Business promotion organisations on both sides of the Fehmarn Belt are set to discuss a joint strategy in May on how companies and investors can make the most of the upcoming fixed link.
Fehmarn Belt Development will bring together business leaders from Næstved Erhverv, Business Vordingborg and Business Lolland-Falster with German counterparts from Lübeck, Stormarn, Bad Segeberg and Herzogtum Lauenburg for a seminar in Langø on Lolland on 7 and 8 May.
The aim is to lay the groundwork for closer and more long-term cooperation between Danish and German business promotion organisations in the Fehmarn corridor.
“We are bringing together Danish and German business leaders to create the basis for a shared strategic direction for future cross-border cooperation. As the fixed Fehmarn Belt link moves closer, there is growing recognition on both sides of the belt that a coordinated Danish-German effort is needed to realise the full potential of the connection,” said Stig Rømer Winther, Director of Fehmarn Belt Development.
He pointed out that cooperation has often been organised on a project-by-project basis or around individual Danish-German events, but that there is now a need for a broader and more coordinated approach.
Joint marketing of the region
One of the items on the seminar agenda is how the area stretching from Køge in the north to the outskirts of Hamburg in the south can be marketed more effectively as one region to companies and investors.
According to Fehmarn Belt Development, the future link could strengthen Eastern Denmark and Northern Germany as a hub not only for transport, but also for trade, innovation and investment.
“With the fixed Fehmarn Belt link, Eastern Denmark and Northern Germany will take on a stronger role as a connecting region, not only for transport, but also for trade, innovation and investment. It has the potential to attract businesses, skilled labour and capital, provided that we act proactively,” said Stig Rømer Winther.
Focus on new business partnerships
The seminar will also address how business promotion organisations can help generate more cross-border cooperation between companies on either side of the belt.
Fehmarn Belt Development highlights that the fixed link will open up new opportunities for businesses by improving access to markets, expanding the geographical labour market and increasing opportunities for international partnerships.
“For businesses, new and exciting opportunities are emerging. But to make full use of them, cooperation is essential. We will therefore discuss how business promotion organisations can help strengthen cross-border business partnerships,” said Stig Rømer Winther.
Plans for a Danish-German development company
Participants will also discuss plans for a future Danish-German development company.
The Danish and German business promotion organisations are part of the application for the Interreg project Femernbelt Growth Corridor, which is intended to help prepare the formation of a genuine Fehmarn Belt region.
With a budget of 1.7 million euros, equivalent to around DKK 12.8 million, the project will, among other things, examine the possibility of establishing a joint Danish-German company.
A decision on funding for the project is expected in June.
