professor and

chairman of the Danish Climate Commis-

sion Kathryn Richardson

Between the presentations there was a

lively and fruitful discussion among the

participants who were primarily re-

searchers and program managers from

US universities and the United State De-

partment of Agriculture

Is organic farming the solution

The big question throughout the seminar

was Can organic farming be a solution

to the declining biodiversity in many eco-

systems This topic is relevant since

approx 60 of current ecosystem services

are declining or unstable

In areas where there are shortages of

fresh air lack of clean water landslides

drought or limited access to food peo-

ples living conditions are increasingly

challenged It is obvious that the agricul-

ture and food production depends on bio-

diversity and ecosystem services while at

the same time the production also affects

these functions

Several of the presentations showed ex-

amples of how different plants in one field

are depending in each other for example

by discouraging certain types of insects

that would otherwise damage the food

crops In the past years there has been an

increased focus in the US on the debate

on sustainable ecosystems linked together

with the production of organic food as

this market is spreading and gaining in-

creasing commercial importance in the

daily food consumption

For further information please contact Steen Steen-

sen mabajoumdk

Mutual Benefits of the Foreign Comparative Testing (FCT)

Program

In 1980 the US Department of Defense adopted a military procurement-program

designed to test and evaluate foreign alliesrsquo military technologies The Foreign

Comparative Testing (FCT) program was established with the purpose of managing

the demands of the American defense for advanced technology quickly and

The FCT is directed towards non-

developmental andor commercial

equipment To this date US invest-

ment in foreign technology has fos-

tered multibillion dollars procurement

of foreign equipment

From a Danish perspective the bene-

fits of the FCT are evident it provides

an opportunity for Danish companies

to demonstrate their products and

thereby provides access to the Ameri-

can market with minimal marketing

efforts

Several Danish companies such as

Therma and Systematic have already

benefitted from the FCT-program by

the awarding of contracts and in Au-

gust 2010 Danish heavy vehicle manu-

facturer Hydrema was given a contract

potentially worth $168 million to de-

liver Area Mine Clearing System

(AMCS) vehicles

The FCT-program visits Scandinavia

every other year with the next visit

likely to be in the spring of 2012

The current financial situation in the US

has led to a series of debates over

budget in the Department of Defense

which may influence the FCT program

by potential financial cutbacks

The Danish Embassy along with the Dan-

ish military industry will continue to

highlight the mutual benefits of the FCT

program the positive impact it has on

Danish exports while offering the US

Department of Defense quick and cost-

effective solutions for the challenges of

tomorrow

For further information please contact Per Lyse

Rasmussen pelyraumdk

April 2010 Danish Defence and Security Industries Association (FAD)

invited FCT-representatives along with US Ambassador to Denmark Laurie Fulton

to ldquoDanish Defense Industry Day to present Danish candidates to the FCT-program

Sustainable Energy in World Bank Spotlight

The upcoming Energy Strategy of the World Bank Group places

heavy emphasis on clean energy sources Could this turn out to be a

window of opportunity for Danish providers of sustainable energy

When President Obama delivered his

State of the Union address on January 25

he introduced the American people to an

ambitious goal regarding energy policy

by 2035 80 of Americarsquos electricity will

come from clean energy sources

This line of thinking seems to have reso-

nated within the World Bank Group

(WBG) where a new Energy Strategy is

forthcoming The final strategy is ex-

pected to be presented in April but early

drafts indicate a heavy emphasis on clean

energy sources

It will be interesting to determine exactly

how the WBG will present its preferences

for various clean energy sources in the

strategy In particular the Energy Strat-

egy is expected to make a big push for

sustainable energy with regards to the

work on hydropower geothermal energy

solar power bioethanol and wind energy

which has increased substantially in

recent years

From a Danish perspective the upcom-

ing WBG Energy Strategy could prove to

be a big window of opportunity

If future World Bank

projects are to empha-

size clean energy Dan-

ish innovation and

know-how on sustain-

able energy might be

able to find itself at

the forefront of WBG

activities

For further information please contact Thomas

Djurhuus stekraumdk

Maritime Policy Developments Ballast water requirements in New York State The New York State Department of Environmental

