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January 18th, 2015

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Denmark is making a push to sell its food and other products in new southeast Asian markets to offset the negative impact of the Russian food boycott and low European food prices, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a press release.

“The Russian import ban hurts,” said Mogens Jensen, minister of trade and development.  “But we are helping to open to open new markets for Danish export companies and special food in Vietnam and the Philippines, which have high growth rates of six to seven percent and a great demand for pork.”

Jensen is heading an export visit this week, along with 20 companies, to both countries to boost sales.

READ MORE: Danes looking to export more food to Asia

Increased diplomacy
The minister, as part of the visit, will also take the opportunity this Thursday to officially open the new Danish embassy in the Philippines.

“With the opening of a new embassy and export promotion we take a big step over the doorstep of a market of 100 million people who are both seeking Danish products and solutions to challenges in areas such as food, health and energy,” said Jensen in the press release.

The Philippines is expected to become the 15th largest global economy in the coming decades.

READ MORE: Exports to China nearly double in four years

Upward trends
In 2013, the Philippines accounted for 625 million kroner in exports, representing a 15 percent increase over the year previous. And last year, in the first nine months, exports increased by 140 percent mainly due to a large order of Vestas wind turbines.

“The positive trend is clear and it applies to both the Philippines and Vietnam, and many other countries such as Indonesia and Thailand,” said Jensen.

Last year, Danish exports to Vietnam increased by 13 percent, about half of which were food products.

“We are extremely well in Vietnam where Danida, through 20 years of development co-operation, has paved the way for Danish companies,” said Jensen.