ScandAsia China - August 2015

AUG 2015

China

New director of Finnish Business Council in Shanghai ScandAsia.dk

ScandAsia.fi

ScandAsia.no

ScandAsia.se

AUG 20 15

Coming Events China

Finncham Hong Kong Nordic Summer Lunch IIII – FINDS When: Friday 28 August 2015, 12:30 - 14:00 Where: FINDS Restaurant, kl 2/F The Luxe Manor Hotel, 39 Kimberley Road,Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon, Hong Kong.

New di re of Finn ctor ish Busin ess Co uncil in ScandAsi a.dk Shangh ScandAsi a.fi ai ScandAsi a.no ScandAsi

a.se

Every summer, each of the four Nordic chambers in turn organizes an informal Friday networking lunch during the summer. Join us for the fourth networking lunch in the Nordic Summer Lunch Series onFriday, 28 Aug organised by the Finnish Chamber at the only truly Finnish restaurant in Hong Kong with Finnish Chef Mr. Jaakko Sorsa!

The concept is simple – bring your friends and colleagues and come networking, mingling and meeting members of other Nordic Chambers (Danish, Finnish, Norwegian and Swedish) while enjoying a set lunch.

Your FREE ScandAsia Magazine in China ScandAsia is the only magazine that covers all the Danish, Finnish, Norwegian, and Swedish residents in China.

We also publish a ScandAsia magazine in Thailand, Singapore and the rest of South East Asia.

Please sign up for your own FREE copy: www.scandasia.com Publisher : 211 Soi Prasert Manukitch 29 Prasert Manukitch Road Chorakae Bua, Lad Prao Bangkok 10230, Thailand Tel. +66 2 943 7166-8, Fax: +66 2 943 7169 E-mail: news@scandasia.com

Tailoring Nordic Products, Services and Marketing to the Chinese Consumer in 2015 Where: Four Seasons Hotel Shanghai, 500 Wei Hai Road, Shanghai, 200041, China When: Wednesday 2 September 2015, 11:30 - 13:30 Please join Finnish Business Council Shanghai (FBCS) for a FBCS luncheon seminar with one of the foremost exper ts of the Chinese digital marketing landscape – Mark Tanner. China’s vast opportunities have attracted brands from every corner of China and the globe, creating one of the most competitive and dynamic markets in the world. Those businesses who understand Chinese

consumers, their customer journey and their emotional and rational buttons, are the most likely to succeed in China. Many Nordic products and services meet the fundamental needs of Chinese consumers, but may fall shor t on making them relevant and accessible to Chinese consumers.

Mark will outline factors influencing the Chinese consumer in 2015 and how to best reach them.

Editor-in-Chief : Gregers A.W. Møller gregers@scandmedia.com Assistant Editor: Joakim Persson Joakim@scandmedia.com Advertising : Finn Balslev finn@scandmedia.com Graphic Designer : Peerapol Meesuwan Peerapol@scandmedia.com Distribution : Wanvisa Rattanaburi wanvisa@scandmedia.com Printing : Siamprint Co., Ltd.

Daily news and features here: www.scandasia.com

Crayfish parties in Kong Kong and China Swecham Hong Kong’S Annual Crayfish Party Where: Royal Hong Kong Yacht Club, Causeway Bay, Hong Kong When: Friday 11 September 2015, 19:30 - 01:30

Swedcham Beijing Crayfish Party 2015 Where: The Royal Garden, Radisson BLU Hotel Beijing When: Saturday 12 Sep 2015, 18:30 - 00:00

Don’t miss this traditional evening with delicious crayfish, dinner buffet, and open bar. There will be a wonderful mix of tunes from the DJ, but also singing from the crowd.

This is one of the most popular events hosted

by SwedChamHK – make sure to confirm your attendance no later than Friday 4 September 2015!

We only have limited number of seats, so bookings will be reserved on a first-come-first-served basis!

Reservations are required and payment has to be made in advance. Member of SwedCham: 795 HKD, Non-Member : 995 HKD, YP Student: 550 HKD (holders of an YP Fall 2015 membership.)

Chamber Tradition: Save the date for the grand, annual Crayfish Party! Entertainer is Per Bredhammar, known from the Prince’s wedding in Sweden with the “Sofia’s Vals”.

Swedcham Shanghai: Crayfish Party in Shanghai Where: Paulaner Brauhaus (Expo), 55 Shibo Dadao, near Nanmatou.

When: Friday 18 September, 18:30 - 23:55 Chamber Traditions: The Swedish Club in Shanghai invites you to the 2015 traditional Crayfish party.

This year again hosted in the popular garden at Paulaner Brauhaus.

Bangkok, Thailand

August 2015 • ScandAsia.China 3

News Brief

Defense Minister Chang Wanquan visits Finland to strengthen military cooperation

O

n 4 July Chinese State Councilor and Defense Minister Chang Wanquan ended his three-day official visit to Finland, which came upon the 65th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Finland and aimed to put the significant agreements reached by President Xi Jinping and Niinisto into practice.

Wrapping up a visit to Finland aimed at boosting bilateral military cooperation, Wanquan said China is willing to strengthen militar y cooperation with the Nordic country.

In a meeting with Finnish President Sauli Niinisto in the western city of Naantali on Friday July 3 Chang Wanquan said that China and Finland are enjoying sound momentum in the development of their military-to-military relations. He said that the military relationship between China and Finland has gained good momentum and achieved fruitful results, and called for efforts to elevate this relationship to a higher level.

