2010

Press release 31 August 2010 Ministry for Foreign Affairs Music and fashion to put Sweden on the map - Government earmarks SEK 1 million for promotion initiatives Swedish music, fashion and digital games are a few industries that can promote the image of Sweden abroad. They are three creative industries that have a good reputation beyond our borders, and there is a great deal of interest in them.

This is why the Government is now investing even more in the experience industry, especially since we have seen that activities previously conducted abroad have generated a lot of interest and received a positive response. These investments have helped to attract more tourists to Sweden and created an interest among foreign entrepreneurs in business opportunities.

Our talented songwriters, designers and others involved in the experience industry abroad have helped to put Sweden on the world map. For a small country, Sweden has a strong position as an exporter of music - we are ranked fifth after other countries such as the United States and the United Kingdom. The music business is an important part of the Swedish experience industry, which is an expanding export industry and a major growth sector. In 2009, the experience industry accounted for over 5 per cent of Sweden's GDP, and it employs 280 000 people.

"We have seen that the experience industry is very important for people's image of Sweden abroad. When I'm out travelling, I often hear how people associate Sweden with Abba, Max Martin, Robyn, DICE and Odd Molly. This is why it's really important that we promote this sector, so that we can become even stronger and more talked about beyond our borders," says Minister for Trade Ewa Björling, who is responsible for promoting the image of Sweden.

The Government Offices has now decided to give the Swedish Institute (SI) the task of promoting creative industries abroad and has approved SEK 1 million for 2010. SI will develop a communications strategy to promote creative industries abroad, and a special focus will be placed on areas thought to have major export potential. In its work, SI will cooperate with other relevant public bodies and organisations, such as the Swedish Trade Council.

"Swedish creativity and the experience industry are at the forefront internationally and have in recent years received considerable attention in a number of areas. A coherent approach with an overarching communications strategy will not only strengthen promising future export areas, but also contribute to Sweden being seen as a creative and innovative country. The Swedish Institute - which is an expert in international communications and network-building - has a major opportunity, together with the key actors in the industry, to put Sweden and Swedish creativity on the map," says Thomas Carlhed, Acting Director-General of the Swedish Institute.

For more information, please contact Monica Ohlsson, Press Secretary to the Minister for Trade, or Jenny Hagblom, Press and Information Officer at the Swedish Institute.

Contact Monica Enqvist (fd Ohlsson) Press Secretary to Ewa Björling +46 8 405 37 11 +46 70 296 18 99 email to Monica Enqvist (fd Ohlsson) Jenny Hagblom Press and Information Officer at the Swedish Institute +46 8 453 79 22 +46 736 84 20 22

Press release 28 May 2010 Ministry for Foreign Affairs Minister for Trade Ewa Björling to visit Lebanon, Iraq and Algeria On 29 May-2 June, Minister for Trade Ewa Björling will be visiting Lebanon, Algeria and Iraq together with a business delegation.

The primary purpose of the visit is to promote Swedish enterprise and trade flows between Sweden and these three countries, as well as to further extend existing points of contact.

Iraq The business delegation on this occasion will be travelling to Erbil, in northern Iraq, where Sweden has opened an honorary consulate. Last year the Swedish Embassy in Baghdad was reopened and the Swedish Trade Council has also set up an office there. Swedish exports to Iraq have increased substantially over the last few years; according to new figures from Statistics Sweden, exports increased by 116 per cent in the first quarter of this year compared with the same period last year. The aim is that Iraq will once again be one of Sweden's most important markets in the Middle East, as was the case in the 1970s and 1980s.

Lebanon and Algeria In both Lebanon and Iraq, the accompanying business delegation will be focusing on the Kosmopolit project. The Government has decided on special initiatives to draw on the unique expertise of Swedes with foreign backgrounds to boost foreign trade and opportunities for businesses to break into new export markets. The project identifies and highlights foreign-born entrepreneurs' knowledge of their former home countries including the business culture, language and politics. This will improve Sweden's global competitiveness, create more jobs and increase prosperity.

The Minister for Trade and the business delegation will also visit Algeria. Algeria has very ambitious plans to expand its infrastructure and housing over the next few years, and Swedish enterprises ought to be in a good position to take part in many of these projects. Swedish trade with Algeria has increased dramatically in recent years.

