Discussions Underway for Transferring Regional HQs of Danish Food Companies to Saudi Arabia

Jorgen Christensen, CEO of the Danish Dairy Board, and Denmark's ambassador Ole Moesby at the launch of the Danish Organic Dairy program, at Panorama Mall, Riyadh, Asharq Al-Awsat
Jorgen Christensen, CEO of the Danish Dairy Board, and Denmark's ambassador Ole Moesby at the launch of the Danish Organic Dairy program, at Panorama Mall, Riyadh, Asharq Al-Awsat
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Discussions Underway for Transferring Regional HQs of Danish Food Companies to Saudi Arabia

Jorgen Christensen, CEO of the Danish Dairy Board, and Denmark's ambassador Ole Moesby at the launch of the Danish Organic Dairy program, at Panorama Mall, Riyadh, Asharq Al-Awsat
Jorgen Christensen, CEO of the Danish Dairy Board, and Denmark's ambassador Ole Moesby at the launch of the Danish Organic Dairy program, at Panorama Mall, Riyadh, Asharq Al-Awsat

Discussions are underway to transfer the regional headquarters of some Danish international companies to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, a senior Danish official revealed.

Speaking to Asharq Al-Awsat, Denmark’s Ambassador to Saudi Arabia Ole Moesby said that the Kingdom is one of the largest countries in the world that receives Danish exports in general.

At the same time, Saudi Arabia and Denmark share four partnerships that span key sectors like water, food, renewable energy, pharmaceuticals, and healthcare.

“Our products are witnessing a steady expansion and increase in the Saudi market,” Moesby told Asharq Al-Awsat.

The diplomat clarified that many international Danish companies, including water firms, intend to transfer their regional headquarters to Saudi Arabia.

According to Moesby, these companies will soon start their business in terms of manufacturing and exporting Danish products to the Kingdom. Also, they will start distribution work to export from the Kingdom’s land regionally and globally.

“We have a historic relationship with Saudi Arabia that extends for more than four decades... We are currently trying to keep pace with development and change in Saudi Arabia,” said Moesby, pointing out that Danish projects in the Kingdom will continue in the long-term.

The business delegation currently visiting Saudi Arabia will work to discuss new opportunities, revealed the diplomat.

In addition to exchanging expertise regarding the production and industry of organic food, the delegation will review ways of enhancing the participation of Danish companies in environmental and renewable energy sectors in the Saudi market.

According to Moesby, the market share of organic products in Denmark is the largest in the world and is growing annually.

In other news, the Danish embassy, with the cooperation of the Danish Dairy Board and the Danish Veterinary and Food Administration, launched a three-year program in Saudi Arabia to improve nutrition and public health in the Kingdom.



WTO to Hold Special Meeting End-Nov to Weigh Chief's Reappointment

A logo is pictured outside the World Trade Organization (WTO) in Geneva, Switzerland, September 28, 2021. REUTERS/Denis Balibouse/File Photo
A logo is pictured outside the World Trade Organization (WTO) in Geneva, Switzerland, September 28, 2021. REUTERS/Denis Balibouse/File Photo
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WTO to Hold Special Meeting End-Nov to Weigh Chief's Reappointment

A logo is pictured outside the World Trade Organization (WTO) in Geneva, Switzerland, September 28, 2021. REUTERS/Denis Balibouse/File Photo
A logo is pictured outside the World Trade Organization (WTO) in Geneva, Switzerland, September 28, 2021. REUTERS/Denis Balibouse/File Photo

The World Trade Organization plans a special meeting of its top decision-making body later this month where a decision could be made on the reappointment its Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, a document showed on Tuesday.

According to Reuters, a WTO document sent by the General Council chair said the meeting would take on Nov. 28-29 and that the second day "could then provide an opportunity for Members to take a decision on the appointment of the next Director-General".

Okonjo-Iweala is the sole candidate for the job but some have observed that the WTO's months-long reappointment process could allow for US President-elect Donald Trump's team to oppose her candidacy.