Conservation on 7 February 2011 decided to keep in place its

uniquely strict regulation regarding ballast water treatment

technology However the deadline for the New York

No ballast water treatment technology

currently exists or is likely to be commer-

cially available in the foreseeable future

which can meet the special criteria set by

New York As such the decision of 7 Feb-

ruary will only postpone what should be

a complete repeal of the legislation The

present uncertain situation causes diffi-

culties for shipping companies when in-

vesting in new ships given that there is

no clear standard for these vessels to

meet

Further the potential consequences of

New York State essentially ruling out

maritime trade throughout its jurisdic-

tion would be detrimental to related in-

dustries and trading partners in the New

York area as ship-owners would direct

vessels to call on ports further south

along the Atlantic coast

Denmark holds the Chairmanship of the

Consultative Shipping Group (CSG) of 18

maritime nations and the group has pre-

viously engaged the US administration

on this issue The group is currently con-

sidering ways to support the voice of

concerned shipping companies and other

stakeholders who rely on free and open

international maritime transportation

services

CSG countries have supported the devel-

opment of mandatory international

measures to protect the marine environ-

ment In future contacts with both state

and federal US authorities Denmark

and the CSG will promote the view that a

single international standard is the only

workable regulation in respect of this

issue Such a tool already exists with the

International Ballast Water Convention

which the United States helped support

through the International Maritime Or-

ganization but has not yet ratified

For further information please contact Maritime

Advisor Henrik Juhl Madsen hemadsumdk +1

(202) 797 5351

Mutual Benefits of the Foreign Comparative Testing (FCT)

Program

In 1980 the US Department of Defense adopted a military procurement-program

designed to test and evaluate foreign alliesrsquo military technologies The Foreign

Comparative Testing (FCT) program was established with the purpose of managing

the demands of the American defense for advanced technology quickly and

The FCT is directed towards non-

developmental andor commercial

equipment To this date US invest-

ment in foreign technology has fos-

tered multibillion dollars procurement

of foreign equipment

From a Danish perspective the bene-

fits of the FCT are evident it provides

an opportunity for Danish companies

to demonstrate their products and

thereby provides access to the Ameri-

can market with minimal marketing

efforts

Several Danish companies such as

Therma and Systematic have already

benefitted from the FCT-program by

the awarding of contracts and in Au-

gust 2010 Danish heavy vehicle manu-

facturer Hydrema was given a contract

potentially worth $168 million to de-

liver Area Mine Clearing System

(AMCS) vehicles

The FCT-program visits Scandinavia

every other year with the next visit

likely to be in the spring of 2012

The current financial situation in the US

has led to a series of debates over

budget in the Department of Defense

which may influence the FCT program

by potential financial cutbacks

The Danish Embassy along with the Dan-

ish military industry will continue to

highlight the mutual benefits of the FCT

program the positive impact it has on

Danish exports while offering the US

Department of Defense quick and cost-

effective solutions for the challenges of

tomorrow

For further information please contact Per Lyse

Rasmussen pelyraumdk

April 2010 Danish Defence and Security Industries Association (FAD)

invited FCT-representatives along with US Ambassador to Denmark Laurie Fulton

to ldquoDanish Defense Industry Day to present Danish candidates to the FCT-program

