The Swedish-American Chambers of Commerce in the USA organized a seminar Monday July 2nd 2012, during the Almedalen Week on Gotland, Sweden. The week feautures cross political discussions and meetings between political parties, businesses and other organizations. The SACC-USA seminar was held at Visby´s ancient residence and Governor Cecilia Schelin Seidegård hosted the event.
”The spots for the seminar filled up fast and we are very happy to receive such a great interest in Swedish-American trade. USA is Sweden’s fourth biggest export market and in spite of close trade relations more has to be done to enable business between the countries. Swedish business owners and leaders are also demanding more knowledge and better connections in the United States”, says Therese Lindé, President for the Swedish-American Chambers of Commerce in the USA, SACC-USA.
Initially, the Swedish Minister of Trade Ewa Björling gave an overview of trade relations between Sweden and the U.S., the stated goal the double Swedish exports, and the aim to develop a common standard for trade barriers. Following the introduction the noted moderator Folke Rydén, led the panel, consisting of Dr. Jan-Eric Sundgren, Executive Vice President Public and Environmental Affairs Volvo Group, Ms. Lena Olving, Deputy Chief Executive Officer and Cheif Operating Officer (COO) SAAB, Mr. Kevin Lampe, Executive Vice President Kurth Lampe, and Mr. Per Strömbäck, Spokes Person Dataspelsbranschen, on the issue. The seminar was concluded with mingle and a lighter lunch.
In conclusion, representatives from the business community requested lower barriers to trade to achieve an increased trade between Sweden and the U.S. They also demanded less talk and more reforms to enable free open markets.
”I have since 2009 worked to push negotiations for a free trade agreement between E.U. and U.S. This has taken considerably more time than expected, but I now hope we can move forward and produce results in the next 5 years,” comments Minister Ewa Björling.
Read about the event in Expressen, page 9 >>>
For more information contact Therese Lindé, President SACC-USA
therese.linde@sacc-usa.org or +46 73-51 60347