“The armed forces of the two countries have maintained frequent high-level contact, their dialogue and exchange mechanisms are running smoothly, and their cooperation in professional areas has borne rich fruit,” the minister added.

China, he said, stands ready to work with the Finnish side to explore new forms and enrich

the content of bilateral cooperation on the basis of the existing achievements and explore more cooperation, thus elevating the military relationship to a higher level.

President Niinisto, recalling that he and Chinese President Xi Jinping had agreed to launch a future-oriented cooperative partnership between the two countries, pointed to new opportunities within these bilateral relations.

The Finnish president said the two countries are engaging in increasingly close cooperation in the fields of politics, diplomacy, culture and defense.

“Finland is willing to improve coordination and communication with China on such subjects as climate change and counter-terrorism, with a view to jointly safeguarding world peace and prosperity.”

Chang Wanquan also held talks with Finnish Defense Minister Jussi Niinisto on July 2. The two sides exchanged views over issues that included the bilateral military relationship and regional security situation.

Source: Xinhua News Agency

China’s Vice-Premier meets with top Finnish leaders

A

s 2015 marks the 65th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between China and Finland Vice-Premier Liu Yandong came to the Nordic country in June on an official visit.

On June 12 she met Finnish President Sauli Niinisto, Finnish Prime Minister Juha Sipila and Speaker of the Finnish Parliament Maria Lohela in Helsinki.

“China and Finland should integr ate bilateral cooperation with China’s major projects, including the Belt and Road Initiative, international cooperation on production capacity and construction of free trade zones,” said VicePremier Liu Yandong.

China and Finland have been developing their friendship as well as deepening and expanding bilateral cooperation, and the Sino-Finnish relationship has become a leading example of relationships between countries with different circumstances and institutions, Liu also remarked.

Her visit to Finland aims to implement the agreement between President Xi Jinping and his Finnish counterpar t, Niinisto, on developing a new type of cooperative partnership between the two countries, and to discuss with the new Finnish government pushing forward the bilateral 4 ScandAsia.China • August 2015

relationship, she added.

“Finland attaches great impor tance to its relationship with China, and is willing to take part actively in China’s strategies, such as the Belt and Road initiatives,” Niinisto said.

Prime Minister Sipila appreciated the futureoriented new-type cooperative par tnership, proposed by Niinisto and President Xi Jinping in 2013. He said he hoped the two countries will strengthen cooperation in trade and investment, research and development, clean technology, environmental protection and medical services.

Finland was one of the first western countries that recognized New China established in 1949, and the bilateral par tnership has set up an example for countries with different national conditions and social systems to develop their cooperation, China’s Vice-Premier also said.

Liu will conclude her visit in Finland on June 14, and will then visit the Czech Republic and attend Sino-Central and Eastern Europe Health Ministers Forum.

Source: The State Council – The People’s Republic of China

Vice-Premier Liu Yandong meets with Finnish Prime Minister Juha Sipila on June 12 in Helsinki [Photo/ Xinhua]

Vice-Premier Liu Yandong meets with Speaker of the Finnish Parliament Maria Lohela on June 12 in Helsinki. [Photo/Xinhua]

News Brief

China awards Denmark’s Friis Arne Petersen “Friendship Ambassador”

T

he Danish Ambassador has been awarded the honorary title of “Friendship Ambassador” by the Chinese People’s Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries (CPAFFC).

The honorar y title was conferred upon Ambassador Friis Arne Petersen, at a ceremony at the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs the 26th of June, for his commitment to advancing friendship and cooperation between Denmark and China during his tenure as Danish Ambassador to China 2010-2015.

Ambassador Friis Arne Petersen is the first Danish citizen to receive this award.The honorary title has existed in 25 years and a total of 96 different citizens have been awarded the title during these years. It follows the celebrations of the 65th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Denmark and China.

At the ceremony the Chinese government was represented by Vice Minister Wang Chao from the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Vice Energy Minister Liu Qi, Director Generals from many sectorial ministries – that Denmark has the closest cooperation with – in the Chinese Government.

“From when Ambassador Friis Arne Petersen was Permanent Secretary of the Danish Ministry of Foreign Affairs, to his post as an Ambassador here, he has been directly involved in growing bilateral relations, he has personally led the effort to advance the exchanges and cooperation between our two countries in various fields and brought about a number of historical breakthroughs in our bilateral relationship. He has captured the hear ts of Chinese people through his sincere exchanges with them both by participating in popular TV shows such as Tiantian Xiangshang and through the social media, where he is the foreign Ambassador with most followers in China with more than 100,000 followers,” said Vice Minister Wang Chao.

Ambassador Friis Arne Petersen with Vice Minister Wang Chao from the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Ambassador Friis Arne Petersen with Sun Xuguang, director of the Prince Gong Mansion Muesum.

Vice President Song Jingwu from CPAFFC was there to present the award to Ambassador Friis Arne Petersen.

“We hope Ambassador Friis Arne Petersen will continue to act as the ‘Friendship Ambassador’ between China and Denmark, and enhance the friendship between our two peoples. We hope

that, as an old friend of Chinese people, he will continue to introduce China to the whole world and promote the world’s understanding of China.”