Sustainable Energy in World Bank Spotlight

The upcoming Energy Strategy of the World Bank Group places

heavy emphasis on clean energy sources Could this turn out to be a

window of opportunity for Danish providers of sustainable energy

When President Obama delivered his

State of the Union address on January 25

he introduced the American people to an

ambitious goal regarding energy policy

by 2035 80 of Americarsquos electricity will

come from clean energy sources

This line of thinking seems to have reso-

nated within the World Bank Group

(WBG) where a new Energy Strategy is

forthcoming The final strategy is ex-

pected to be presented in April but early

drafts indicate a heavy emphasis on clean

energy sources

It will be interesting to determine exactly

how the WBG will present its preferences

for various clean energy sources in the

strategy In particular the Energy Strat-

egy is expected to make a big push for

sustainable energy with regards to the

work on hydropower geothermal energy

solar power bioethanol and wind energy

which has increased substantially in

recent years

From a Danish perspective the upcom-

ing WBG Energy Strategy could prove to

be a big window of opportunity

If future World Bank

projects are to empha-

size clean energy Dan-

ish innovation and

know-how on sustain-

able energy might be

able to find itself at

the forefront of WBG

activities

For further information please contact Thomas

Djurhuus stekraumdk

Maritime Policy Developments Ballast water requirements in New York State The New York State Department of Environmental

Conservation on 7 February 2011 decided to keep in place its

uniquely strict regulation regarding ballast water treatment

technology However the deadline for the New York

No ballast water treatment technology

currently exists or is likely to be commer-

cially available in the foreseeable future

which can meet the special criteria set by

New York As such the decision of 7 Feb-

ruary will only postpone what should be

a complete repeal of the legislation The

present uncertain situation causes diffi-

culties for shipping companies when in-

vesting in new ships given that there is

no clear standard for these vessels to

meet

Further the potential consequences of

New York State essentially ruling out

maritime trade throughout its jurisdic-

tion would be detrimental to related in-

dustries and trading partners in the New

York area as ship-owners would direct

vessels to call on ports further south

along the Atlantic coast

Denmark holds the Chairmanship of the

Consultative Shipping Group (CSG) of 18

maritime nations and the group has pre-

viously engaged the US administration

on this issue The group is currently con-

sidering ways to support the voice of

concerned shipping companies and other

stakeholders who rely on free and open

international maritime transportation

services

CSG countries have supported the devel-

opment of mandatory international

measures to protect the marine environ-

ment In future contacts with both state

and federal US authorities Denmark

and the CSG will promote the view that a

single international standard is the only

workable regulation in respect of this

issue Such a tool already exists with the

International Ballast Water Convention

which the United States helped support

through the International Maritime Or-

ganization but has not yet ratified

For further information please contact Maritime

Advisor Henrik Juhl Madsen hemadsumdk +1

(202) 797 5351

Sustainable Energy in World Bank Spotlight

The upcoming Energy Strategy of the World Bank Group places

heavy emphasis on clean energy sources Could this turn out to be a

window of opportunity for Danish providers of sustainable energy

When President Obama delivered his

State of the Union address on January 25

he introduced the American people to an

ambitious goal regarding energy policy

by 2035 80 of Americarsquos electricity will

come from clean energy sources

This line of thinking seems to have reso-

nated within the World Bank Group

(WBG) where a new Energy Strategy is

forthcoming The final strategy is ex-

pected to be presented in April but early

drafts indicate a heavy emphasis on clean

energy sources

It will be interesting to determine exactly

how the WBG will present its preferences

for various clean energy sources in the

strategy In particular the Energy Strat-

egy is expected to make a big push for

sustainable energy with regards to the

work on hydropower geothermal energy

solar power bioethanol and wind energy

which has increased substantially in

recent years

From a Danish perspective the upcom-

ing WBG Energy Strategy could prove to

be a big window of opportunity

If future World Bank

projects are to empha-

size clean energy Dan-

ish innovation and

know-how on sustain-

able energy might be

able to find itself at

the forefront of WBG

activities

For further information please contact Thomas

Djurhuus stekraumdk

Maritime Policy Developments Ballast water requirements in New York State The New York State Department of Environmental

