Viveka Wahlstedt and Michael Wood at Edays Sthlm 2008. Photo: Hans Sandberg
USA has a new President –Elect, Barack Obama. He is truly the “people’s choice”. This years’ election campaign was a grass root movement – resulting in record high voting among younger generation Americans. In the midst of this we fear for and see increased unemployment, and are in the middle of the financial crises.
Overseas we read in the media every day of how US financial meltdown is creating an anxious debate over weather the crisis is really showing evidence to a long predicted decline in US global power. It is widely expressed in European papers that the USA financial crises is a result of wide-spread acceptance of individual greed and this has led to questioning US as a global leader. The trust forward of the “free wheeling capitalistic model” has left the world with doubts about America’s true strength overseas.
A dramatic sign of this is who was “at the table” in the G-20 summit mid November. Countries like China and Brazil is now represented and helping to remake the power structure of global finance and in that give these rising nations a bigger role at the table.
Will USA loose its status us the prime driver of the worlds financial system? I am among those who do not believe so, but US government needs to ensure that US internal economy drives the benefits of saving money rather than continue living above our means. US have to take a strong lead in collaborative global effort to resolve both current and future issues. The global economy has made us aware of our global interdependency, and we can now clearly see both its risks and opportunities.
Swedish American Chamber USA did a recent survey among its 20 chambers. What it shows is great trust in the future. Our past significant and focused efforts for Swedish business through trade missions, business matchmaking have resulted in significant opportunities for Swedish businesses. We offer “locally based relationships and knowhow” with the strength of a nationwide coverage that support our members and stakeholders business across the USA. Our hands-on access to US specific business relationships anywhere across the USA gives those who join our chamber network an edge in US competition.
Sweden has a tremendous opportunity to increase its business in the USA right now; USA has finally committed to rebuild its energy infrastructure with huge investments, backed with legislation that will drive energy conservation. Swedish products are very well positioned to capture this current shift towards clean technologies, sustainable and use of renewable resources.
We have to move fast – US once declaring its objective will quickly “fill the GAPS. Let’s make a strong commitment that 2009 will be the year of starting up intensified, joint initiatives across company, government and investors in Sweden to tackle the US market in a massive focused way. We should synchronize increased marketing initiative, press coverage – and invest in a “road show” where Sweden will shows our best innovations and technology to help solve US energy and environmental crises.
You are welcome to contact SACC USA to see how you can support making such joint efforts a success. We are ready for an exciting 2009 with hard work, and we will enjoy and having fun while doing it. We know our time is here to accelerate effort and Swedish businesses will gain by the momentum.
I wish you all a prosperous 2009.