Ambassador Friis Arne Peter sen was appointed as Ambassador to China in 2010. Prior to China, he was Permanent Secretary of State in the Danish Foreign Ministry for more than eight years from 1997-2005, the Danish Ambassador to the US from 2005 to 2010. Starting from August 2015, he will be posted in Berlin as Denmark’s new Ambassador to Germany.

“In addition, Ambassador Peter sen’s pioneering spirit and his personal charisma has also played an important role in enhancing the mutual understanding and friendship.” said Vice Minister Wang Chao in his introduction of the award in the Chinese Foreign Ministry.

Next Danish Ambassadors appointed for China and Vietnam

U

Charlotte Laursen

Carsten Damsgaard

pon the departures of ambassadors Friis Arne Petersen and John Nielsen, from China and Vietnam respectively during the summer of 2015, ScandAsia can announce the new Danish ambassadors that have been appointed some time ago.

A. Carsten Damsgaard, Ambassador to Japan, is transferred to take over the helm in Beijing, China, while Charlotte Laursen, from the foreign ministry in Denmark returns to the Embassy of Denmark, Vietnam, and this time as Denmark’s new ambassador, to continue her Southeast-Asian journey.

The Counsellor once replaced Mikael H. Winther as deputy head of the Embassy in Bangkok. And prior to that Mrs. Laursen she was actually posted in Vietnam, in Hanoi since September 2004 as Previously Deputy Head of Mission.

At Danish Foreign Ministry Charlotte Laursen was responsible for Strategies.

Policy and Quality, and board member of The Trade Council.

A. Carsten Damsgaard was appointed to be Denmark’s ambassador to Japan on 1 September 2011. Previously he was the Ambassador to Afghanistan.

August 2015 • ScandAsia.China 5

News Brief

Danish Consulate Guangzhou hosted Hong Kong ‘Company Day’

T

he Royal Danish Consulate General in Guangzhou hosted in early June a Danish Company Day in Hong Kong for the second time. Employees of the Danish companies based in Hong Kong gathered with other professionals to expand their network, enjoying an evening together.

Ole Lindholm, Consul General in Guangzhou, gave the welcoming speech and thanked the many participating companies, including DSV, Hempel, ISS Facility Services, A-Tex Asia, International Design House, Pandora Jewelry, Kjeldsen, Jebsen & Co., Carlsberg, Greengate Asia, Maersk and Mannaz.

A total of 60 attendees were participating listening to an interesting speech by Mr. Dennis Nørmark, a famous Danish anthropologist who had travelled from Denmark solely for the purpose of being the keynote speaker at this event.

Mr. Nørmark spoke about the values of Western culture and happiness in an Asian context. Following the exciting and interactive lecture - a delicious buffet was served. After the dinner, the stage was set for the team competition among the companies.

Source: Denmark In China, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Denmark

Swedish Midsummer lunch held in Hong Kong

New Board for SwedCham Hong Kong

O

n May 22, 2015 the Swedish Chamber of Commerce in Hong Kong (SwedCham Hong Kong) held its Annual General Meeting and elected a new Board.

O

n June 19, 2015 Swedcham Hong Kong (the Swedish Chamber of Commerce in Hong Kong) celebrated Swedish Midsummer with a delicious Swedish Midsummer menu at Wild Grass restaurant. The expected smorgasboard of snaps, herring, salmon and strawberries were served, complemented by songs and, of course, the May Pole!

6 ScandAsia.China • August 2015

The new SwedCham Board is as follows: Chairman: Ohrling, Ulf (Resident Partner Mannheimer Swartling Hong Kong) Vice Chairmen: Bergström, Paul (President, Hong Kong and Macau Ericsson) Hirn, Karine (Founding Partner, East Capital) Directors: Bjennmyr, Jimmy (Head of Corporate Banking Handelsbanken International Gardner, Emma (Management Consulting KPMG) Ivarsson, Katarina (Founder Boris Design Studio) Karlsson, Pontus (Co-Founder and Director Happy Rabbit) Lindvall, Patrik (General Manager The Dairy Farm Company, Ltd. – IKEA) Ågren, Per (Regional Director, Business Development APC Asia Pacific Cargo ( HK) Ltd)

News Brief

Denmark’s Chief of Defense, General Peter Bartram in China

C

hief of Defense of Denmark General Peter Bartram was on a fiveday visit to China in mid-June, with increasing and strengthened cooperation between Denmark and China in the field of defense, including, but not limited to, peacekeeping and escort missions on the agenda.

At a press conference held on June 19 General Peter Bartram said that the Chinese and Danish counterparts had agreed to study how to deepen ties in those areas.

Danish and Chinese forces have been working together in counter piracy operations such as escor ting ships outside the Horn of Africa.

“Denmark has a keen interest in counter-piracy. We account for 9 percent of maritime-based world transportation, so we have a keen interest in maritime cooperation,” Bartram said. “I believe China has the same interest.”

Chinese and Danish navies also removed chemical agents from Syria in 2013. . Bartram said those experiences formed the foundation of future cooperation between the two countries.

The Danish navy chief will visit China in November to discuss more concrete plans with his Chinese counterpart.

During his visit the Danish General stayed in Beijing and Xi’an, where he held meetings with high level officials including State Councillor and Defense Minister General Chang Wanquan and Chief of the General Staff of the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) General Fang Fenghui.

In addition, he gave a speech to students at the PLA National Defense University, as well as visited the Beijing-based Ministry of National Defense Peacekeeping Centre, a Tianjin-based Air Force division and a guard division under the Beijing Military Area Command.