Conservation on 7 February 2011 decided to keep in place its

uniquely strict regulation regarding ballast water treatment

technology However the deadline for the New York

No ballast water treatment technology

currently exists or is likely to be commer-

cially available in the foreseeable future

which can meet the special criteria set by

New York As such the decision of 7 Feb-

ruary will only postpone what should be

a complete repeal of the legislation The

present uncertain situation causes diffi-

culties for shipping companies when in-

vesting in new ships given that there is

no clear standard for these vessels to

meet

Further the potential consequences of

New York State essentially ruling out

maritime trade throughout its jurisdic-

tion would be detrimental to related in-

dustries and trading partners in the New

York area as ship-owners would direct

vessels to call on ports further south

along the Atlantic coast

Denmark holds the Chairmanship of the

Consultative Shipping Group (CSG) of 18

maritime nations and the group has pre-

viously engaged the US administration

on this issue The group is currently con-

sidering ways to support the voice of

concerned shipping companies and other

stakeholders who rely on free and open

international maritime transportation

services

CSG countries have supported the devel-

opment of mandatory international

measures to protect the marine environ-

ment In future contacts with both state

and federal US authorities Denmark

and the CSG will promote the view that a

single international standard is the only

workable regulation in respect of this

issue Such a tool already exists with the

International Ballast Water Convention

which the United States helped support

through the International Maritime Or-

ganization but has not yet ratified

For further information please contact Maritime

Advisor Henrik Juhl Madsen hemadsumdk +1

(202) 797 5351

Maritime Policy Developments Ballast water requirements in New York State The New York State Department of Environmental