Selected points from Dr Björling's programme: - Bilateral meetings mainly with the trade and finance ministers in the different countries. In addition to bilateral trade, Dr Björling intends to raise other issues including Swedish environment and energy expertise, and CSR. - Participation in business seminars and roundtable discussions in Erbil on opportunities for Swedish enterprises in Iraq. Visits to local projects with a Swedish connection. - Speeches at the chambers of commerce in both Beirut and Algiers. - Visit to the annual trade fair in Algiers, which will include a Swedish pavilion.

Contact Monica Enqvist (fd Ohlsson) Press Secretary to Ewa Björling +46 8 405 37 11 +46 70 296 18 99 email to Monica Enqvist (fd Ohlsson)

Press release 24 May 2010 Ministry for Foreign Affairs Permanent Representation of Sweden to the EU Ewa Björling to attend Competitiveness Council in Brussels On Tuesday 25 May, Minister for Trade Ewa Björling will take part in the EU Competiveness Council in Brussels.

Time and place Press conference A press briefing will be held on 25 May at 15.00 in the Swedish briefing room in the Council's Justus Lipsius building.

For further information, please contact Monica Ohlsson or Elisabet Dahlén Jonsson; see contact information provided here.

Several items concerning the EU internal market are on the agenda.

"An effectively functioning internal market is of major importance to our businesses, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises. Thanks to the internal market, Swedish businesses have access to over 500 million consumers and 20 million businesses in 30 countries," says Dr Björling.

One important matter to be discussed is a proposal concerning regulations on uniform CE-marking of construction products. CE-marking is intended to make construction products comparable and increase trade within Europe.

"Swedish construction products are characterised by their high quality. If implemented, the proposal will make trade in construction products substantially easier and strengthen the competitiveness of companies that buy and sell Swedish construction products. The proposal, however, lacks sufficient provisions concerning the reporting of hazardous chemical substances contained in construction products. This is important for all consumers and to ensure that construction waste is managed in an environmentally and economically sound way. We will continue to work to strengthen this in upcoming negotiations."

The ministers will also address the implementation of the Services Directive. Sweden implemented the Directive in December last year.

"The effective implementation of the Services Directive in all the Member States will substantially ease conditions for the increasingly important trade in services within the EU and EEA areas. This is particularly important for small business operators wanting to sell and buy services across national borders.

"Unfortunately the EU patent - one of the most important measures to promote innovation in Europe - is not on the agenda. The Commission had hoped to gain informal support for a proposal during the Spanish Presidency. Since it has proven impossible to agree on the language issue, the Commission has chosen not to present a proposal. It is of utmost importance that we reach a final agreement on an EU patent as soon as possible."

In connection with the Council, Dr Björling will meet with the Commissioner for the Internal Market, Michel Barnier, and the Commissioner for Trade, Karel de Gucht.

Contact Monica Enqvist (fd Ohlsson) Press Secretary to Ewa Björling +46 8 405 37 11 +46 70 296 18 99 email to Monica Enqvist (fd Ohlsson) Lisa Dahlén Jonsson Press and Communications Officer (Coreper I) +32 (0)2 289 56 65 +32 (0)476 50 50 22 email to Lisa Dahlén Jonsson

Press release 10 May 2010 Ministry for Foreign Affairs Sweden welcomes Estonia, Israel and Slovenia to the OECD The Swedish Government welcomes the decision taken today, 10 May, by the OECD Council to invite Estonia, Israel and Slovenia to become members of the organisation, now that the membership negotiations started in 2007 have been concluded.

The negotiations with Estonia and Slovenia have resulted, among other things, in these countries improving their legislation concerning the management of state-owned companies. As EU Member States, these countries already had legislation and policies in place that were to a great extent in harmony with the OECD standard.

Israel has adopted and begun to implement a series of reforms in the areas of anti-corruption, environment, competition and intellectual property in order to pave the way for OECD membership. A special investigation has been carried out into labour market and social policy, with a focus on the situation for minority groups. A solution has also been drawn up to ensure that the use of statistics from Israel in OECD analyses does not anticipate the status under international law of the occupied Palestinian territories.