Sources: Denmark in China, globaltimes.cn

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August 2015 • ScandAsia.China 7

New director of Finnish Business Council in Shanghai

By Joakim Persson

8 ScandAsia.China • August 2015

O

n 1 May 2015 Finnish-Swedish Mr Oskar Helling star ted his position as the new Executive Director of the Finnish Business Council in Shanghai (FBCS), succeeding Mr Timo Laurila.

This gave ScandAsia the perfect reason to learn more about FBCS, a very vibrant business chamber in one of the world’s true metropolitans, and of course its new executive director.

Prior to FBCS, Oskar Helling was partner and Analyst with Asia8 Group providing regular China-analysis to a Finnish audience via the Kiina8 - weekly analysis.

Oskar is no stranger to FBCS as he has for a long time developed the FBCS as Editor-in-Chief for FinnBiz, member of the board, secretary of the board and also as Executive Director.

His involvement with FBCS star ted when a new Editor-in-Chief was needed for their member newsletter, he tells ScandAsia.

“With that I became acquainted with a lot of people and also the Finnish business community.”

“The old saying that China is ‘a journalist’s wet dream but statistician’s nightmare’ is very true. It is very difficult to find hard facts on China, but at the same time there is an abundance of interesting and fascinating stories,” he comments how he got into journalism there.

“In my earlier career I had always enjoyed the process analyzing problems and writing up a coherent description and a proposal for solution.

I guess the journalist-shoes were fairly easy to fill with that background.”

Coming over to China back in 2007 he says he star ted out from scratch. He had earlier worked within management, Financial-IT and general systems development but was not going to be stuck in a particular field based on old merits.

After having visited China and Shanghai as a tourist in 2005, I realized that its energy, growth and dynamism were things we wanted to be part of.

A few years later I landed in Shanghai. At that time I was a trailing spouse having left my old career behind me.

Realizing going east He describes the move to China as a planned and conscious effort.

“After having visited China and Shanghai as a tourist in 2005, I realized that its energy, growth and dynamism were things we wanted to be part of. A few years later I landed in Shanghai. At that time I was a trailing spouse having left my old career behind me.”

Fast forward to 2015 and Oskar has already been active with FBCS for a number of years, now in the role to steer this association further into the future and taking things one step further.

In addition to tending to the daily activities, he is now actively working together with the board of directors to develop new forms of services for the members of FBCS. “As I got involved with developing the FBCS and the Finnish chamber activities in China some 7 years ago, I see as a clear goal now to lift the chamber operations yet to a new level by not only being active in China but to also take a larger role in Finland.”

“Landing” services In forming the future strategy he elaborates: “As with any national chamber of commerce, the FBCS exists for its members’ benefit. It’s not enough to just arrange events and connect people.

That reaches only part of our membership. Other

services we are now developing is helping our members by communicating the realities of the operating environment in China to headquarters in Finland and companies preparing to enter the Chinese markets. This we will do by newsletters, analyses and speaking engagements. For instance, we are happy to help out or members by arranging speakers when they receive guests from HQ. Also, we make a conscious effort in spreading China-info in Finland.”

“As the Semi-governmental Consulting agency Finpro has been sold and ended its for-profit operations in China, we are seeing a definite need for some kind of “landing” services for Finnish companies looking at China,” he continues. “We will not go into market-entry consulting - there are plenty of other organizations that can do that better - but we see a clear need for helping out in the first steps. Often this entails having discussions with people and trying to remove unnecessary costs of the learning curve. We have among our members collectively thousands of years of China experience - naturally we want our new members to benefit from that so that they do not need to repeat the mistakes of others.”

“A very good way to do this is to work together with the Finnish innovation hub, FinChi, where we and most other Team Finland Chinaactors are located. Where FinChi can provide the hardware as in offices and other services, we can provide the Software as in networks, valuable advice and other connections.”

FBCS now functions as the private-sector arm of ‘Team Finland China’.

“Naturally, we don’t have the same resources as our governmental counterpar ts, but we are developing more and more forms of cooperation. One example of this is that we have our office in the FinChi-centre and will as of this fall have our workstation together with the other TF-China actors.”

As for collaborating with other stakeholders, the collaboration together with the other Nordic chambers in Shanghai is already very tight.

“Apart from cross-marketing our events and creating a better networking experience for our members, we also share experiences and best practices. With regard to other Finnish chambers, we are also finding ways for better collaboration.

One great example is our Annual Publication in which we now as a first step include greetings from other Finnish chambers in Greater China, namely Beijing, Guangzhou and Hong Kong. We hope to broaden this collaboration next year to produce a China-wide member directory of Finnish companies active here.”

The printed version of FinnBiz has been discontinued, with a focus on reaching members more promptly, relying on e-mail, their website, and this annual publication.

Connecting people On the events front the Finns in Shanghai is very active, except during the peak summer months.

“Scandinavians make an exodus to their home countries after Midsummer. It’s not business as usual in July-August, but this year we tried to arrange an event in the “dead zone”. Together with the Danish, Swedish, Norwegian and Swiss Chambers we managed to get together a decent crowd to listen to the analyst of one of our Supporting members, SEB.” “Yes, events are indeed the visible part of a chamber’s activities. However, there is a lot going on behind the scenes that usually does not get that much attention. One of the most important activities of a chamber of commerce is ‘Connecting People’ - yes, I blatantly steal the old Nokia slogan! I often handle multiple connection requests per day putting people in touch with each other. Often at the request of one party, but sometimes also based on earlier discussions that develop in my mind into a ‘Hey, I need to put those two in touch with each other!’ insight.”

