Greenland seeks to boost profile in China with new Beijing office
Greenland opened a new office in Beijing last week with a view to boosting its profile in China.
“For the past 10 years, the Naalakkersuisut [Greenlandic government] has been promoting business in Asia,” Greenland Premier Mute Bourup Egede said in a news release this week.
“It’s very important that we’ve now established a diplomatic presence in Asia, and especially in China, an extremely important export market that must be maintained and where trade relations are developed.”
Economics, trade and cultural exchanges will be among the office’s main priorities, with the Beijing office also being seen as an important jumping off point for Greenland to foster opportunities with Japan and South Korea.
“Together with our partners and the industry, I see great opportunities in the fact that we can develop our relations with countries in Asia at Greenland’s new permanent representation in Beijing,” Egede said.
Energy, research and new markets
Jacob Isbosethsen has been named as Greenland’s Head of Representation.
Green energy, research, education, tourism, culture and finding new markets for Greenland’s fishing industry will be among his initial priorities.
The Greenlandic Government said a formal opening ceremony will take place in Beijing once COVID-19 public health directives allow it.
Write to Eilís Quinn at eilis.quinn(at)cbc.ca
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