Conservation on 7 February 2011 decided to keep in place its

uniquely strict regulation regarding ballast water treatment

technology However the deadline for the New York

No ballast water treatment technology

currently exists or is likely to be commer-

cially available in the foreseeable future

which can meet the special criteria set by

New York As such the decision of 7 Feb-

ruary will only postpone what should be

a complete repeal of the legislation The

present uncertain situation causes diffi-

culties for shipping companies when in-

vesting in new ships given that there is

no clear standard for these vessels to

meet

Further the potential consequences of

New York State essentially ruling out

maritime trade throughout its jurisdic-

tion would be detrimental to related in-

dustries and trading partners in the New

York area as ship-owners would direct

vessels to call on ports further south

along the Atlantic coast

Denmark holds the Chairmanship of the

Consultative Shipping Group (CSG) of 18

maritime nations and the group has pre-

viously engaged the US administration

on this issue The group is currently con-

sidering ways to support the voice of

concerned shipping companies and other

stakeholders who rely on free and open

international maritime transportation

services

CSG countries have supported the devel-

opment of mandatory international

measures to protect the marine environ-

ment In future contacts with both state

and federal US authorities Denmark

and the CSG will promote the view that a

single international standard is the only

workable regulation in respect of this

issue Such a tool already exists with the

International Ballast Water Convention

which the United States helped support

through the International Maritime Or-

ganization but has not yet ratified

For further information please contact Maritime

Advisor Henrik Juhl Madsen hemadsumdk +1

(202) 797 5351

Food Energy and Ice

The Embassyrsquos work this year relating to public

diplomacy centers on three important areas ndash food

energy and ice

The aim of public diplomacy work is to

influence non-state players who take

part in making decisions where Danish

interests are at stake politically econo-

mically and culturally This includes

increasing the awareness abroad of

Danish strength positions and compe-

tences

By focusing on foodhealthy lifestyle

energy and the Arctic region the Em-

bassy wishes to strengthen the position

of Denmark Danish companies in parti-

cular in relation to these specific areas

by establishing viable and strategic ties

to important non-state players con-

sisting of opinion formers and decision-

makers including media the private

sector think tanks research instituti-

ons trade associations and NGOs

Branding Denmark as a Healthy and

Nutritious Nation

Truly in this past year the position of

Denmark as a gastronomic hub has been

further consolidated at the San Pellegri-

no Worldrsquos best restaurant award show

in London in April the Copenhagen-

based restaurant NOMA was named the

Worldrsquos Best Restaurant And in June

2010 the Danish chef Rasmus Kofoed

won the European championship Bocuse

drsquoEurope Adding to his success Rasmus

Kofoed on January 26 won the gold me-

dal at the world championship for chefs

ndash the Bocuse drsquoOr in Lyon France

The overwhelming interest into Danish

cuisine and food culture provides an ad-

vantageous platform for branding Den-

mark as a gastronomic center for culina-

ry excellence and innovation In fact ac-

cording to a study conducted by Visit-

Denmark no less than 13 of tourist who

holiday in Denmark rate their dining ex-

periences as an central part of their vi-

sits

Energy - Growth and Employment

through Public Diplomacy

In the wake of the Cop 15 confe-

rence in December 2009 Denmark

has continued to push the agenda

for sustainable energy internatio-

nally The success of Denmark in

achieving economic growth

without increasing energy con-

sumption has constituted an

exemplary model for other states

to adopt This positive ldquostoryrdquo crea-

tes business opportunities for Da-

nish suppliers of green technology

In this process public diplomacy

work is central strengthening the

general awareness of Denmark to

help create the attention and inte-

rest that often precede enquiries

for Danish export products and

know-how In this process the Em-

bassy works closely together with

key players in the US to create addi-

tional exports and attract invest-

ments to Denmark

Raising Awareness of the Arctic Re-

gion

The Arctic region constitutes an im-

portant focus area for public diplo-

macy and for Danish foreign policy

more generally In the recent years

the strategic importance of the Arc-

tic has increased significantly given

that the climatic changes has made

the Arctic region more accessible

This creates new business opportu-

nities for companies in the High

North for example for the sectors of

natural resource extraction and for

international tourism

The work of public diplomacy cen-

Energy constitutes a focus area and the Embassy continues to work to strengthen the

awareness of the Danish model ndash combining economic growth without increasing energy

consumption

The strategic importance of the Arctic comprises yet another focal point at a time when

climate change inevitably makes the High North a more accessible place

Danish gastronomy is truly flourishing as a result of the increased international focus on

Nordic cuisine and the success of several Danish chefs This provides an advantageous

vehicle for branding Danish food products and attracting tourists to Denmark

on the challenges faced by the

Arctic or highlighting new business

opportunities for Danish and Ame-

rican companies

Collaborate with Us

Public diplomacy initiatives rely

heavily on the involvement of Da-

nish and American businesses and

organizations If your company or

organization have any ideas pro-

posals or other enquiries as to

how the Embassy might cooperate

with your organization please do

not hesitate to contact Mr Tor-

sten Jansen Head of the Public

Diplomacy and Communication at

torjanumdk or at (202) 797-

5363

Energy - Growth and Employment

through Public Diplomacy

In the wake of the Cop 15 confe-

rence in December 2009 Denmark

has continued to push the agenda

for sustainable energy internatio-

nally The success of Denmark in

achieving economic growth

without increasing energy con-

sumption has constituted an

exemplary model for other states

to adopt This positive ldquostoryrdquo crea-

tes business opportunities for Da-

nish suppliers of green technology

In this process public diplomacy

work is central strengthening the

general awareness of Denmark to

help create the attention and inte-

rest that often precede enquiries

for Danish export products and

know-how In this process the Em-

bassy works closely together with

key players in the US to create addi-

tional exports and attract invest-

ments to Denmark

Raising Awareness of the Arctic Re-

gion

The Arctic region constitutes an im-

portant focus area for public diplo-

macy and for Danish foreign policy

more generally In the recent years

the strategic importance of the Arc-

tic has increased significantly given

that the climatic changes has made

the Arctic region more accessible

This creates new business opportu-

nities for companies in the High

North for example for the sectors of

natural resource extraction and for

international tourism

The work of public diplomacy cen-

Energy constitutes a focus area and the Embassy continues to work to strengthen the

awareness of the Danish model ndash combining economic growth without increasing energy

consumption

The strategic importance of the Arctic comprises yet another focal point at a time when

climate change inevitably makes the High North a more accessible place

Danish gastronomy is truly flourishing as a result of the increased international focus on