As for the number of Finnish companies in Shanghai-today app. 120 corporate membersthe trend is absolutely positive, according to Oskar.

“Interestingly enough, I see a steady flow of new companies showing interest in China. It seems that even though China is one of the most difficult environments in the world to operate in, Finnish companies are learning to deal with the challenges. I am happy that the FBCS can be part of making this happen.”

August 2015 • ScandAsia.China 9

Denmark’s

water solutions and expertise targeting Asia

W

hen the Wor ld Water Forum took place in South Korea earlier this year, the former Danish Minister of the Environment Ms Kirsten Brosbøl attended and a Danish Pavilion showcased Danish water technology and knowhow. Grundfos, Danfoss, AVK Valves, as well as DHI, DTU and Danish Water Forum exhibited.

World Water Forum is the world’s biggest conference on water, and water-related issues.

The minister aimed at putting the water issue on top of the United Nation’s agenda, and in the process draw attention to Denmark’s existing solutions, as big decisions are to be taken during 2015.

The conference should send a strong signal to the UN to adopt ambitious sustainability goals for water come September (the UN must adopt a number of sustainability goals among other things for water – the so called Sustainable Development Goals) Up towards 750 million people are today living without access to clean drinking water, and within 10 years this will have increased to 1.8 billion people living in areas plagued by water scarcity. And yet, up to half of the water is today wasted before it reaches those who 10 ScandAsia.China • August 2015

should be drinking it.

Water resources are facing constant pressure from climate change, growing populations, pollution, and urbanization. Today 1.7 bill. people are facing water stress. In 2025 this is expected to rise to 5 billion. Figures like these calls for improved water management solutions and partnerships.

“It is with a mixture of pride and frustration I travel to the World Water Forum. Pride over the Danish water sector which is world class, and that can basically solve any problem, which refers to water and wastewater. But at the same time I am frustrated that so many people still do not have access to clean drinking water or proper toilet facilities,” Ms Kirsten Brosbol said prior to the trip.

Earlier in the year the World Economic Forum announced that the limited access to water would become the largest global threat to economic development and human wellbeing in the coming 10 years.

“I will work to ensure that we end up with a strong declaration, which shows the UN that water is one of the biggest problems while generating attention to the many Danish solutions that already exist. The world’s focus on the need to recycle, purify and conserve water can have big impact for Denmark and Danish green jobs.”

Danish is commited to an ambitious sustainable development agenda, which carries the potential to secure access to clean water for all, advance frameworks for global partnerships, increase financing for water, broaden public and private partnerships etc.

Prior to the conference the minister told the media that Denmark is turning climate change into an oppor tunity and leading the way in preparing for a water-scarce future.

It has become a showcase of clean water after 50 years of working on applicable solutions. Now it wants to export these technologies to the rest of the world.

By investing in measures to adapt to climate change, such as coastal protection, flood management, climate resilient buildings and food security, Denmark has used the climate threat to create jobs and raise exports as part of its green growth strategy.

Kirsten Brosbol added that government oversight had led to companies gaining an edge against international competitors as the global paradigm shifted toward sustainable development.

Environmentally sustainable water solutions are becoming increasingly significant and the potential for expor ting green technological solutions is rising.

In order to strengthen the export of Danish water technolog, the minister has agreed with the entire water industry for a new vision for the export of water technology: it must be doubled by 2025. Potentially, it could create 3-4,000 Danish jobs.

The country’s current success in the water industry is driven by public-private partnerships, as well as high standards of regulation and innovation.

Denmark also offers wastewater treatment, with a patented technology called Exelys, which extracts energy out of the waste sent to the facility and at the same time reduces the sludge produced.

Denmark has established a number of activities in Asia to promote this potentially revolutionary technology and the country’s skills within water as the concern over clean drinking water and water treatment will increasingly push itself higher on the countries’ agenda.

Among the initiatives ‘specialist expor t advisors’ are being sent to embassies around the world, including China and Vietnam that serves as “entrance” points to Asia.

Potential mar kets from the Danish perspective are seen especially in Vietnam and Indonesia. In the promotion of Danish Export the

Danish Foreign Ministry has appointed export ambassadors to support the export potential for Danish industries for some of the growing markets, including these two countries.

The BRIC country China is also in focus via demonstration projects via the Danish Ministry of the Environment: improving groundwater mapping in China. And in Indonesia the ministry is involved looking at reduction of non-revenue water.

When Kirsten Brosbol visited China in 2014 she signed an agreement for Sino-Danish action until 2018 in water resources with her Chinese counterpart. Denmark’s relationship with China is very strong in particular within the environmental field, she then pointed out, seeing great potential within water, aside wind.

Exports of Danish water technology to China have doubled since 2006, and in 2015 the figure is expected to surpass €130 million.

Meanwhile, two Danish cities that have Chinese twin towns have established agreements within the environmental sector.

Copenhagen has become an official sister city to Beijing and signed an agreement to work together on water consumption and flood management (in addition to previous agreements for collaboration in areas such as sustainable

urban development and tourism). During 20122020 China plans to invests €470 million in such efforts, and Danish water technologies can help improve efficiency further.

