Bilateral trade between China and Denmark is estimated to have grown 15 percent this year, Pia Olsen Dyhr, Denmark's Minister for Trade and Investment told China Daily in an exclusive interview.

According to official Chinese statistics, the bilateral trade volume between China and Denmark increased 18.3 percent in 2011 year-on-year, to reach $9.26 billion. During the same period, Denmark invested in 718 projects in China, with paid-in investment of $2.16 billion.

According to the World Bank's 2011 economy ranking, Denmark was fifth, just after the United States. Countries in northern Europe also ranked higher than their southern counterparts.

Dyhr said that Denmark already has 84 Chinese companies and she hopes that the number will reach 120 within five years.

In China's 12th Five-Year Plan (2011-15), in some industries including clean technology and healthcare, we have something to offer, she added.

"I think there is a huge potential for Demark and China trade. In May 2012 Demark set a strategy for China. My goal is to double (the current trade volume) in the next five years, especially in some fields such as environment protection, clean and renewable energy," said Dyhr.

In June, Chinese President Hu Jintao visited Demark. During the visit more than 16 billion yuan in commercial agreements were signed, said Dyhr.

[email protected]