Anders Bjorn Hansen, the ambassador of Denmark to the UAE and Qatar, has underscored potential collaboration between the Scandinavian country and Qatar in technology and both nations’ robust ties in the healthcare sector.
The ambassador also underscored Denmark’s expertise in sustainable practices, wherein Danish companies could play a role in Qatar’s initiatives to transition into a green and knowledge-based economy.
“I think one of the areas where we have a lot of expertise can be within green transition and green solutions, so we are always engaged in assisting Danish companies who want to have a stronger presence in the Qatari market...I’m quite sure we already have other Danish companies involved in different sectors, as well,” Hansen told Gulf Times.
Over the years, Qatar has aggressively rolled out a wide range of programmes, including international partnerships with global tech giants and other organisations, to boost its digitalisation journey.
The ambassador expressed optimism about Denmark’s role in Qatar’s push for digitalisation in key areas, including artificial intelligence (AI). Hansen said: “I’m quite sure we can; we have several leading companies in Denmark specialising in this field. Demark is a very highly digitalised country, so we have companies that could certainly contribute to this area in cooperation with the government and other companies in Qatar.”
Similarly, the ambassador addressed the potential for collaboration in the startup sector between Qatar and Denmark, highlighting the need for entrepreneurs’ will and determination, and the importance of access to financing opportunities.
Hansen also elaborated on Denmark’s biomedical landscape, describing it as “thriving” and “characterised by innovation, collaboration, and strong emphasis on research and development.”
“Denmark takes pride in a thriving biomedical landscape characterised by innovation, collaboration, and strong emphasis on research and development. The country’s biomedical sector is vibrant with a focus on biopharmaceutical diagnostics and therapeutic development and the country hosts numerous biotech companies engaged in drug discovery, critical development and commercialisation of novel therapies,” Hansen said.
Emphasising the longstanding interest between Denmark and Qatar in healthcare collaboration, Hansen said: “Both countries have unique strengths that can contribute various aspects of healthcare, including medical research, technology, and healthcare delivery. This collaboration involves sharing best practices, strategies and resources to improve the overall health and well-being of their populations.”
Hansen also expressed optimism about the future, citing a recent signing ceremony renewing the strategic contract between Qatar-based Ebn Sina Medical and Novo Nordisk: “We all believe in the positive impact that this collaboration will have on the healthcare sector in Qatar and the beginning of a new era of cooperation, innovation, and growth as the partners work together to navigate challenges, seize opportunities and deliver value to stakeholders across the healthcare value chain.”
Anders Bjorn Hansen, the ambassador of Denmark to the UAE and Qatar. PICTURE: Thajudheen