And, most recently, supported by the City Clouncil of Aarhus, the water company DHI Water & Environment signed a contract in January 2015 with the authorities in Harbin to supply an advanced metering station able to monitor drinking water quality around the clock for the 6 million residents. The data from the new Danish metering station will be gathered and analysed in DIMS, a program developed by DHI and already in use in Aarhus.

“China represents enormous potential for Danish industr y - especially within the fields of climate and environmental protection - and East Jutland has world-class companies in those fields, able to help the Chinese to tackle their big problems. We need to make the most of the opportunities presented to us, and make use of the links forged with senior executives in Harbin.

By opening the doors for Danish businesses in China, we can hopefully create the conditions for further growth and development in Denmark,” said Aarhus mayor, Jacob Bundsgaard.

August 2015 • ScandAsia.China 11

The great escape to

Cambodia - why?

By Bjarne Wildau

There are several good reasons why you should consider relocating to Cambodia, writes Bjarne Wildau

P

ick any restaurant in Cambodia where you see some white people looking like regulars guests sitting with their daily “Happy hour” beers. Sit down with them and notice how the conversation soon will be about Thailand. Make a head-count and most likely you will find that at least half of your new friends are “refugees” from Thailand.

So why is that? Thailand is the “land of smiles” would it not be better to stay there? Well, let me take you trough a few god reasons why Cambodia is far more attractive.

The best visa in the world Cambodia’s biggest attraction for 95% of the Barangs (Westerners in Khmer), is perhaps the visa and work permit rules which are maybe the most convenient anywhere in the world. In Cambodia they have two different kinds of visas. I have no count on the jungle of different types of visas they have in Thailand.

Cambodia’s Tourist Visa is what most people buy. It costs around 25 dollars and gives you permission to stay 30 days. You can extend it at the nearest travel agency. They will charge 12 ScandAsia.China • August 2015

a small amount, three maybe five dollars, and you will have your passport back two or three working days later. However, you can only extend a tourist visa inside Cambodia once. The fine for overstaying is 5$ a day - but don’t even consider calculating if a ticket out will cost you more than paying a fine for overstay. Overstaying may end you in jail. Don’t go there!

The other kind of visa in Cambodia is normally called “Business visa (EI)”.You can buy the Business Visa arrival in an airport or at a border crossing.

The price is between 30 to 60 USD depending on the boss of the local immigration office where you are trying to enter the country.

Be prepared, that most of the bad experiences you will have in Cambodia may very well happen here on the Cambodian side of the border. The Cambodian side of immigration is typically very open. Everybody can enter. There will probably even be people helping you filling out the health formula. But afterwards they will demand money for their effort. Other people will probably help you make your most valuable belongings - cameras, smart phones, wallet, etc. - disappear. Especially the Poi Pet border crossing is notorious for theft.

Question: What papers do you need to get at business visa?

Answer : You need your passpor t and the money it costs.

That’s it. You don’t need to prove how much money you have, neither in your pocket, nor in any banks abroad or in Cambodia. All of the hassle that some people have been through in other countries is gone. It can be hard to believe, but... it is as simple as that.

The business visa (EI) can be extended up to one year at a local travel agency. Never, n e v e r, try to go to the immigration department i Phnom Penh to save 5$ or a little more. Be good to yourself and do it locally.

Be aware that you have to buy at least a 6 months business visa extension inside Cambodia if you want to be able to leave the Kingdom without having your visa cancelled at the border crossing. If you have at least a 6 months business visa you can cross the border every day, until there is no more space in your passport.

If you want to work in Cambodia, you should buy a Work Permit. Once again. Nothing to prove, just pay 100 $ a year. And there is no limitations

For the last three years, the best hospital in Cambodia has been the Sonja Kill Memorial Hospital on the Eastern side of the South coast.

Its run by the the HOPE worldwide foundation.

If you get at health problem, worse than a cold or trivial infections, it is advisable to go to Thailand or if possible go back home. Without hesitation. Many rookies are unaware the the little seemingly innocent infection on their foot or shin bone may develop into some nasty life threatening blood infection much faster out here than it would back home. On top of that, some of the same people are often unaware that alcohol and whatever medicine they take could be a bad cocktail in the heat.

Do they have schools?

Parents with small children seems to do OK. But what about when children reach the age of preschool? It seems to be no problem. You will find the words “International School” on almost every corner i towns like Phnom Penh, Sihanoukville, Koh Kong, Siem Reap, Kampot, etc.

In reality the only town that comes close to having a real International School is Phnom Penh. But you can forget that unless you have an employer who is ready to pay the school fee, or you yourself happen to be a dollar millionaire.

Where is it best to settle?

Infrastructure in Cambodia is like in Thailand 30 years ago. But as in Thailand, things are fast getting better. As an example, they just opened a new fantastic road from Kampot in the south, close to the Vietnamese border, to Phnom Penh.

In fact, if you haven’t been to Cambodia for five or ten year you may think the plane has landed in the wrong country. The Asian World Bank calls Cambodia for the “new small Asian tiger”. They financed and pushed forward for the renovation and extension of the Cambodian railways. Three four times a day, trains now arrive at the trainstation in the harbour city Sihanoukville, full of goods that would otherwise have had to be trucked down there on the roads. which job you can have. Bartender, pancake-baker and seller with a cart, a restaurant, a factory, run and drive a minibus service.

