MANILA, Philippines - The Danish government is set to formally reopen its embassy in the Philippines in January as it looks to strengthen its ties with the country.
Ambassador Jan Top Christensen told reporters that the new embassy would be located in Bonifacio Global City in Taguig.
While construction for the permanent premises is ongoing, the embassy is temporarily holding office at the Philamlife Tower in Makati City.
The embassy started the reopening process in August this year after having been closed since 2002.
The Danish embassy in the Philippines was closed along with some of its embassies in other countries to cut costs.
Christensen said the reopening of the embassy here is part of Denmark’s interest to broaden and deepen its relations with the Philippines amid impressive gains.
“Within the last four years, we’ve seen very important political reforms and economic reforms,” he said.
Among the reforms are the administration’s thrust to fight corruption, the signing of the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro seen as a step to achieve lasting peace in Mindanao, the passage of the Reproductive Health Act, and efforts to improve ease of doing business in the country.
“These things are very important from outside. Not only for Denmark but also for other countries. That makes us decide to come back because we see a positive element in this country,” Christensen said.
He also said a trade delegation composed of 17 to 18 companies from Denmark would be arriving in the country during the formal opening of the embassy’s permanent premises next month to check out opportunities in the Philippines.
The companies come from various sectors such as food, agriculture, energy and pharmaceuticals.
“Definitely, we see potential in all sectors,” Christensen said.