Copenhagen - Malmo Summit 2009

New Conditions, Regional Ambitions - Energizing the Climate for Business

30 November - 2 December the annual Baltic Development Forum was held in Copenhagen and Malmo as a symbol of the successful Øresund integration, was held in Copenhagen and Malmö. It was the 10th Anniversary Summit, and we can proudly conclude it was a success. The Øresund Region has in recent years developed into a dynamic market combining the greater Copenhagen region with the southern parts of Sweden. The number of daily commuters, visitors and tourists crossing the Øresund Bridge has now reached a total of 17.000 persons per day.

Ten years ago, BDF was founded to create a platform for informal exchange of ideas in order to address the political and economic challenges of the 1990’s. In the ten years that have passed, BDF has henceforth continued to target current issues, and during the Summit, we once again gathered our strengths to address the global financial crisis, regional environmental and energy issues as well as the EU Strategy for the Baltic Sea Region and the impact of the 5th freedom.

We believe in the Baltic Sea Region's capability to continuously adapt itself to new realities and we have come a long way in the Region. The political and economic transformation of the regional map is tremendous, and in itself a fantastic example of change and optimism. It is now time to look forward and proactively meet the coming decades of regional challenges.

The Baltic Development Forum Summit was based on an interactive conference format which allowed speakers and participants at all levels to discuss new business opportunities, develop new regional strategies and public-private partnerships and seek solutions to issues of mutual concern in an informal and constructive atmosphere. We take great pride in being decision makers in our capacity as the Northern European version of the World Economic Forum.