Despite the small cost,thousands of Barangs has for years skipped buying the work permit and just used the business visa. But recently, the immigration police has started to implement the rules.They estimate that only 30% of the working Barangs in Cambodia have paid the early 100$.

Currently, there are 75 foreigners in jail i Sihanoukville for visa, work permit or passport problems. Don’t become one of them when you can so easily avoid it.

Who should settle in Cambodia?

More and more retired couples stay permanently or part of the year in Cambodia. Typically when the weather back home is cold and rainy. They will soon get to know other couple who have retired here too.

Some young couples with children also settle and even open a business.

And then you have a big group of foreigners who are here on long term stay because of the easier visa, the cheaper prices, and the cheaper

girls. Before you think bad about “your granddad”, relax, they will be punished sooner or later.

What are the risks?

Some, but not that many, think about the risks.

Illness and accidents do happen. Cambodia is one of the countries, where you should consider how you can safeguard yourself. New hospitals open, old hospitals are renovated, and the prices go up.

The problem is not the planned situation.

When you know well in advance that you need an operation for an illness you just go to one of the private hospitals and they will find a time for one of the literally flying doctors, specialist who know their trade.

The problem is the acute stuff. A long term Scandinavian had the yearly visit of his father. After a few days he got a heart attack or a stroke and fell unconscious. The son rushed him to the best hospital in town but here they said they had to wait untill they could find a doctor who could speak English - with the unconscious patient!!!

Luckily, the pensioner from Denmark survived, but it was not thanks to the English speaking doctor, who arrived 45 minutes later.

August 2015 • ScandAsia.China 13

This is my restaurant!

Where is my girlfriend?

A

Power supply is still a huge problem. It improved a lot when a new power plant was started up one year a go. But you still have to consider where you settle, and if you will save the money and stay in a house without a generator. In short, Phnom Penh, Kampot, Sihanoukville, and Siem Reap, and maybe repeat: maybe - Battambang.

If you plan to do business, here is a website that may help you: http://www.doingbusiness.or g/data/ exploreeconomies/cambodia/star ting-abusiness/

sex trade happens on the Octual Beach in Sihanoukville, at places like Dolphin or JJ bar.

Here, the secret weapon of the freelance prostitutes is Ketamin, also called horse medicine. A Scandinavian sex tourist went in to have a breakfast at a Scandinavian restaurant.

He talk with the owner about freelancers on the beach. And was warned. Still, 36 hours he woke up, not naked, but everything else including the sweet lovely lady he had brought home two nights ago - was gone. He even had to go to Hanoi to get a new passport.

Nightlife in Cambodia

So should you stay away from Cambodia?

No way if you can live with the standards of hospitals and education. But yes, please stay away if you are too smart to listen to other people’s free advice.

Here is some more of that free stuff: Never loose control over your mind and your body.

If you walk like a snake at four in the morning, you are asking for trouble. And don’t buy the bad stuff, amfetamin, ice, heroin, cocaine, weed, or whatever they offer you. Cambodia is still a poor countr y and some people will do whatever it takes to survive. The children who sell bracelets are so nice, cute, and their English is so good. Oops! Where is my wallet? Or my brand new Iphone?

In Cambodia, new casinos pop up like McDonald’s did 10 years ago in China.They are everywhere. Close to the Vietnamese border, to the Thai border, and in almost every town in between with more than 50.000 citizens.

And yes, 90% of the tourist coming to Cambodia, or long term stayers, are also here because the prostitutes. Especially the guys who over in Thailand have spend hundreds of nights sleeping with prostitutes thinks it is same-same here.

NOT! There are places in Cambodia where men can hire a girl and feel reasonably safe and secure, but just like you have Pattaya in Thailand, then in Cambodia a lot of the 14 ScandAsia.China • August 2015

Better stay away?

hard working Scandinavian carpenter I knew was a ver y ver y happy man. He lived in Sihanoukville with his his girlfriend “Mom”.

She was 38 years younger and weighed 38 kilos less than him. Mom was so nice, both in the bedroom and in their restaurant, which he had bought in her name of course.

The carpenter made their restaurant one of the nicest places in town. The Americans say: Location location, location, and the restaurant was the first they saw on their left hand side when they arrived on the beach.

Mom and the carpenter had a high season, and a low season, and everything was fine. Then he went home to Scandinavia to work his socks off so he could buy some land and build a house for his new family.

Foreigners can not buy land in Cambodia so it would have to be in her name once again.

Back in Cambodia again, he bought the land, started to build the house, the restaurant was still OK, but his girlfriend had changed. One night he saw her shaking or twitching like on drugs, he confronted her with his suspicion, but she denied, they made love and he believed her.

Then one afternoon she came back screaming that she had been robbed. She was bringing the money to pay the people who were building their house and now it was all gone. The carpenter took her in his strong arms and she calmed down. Then he went back to Scandinavia to earn some more money to his wonderful wife.

Back in Denmark, something unusual happened.

She phoned him and asked him to send money.

Normally the restaurant made enough money during the peak season to make it through the low season. But her mother had had a bad accident and if she didn’t get money big big, mama would die.

So the good carpenter transferred the money and worked one extra month in Denmark. Finally, he could return. In the tax free in Bangkok he bought her a bracelet of silver, and some fancy perfume. He even missed her so much, that he took a taxi straight from Phnom Penh airport to the restaurant in Sihanoukville.

