COPENHAGEN, Sept. 9 -- The visit by Danish Prime Minister Helle Thorning-Schmidt to China will strengthen the political and commercial relations and expand cooperation between the two countries, the Prime Minister's Office said in an announcement Tuesday.

Sources with the office confirmed that Thorning-Schmidt left for China on Monday, accompanied by Minister for Climate, Energy and Building Rasmus Helveg Petersen and Minister for Environment Kirsten Brosbol on her four-day visit that starts on Tuesday.

Moreover, a delegation of business leaders from selected Danish key companies and industry organizations with an interest in China was also on the tour.

The Prime Minister's visit will highlight some of the Danish business core competencies, particularly in energy, green transformation and foods, to ensure that Denmark will benefit from the growing Chinese demand in these fields, according to the announcement.

Thorning-Schmidt will also attend the World Economic Forum in Tianjin to focus on Denmark's position of strength when it comes to climate and green technology.

She is also expected to give a speech to Chinese students at Tianjin University and open an exhibition on Hans Christian Andersen before launching a major Danish cultural event in China.