Photo taken on Oct. 21, 2018 shows a night view of the National Exhibition and Convention Center (Shanghai) in Shanghai, east China. (Xinhua/Ding Ting)

STOCKHOLM, Oct. 31 (Xinhua) -- China's economic development has contributed significantly to global economic development, and "this has benefited us all immensely", Danish minister for development cooperation Ulla Tornaes said in an interview with Xinhua recently.

The words came just before the minister heads for Shanghai to participate the upcoming China International Import Expo (CIIE).

Tornaes, as special representative of Danish prime minister, will participate the first CIIE in Shanghai to be held from Nov. 5 to 10. This year also marks the 40th anniversary of China's reform and opening-up.

"As Danish Minister for Development Cooperation, I first of all recognize the major achievement of China in reducing poverty and increasing the economic well-being of the Chinese population," said Tornaes, commenting on the significance of China's opening-up.

"It is no easy task to maintain high economic growth rates for decades and to ensure that economic growth benefits all of the population in a country the size of China and with a population of close to 1.4 billion people," she added.

"China's opening up and reform process have offered opportunities for Danish companies," said Tornaes, adding that during the process, many Danish companies established themselves and "now consider China as their second home market".

Moreover, "China's economic development has contributed significantly to global economic development. This has benefited us all immensely," said the minister.

During her visit to China, Tornaes will have bilateral meetings in Beijing and participate, representing Danish Prime Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen, in the CIIE, which over a dozen Danish companies registered their participation.

"Denmark will be present with both a national and a commercial pavilion at the CIIE. This is a clear demonstration of our commitment to cooperation with China, commercially and politically," she emphasized.

This year also marks the 10th anniversary of the establishment of the comprehensive strategic partnership between China and Denmark. And as Tornaes sees it, bilateral relations are "at an all-time high".

"Over the past 10 years, the cooperation has expanded immensely and now covers a wide range of sectors, including health, food safety, energy efficiency, environmental protection, creative learning and innovation, research and university collaboration, trade promotion, cultural exchange, etc," she said.

"Today, China is our sixth largest export market and we hope to increase the commercial cooperation even further," said Tornaes, noting that she thinks "we have much in common and can achieve even more together" for future cooperation.

"I envision the next 10-years will strengthen our bilateral cooperation even further to the benefits of our two countries, but I also hope the next 10-year will be marked by a strong cooperation between China and Denmark in contributing to solving global challenges and achieving the Sustainable Development Goals," Tornaes added.