One might debate when an event becomes historic, but the fact remains that the new Premier of Naalakkersuisut, Jens-Frederik Nielsen, and the Prime Minister of Denmark, Mette Frederiksen, prioritised visiting the GBA (Greenland Business Association) and some of our member companies during the Prime Minister’s brief visit to Nuuk. What makes this historic is that it may very well be the first time a Danish Prime Minister has visited the GBA.
It was therefore with humility and excitement that Chairwoman Krissie Winberg and Director Christian Keldsen welcomed them for a conversation about the Business Sector’s View on Greenland’s Future. And our expectations for the future are deeply influenced by the recently concluded Inatsisartut election. Our members have previously made no secret of the frustrations caused by the sometimes business-unfriendly legislation we’ve seen over the past four years. There are high expectations for the new leadership of Naalakkersuisut, and it was with that optimism that we gave our presentation.
Looking into the crystal ball, we continue to foresee growth in tourism and hold hope that the raw materials sector can be viewed in a new context—particularly with a focus on strengthening Greenland’s investment climate. Fisheries remain our primary export and source of income, and thus, there is an urgent need to adjust legislation that currently limits us. Looking ahead, we believe that more supply contracts with the Defence sector could benefit Greenlandic business. These opportunities could be further expanded through public investments in critical infrastructure (such as fibre-optic cables, hydropower, etc.).
We made it clear that a strong society is built on a strong business sector—something that is understood across the political spectrum in Denmark, but which has been harder to achieve in our own political leadership. A strong Rigsfællesskab matters to our society and business sector, and with it, our ability to take responsibility for societal development, including caring for those in our community who, for one reason or another, cannot care for themselves.
Together with the visiting Premier and Minister, we could celebrate the exciting developments happening in the business community. We are moving beyond traditional trades and now see broader diversity in sectors, gender, and ethnicity among our young entrepreneurs. We’re expanding into new areas such as the film industry, designers, and innovative nature-based ideas—like dog food made from fish waste, skincare products with herbs and seaweed, and opportunities to boost self-sufficiency through greenhouses, just to name a few.
On behalf of the association, we extend a heartfelt thank you to the Prime Minister of Naalakkersuisut and his staff for putting the business sector high on the agenda. It bodes well for the years ahead… “Nothing about the business sector without the business sector.”