On April 28, Michael Starb?k Christensen, the Ambassador of Denmark to China, led a business delegation to Shandong Heavy Industry Group for a business exchange, accompanied by Lin Haibin, Deputy Director and Party Leadership Group Member of the Foreign Affairs Office of Shandong Province. Wang Zhijian, Deputy Party Secretary and President of Shandong Heavy Industry Group, participated in the discussions.

Michael Starb?k Christensen expressed his gratitude to the Foreign Affairs Office of Shandong Province and Shandong Heavy Industry Group for their warm hospitality and highly praised the company’s achievements. He noted that this year marks the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Denmark and China. Denmark places great importance on the Chinese market, with many Danish companies adopting the philosophy of “In China, For China.” These companies have established long-term operations in China and benefited from China’s rapid economic growth over the past 40 years. Michael Starb?k Christensen emphasized that both Denmark and China share a common desire and development direction in economic and trade. He expressed his hope that trade and diplomacy would continue to enhance friendship and deepen mutual trust between the two nations. Denmark, with its expertise in energy transition, can offer professional and innovative integrated solutions. Danish enterprises and Shandong Heavy Industry Group are highly compatible and complementary within the industrial value chain. Michael Starb?k Christensen expressed his desire to establish a mutually beneficial partnership with Shandong Heavy Industry Group, deepen win-win cooperation in the industrial chain, and jointly lead the global energy transition.

Wang Zhijian warmly welcomed Michael Starb?k Christensen and his delegation on their first visit to Shandong Heavy Industry Group and provided an overview of the enterprise. He explained that Shandong Heavy Industry Group is a leading Chinese enterprise and a world-class multinational group specializing in high-end equipment manufacturing, with six key business segments, including power systems and commercial vehicles. Over the years, Shandong Heavy Industry Group has established global technology innovation centers in Europe and developed close cooperation with European companies in both product and technology. The enterprise has also built a strong foundation for cooperation with the Danish companies in the delegation. Europe continues to be a key strategic market for Shandong Heavy Industry Group, with the brands such as Zhongtong Bus earning a strong reputation in Denmark. The rapid growth of China’s new energy industry has created significant opportunities in the market. Wang highlighted the great potential for cooperation between Shandong Heavy Industry and Danish enterprises in advancing energy transition and implementing China’s “dual carbon” strategy. He expressed hope that both sides would strengthen technical exchanges and cooperation, particularly through initiatives such as technology open days, to achieve fruitful results and establish long-term partnerships.

During the meeting, members of the Danish business delegation introduced their respective business operations, and both sides engaged in friendly discussions regarding potential areas for cooperation. The event was attended by Henrik Martens, Commercial Counsellor at the Embassy of the Kingdom of Denmark in China; Chen Zhaohui, Commercial Officer at the Embassy of the Kingdom of Denmark in China; and Zhang Gengsheng, Party Committee Member and Vice President of Shandong Heavy Industry Group, among others.

Before the meeting, Michael Starb?k Christensen and his delegation visited the Future Technology Exhibition Hall of Shandong Heavy Industry Group.