Nuuk Abelsen, the Minister for Social Affairs in the Government of Greenland. Although only a small town, Nuuk has developed trade, business, shipping and other industries. It began as a small fishing settlement with a harbour but as the economy developed rapidly during the 1970s and 1980s, the fishing industry in the capital declined. The port is nevertheless still home to almost half of Greenland's fishing fleet. The local Royal Greenland processing plant absorbs landed seafood amounting to over DKK 50 million (US$7 million) per annum, mainly (80%) shrimp but also cod, lumpfish and halibut. Seafood, including seal, is also sold
Nuuk Center first underground car park. Nuuk Center was welcomed by the local businesses, headed by Nuuk Centre Association, and generally seen as a vehicle for strengthening the presence of local enterprises. By having a centrally placed mall, local businesses could thereby better compete with multinationals. The mall was also seen as an employment opportunity. The mall did not receive an uncritical welcome, however. While some expressed concerns the mall would change both the dynamics and the esthetics of the city, others saw the mall as a threat to traditional trading customs. Members of the older generation perceived Nuuk as becoming "too