Stepping out of the taxi, he got his first shock. The walls were painted white, he could not recognise one single waiter, and behind the bar there was this big khmer man ordering the staff to do this or that.

“Who are you? What are you doing behind my bar.

Where is my girlfriend?” the carpenter was screaming.

The man did not answer, just brushed the carpenter aside. Some 10 minutes later, after 25 bottles were smashed and the Khmer behind the bar had a broken nose and two black eyes, the police arrived and slammed a pair of handcuffs on the wrists of the carpenter.

On the way to the police station, the police officer stole the bracelet that the carpenter bought for his lovely girlfriend.

The short story was that the mother had never been in any accident but lovely Mom had gone back to smoking ice 20 minutes after the carpenter had left for the airport and her boyfriend from since she was eighteen told her to sell the restaurant.

And I got a good story to tell.

The Nordic Q&A countries and China’s AIIB

Reader profile of the month

Fredrik Sterner

C

hina has welcomed Denmark’s application to become a founding member of Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB). Danish Minister of Trade and Development Mogens Jensen called China’s establishment of the AIIB “a significant and exciting development in the world order.”

“Since many Danish tr ade interests as well as development cooperation interests will be at stake in the AIIB, there are many reasons to engage in and influence the AIIB’s investment decisions from its beginning,” Jensen said. Denmark became itself a founding member on 12 April 2015.

Sweden is interested in joining the China-led Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB), but has not made an official decision yet, Swedish Prime Minister Stefan Lofven said during his speech at The Brookings Institution in Washington, D.C. “We haven’t decided, but we are very close and we think we will be interested in joining too.”

Prime Minister Lofven pointed to the need for infrastr ucture investment in Asia over the coming decade, estimated to be $70,000 billion.

“Of course, many companies, many countries want to be part of those investments,” he noted.

Norway has meanwhile confirmed its intention to join AIIF as a prospective founding member. ‘ N o r w ay i s a s u b s t a n t i a l

contributor to global development efforts, and wishes to join countries from Asia and other par ts of the world in fur ther refining the structure and mission of the AIIB,’ said Foreign Minister Børge Brende.

‘The establishment of the AIIB will be impor tant for Norwegian development priorities. Norway will work to ensure that the AIIB embodies the best standards of governance, accountability and transparency. We expect it to work closely with and complement the efforts of other relevant institutions such as the Asian Development Bank, the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund,’ said Mr Brende.

Norway will take par t in discussions with the other founding members on the AIIB’s Ar ticles of Agreement, which will set out the terms of governance and accountability for the new institution. The final decision on Norway’s membership of the AIIB, together with the structure and level of Norwegian financial support, will then be made.

Starting AIIB is aimed at helping to fund infrastructure projects in poor Asian countries. The Beijingbased bank, which will suppor t infrastructure projects in Asia, is expected to be operational by the end of 2015, with China expected to foot the bulk of the money needed to get the bank started. Donations from other members could increase the size of the overall fund to more than US$100 billion.

F

redrik Sterner is 29 years old, originates from Sweden, lived in Beijing for six years and now in Shanghai for the past six month. He works for Per Linden, CEO of Scandic Foods Asia.They have several web shops where they sell Scandinavian food and beverage products.

From time to time Fredrik misses Sweden, but it is mainly his family and friends that he misses. At the moment he does not have any plans of moving back.

The best thing about working in Shanghai is... the incredibly fast-paced working environment and all the things you learn by just going with it.

It has taught me never to slow down. However, I used to live in Beijing for six years and it took me a while to adjust to the speed of the city.

When I am not working I... workout, travel with my girlfriend that I met while I lived in Beijing.

I also study for future challenges, since it is a good idea to always stay on top of career pursuits and what matters to your field.

Especially in China.

My biggest concern before moving to Shanghai was... making enough money to get by long term.

freezing in the winter due to lack of heating.

Living outside of Scandinavia has made me realize... that the wor ld is a lot less or ganized and prosperous than we realize. Scandinavia is wonderfully organized, but we sometimes forget our own history has it’s periods of chaos. Societies develop through different stages, China is just catching up.

I use the Scandinavian community in Shanghai to... network, socialize and stay in touch with our culture. I have a large network of Scandinavians that I socialize with mixed together with people from all over the world. It is mainly the food that keeps us together.

In Shanghai I have picked up the habit of... planning my life in careful detail. I always stay on top with my health.

Workouts are regular. I cook on my own. My girlfriend lives in Beijing, which requires careful planning to make ever ything work. I like it that way.

My best advice to a newcomer in Shanghai is... g e t r e a d y t o wo r k h a r d .

Compared to Sweden, there is not a social safety net, which makes life easier.

In Shanghai I could do without...

August 2015 • ScandAsia.China 15

When it’s time to do business, we’re exceptionally open.

Every client has a different story and a different goal. We understand that.

Over many years in this market of unique opportunities, we’ve developed the local knowledge, resources and connections needed to turn ambitions into reality. That’s why we’re one of the most well-established northern European banks in the region. For corporates, financial institutions and private banking clients, we’re ready to listen and cater to your needs – in Beijing, Shanghai, Hong Kong, Singapore and New Delhi.

You are welcome to contact us at Private Banking: singapore@sebprivatebanking.com.sg Tel: +65 63 57 08 95 www.sebgroup.lu/privatebanking Merchant Banking: singapore@seb.se Tel: +65 62 23 56 44