Nordic cuisine and the success of several Danish chefs This provides an advantageous

vehicle for branding Danish food products and attracting tourists to Denmark

on the challenges faced by the

Arctic or highlighting new business

opportunities for Danish and Ame-

rican companies

Collaborate with Us

Public diplomacy initiatives rely

heavily on the involvement of Da-

nish and American businesses and

organizations If your company or

organization have any ideas pro-

posals or other enquiries as to

how the Embassy might cooperate

with your organization please do

not hesitate to contact Mr Tor-

sten Jansen Head of the Public

Diplomacy and Communication at

torjanumdk or at (202) 797-

5363

February 24-25th The Ambassador visits Texas

For ADBC members interested in meeting with the Ambassa

dor please contact Josefine Urup Wolff at joswolumdk

March 1-2nd The Ambassador visits Atlanta

For ADBC members interested in meeting with the Ambassa

dor please contact Josefine Urup Wolff at joswolumdk

April date TBC Food amp Agriculture in Corporation with the World Bank

Learning from Danish Food Standards

April 11th Danish Maritime Network Meeting

Meet with Director General of the Danish Maritime Authority

Mr Andreas Nordseth

May date TBC Defense discusses energy with Thisted

How to Apply the Danish Model

Talks between US defense and Danish Municipalities within

Energy Efficiency

June 27th Defense and Health amp Life Science

Danish US Event in connection with the Bio Conference in

Washington

The Royal Balletrsquos Kompagni B at the Kennedy Center in Washington DC

Leading up to the Royal Danish Balletrsquos visit to the Ken-nedy Center in Washington DC on June 7 - 12 2011 the Royal Balletrsquos Kompagni B will be performing on March 25 ndash 27th of March as part of the Kennedy Centerrsquos Pro-teacutegeacutes III program showcasing rising stars of the worldrsquos leading ballet academies

Kompagni B is the Royal Theaterrsquos renowned ballet pro-gram for children and upcoming stars

To acquire tickets for the performances please visit the Kennedy Centerrsquos website at httpwwwkennedycenterorgcalendarindexcfmfuseaction=showEventampevent=BLBSJ

U P C O M I N G E V E N T S

A SPECIAL THANKS TO OUR MEMBERS

ARLA FOODS

BEAUFORT ADVISORS

COLOPLAST CORPORATION

CONFEDERATION OF DANISH INDUSTRIESmdashDI

CONVATEC INC

COWI

DANFOSS INC

DANISH-AMERICAN BUSINESS FORUM

ECCO USA INC

EITZEN BULK USA INC

ENKOTEC COMPANY

ENXCO SERVICE CORPORATION

GREENLAND CONTRACTORS

HALDOR TOPSOE INC

HYDREMA

J LAURITZEN USA INC

KELSEN BISCA

LUNDBECK

MAERSK INC

MIDWEST TRADING

NORDEN TANKERS AND BULKERS USAmdashUSEA

NOVONORDISK PHARMACEUTICALS

NEUROSEARCH

USEA BULK USA INC

VELUX AS

DANISH-AMERICAN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE NY

DANISH-AMERICAN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE N

CA

DANISH-AMERICAN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE S

CA

DANISH-AMERICAN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

GEORGIA

DANISH-AMERICAN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

MIDWEST

AMCHAM DENMARK

Internationalization Means Business ndash and Vice Versa The American-Danish Business Council promotes Danish companies in the US and American companies in Denmark It is

engaged in a range of activities aiming at obtaining an even more thriving American-Danish market place with increased

trade and investment The Council has 59 Danish and American companies as members

A number of sector-specific committees are being formed including on Health amp Life Science Defense Finance Maritime

Food amp Agriculture and Energy By using the Danish Embassys contacts and access to American as well as to Danish Authori-

ties the committees work to enhance business opportunities and to create network synergies and corporation

To read about membership benefits please visit our homepage wwwusadkorg or contact Josefine Urup Wolff joswolumdk