Minister for Trade Ewa Björling says:

"Estonia and Slovenia's membership of the OECD is proof of these countries' successful reform policies. I am particularly pleased that our neighbour Estonia is now being given the opportunity to participate in the work of the OECD and also contribute its experiences of liberalisation and economic reform. Slovenia, which has the euro, is also a natural partner for us in the OECD."

"Israel has a highly developed and strongly internationalised economy and is therefore a natural partner in the OECD. OECD membership enables a closer dialogue with Israel on such matters as economic policy, trade and investments, and labour market policy."

Facts about the OECD The OECD (Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development) currently has 31 member countries. On 15 December 2009 the OECD decided to accept Chile as a member. Membership negotiations are also under way with Russia. The OECD is an international organisation for experience exchange, dialogue, analysis and policy development concerning issues such as trade, the economy, development assistance, environment and education.

Contact Monica Enqvist (fd Ohlsson) Press Secretary to Ewa Björling +46 8 405 37 11 +46 70 296 18 99 email to Monica Enqvist (fd Ohlsson)

Press release 28 April 2010 Ministry for Foreign Affairs Minister for Trade to take part in opening of World Expo in Shanghai Minister for Trade Ewa Björling will visit Shanghai and on 1 May will take part in the opening of the World Expo and the Swedish Pavilion. During her visit, Dr Björling will also meet with representatives of the business sector in Shanghai and take part in the opening of a seminar on business ethics.

The World Expo in Shanghai is expected to be the largest to date, with over 200 participating countries and organisations and over 70 million visitors. Sweden's participation is being financed by the Government and the business sector, each of which is contributing SEK 70 million.

The theme of the World Expo is 'Better City, Better Life', and covers the areas sustainable urban planning and environmental technology. Sweden and Swedish companies have considerable expertise in these areas, and our know-how is in great demand around the world.

The theme of the Swedish Pavilion is 'Spirit of Innovation' and the exhibition is to reflect Swedish innovation and creativity, and also our Swedish values. The pavilion aims to increase Swedish visibility in China and serve as a platform for meetings, dialogue and new contacts. Among the issues that will receive particular attention are corporate social responsibility (CSR), environmental technology/SymbioCity, health and culture.

Contact Monica Enqvist (fd Ohlsson) Press Secretary to Ewa Björling +46 8 405 37 11 +46 70 296 18 99 email to Monica Enqvist (fd Ohlsson)

Press release 13 April 2010 Ministry for Foreign Affairs Good news from EU today for 180 000 Swedish car owners The EU today approved Sweden's applications for permission to continue to import ethanol for processing under customs control into biofuel. This means that the anticipated tariff increase that would have affected the price of fuel for our environmentally friendly buses and the 180 000 car owners who drive ethanol cars will not materialise.

"I welcome this decision, which makes it possible for biofuel prices to remain competitive. It shows an understanding of the situation in Sweden, where there is a large market for environmentally friendly vehicles, and research into second generation biofuel is continuing," says Minister for Trade Ewa Björling.

"Today, there are over 1 500 points of sale in Sweden that offer E85. If the applications had not been approved, our estimates show that the cost for E85 would have increased by at least 60 öre per litre, thus making it more expensive for those consumers who use E85," states Dr Björling.

"We have gained support for the Swedish line on the development and climate benefits of low tariffs on biofuels. We will also continue to work in the EU and the WTO to bring about more general tariff reductions on climate-friendly goods and services."

It was the EU Customs Code Committee that voted this morning to approve Sweden's two applications for permission to import ethanol from countries outside the EU for processing under customs control in Sweden into biofuels E85 and ED95. This time, the permission will apply for a period of one year.

Contact Monica Enqvist (fd Ohlsson) Press Secretary to Ewa Björling +46 8 405 37 11 +46 70 296 18 99 email to Monica Enqvist (fd Ohlsson)

Press release 12 April 2010 Ministry for Foreign Affairs Dr Ewa Björling to present Government's Statement on Trade Policy to Riksdag On Wednesday 14 April at 09.00, Minister for Trade Ewa Björling will present the Government's Statement on Trade Policy to the Riksdag.

It has been two years since the last Statement on Trade Policy was presented. We have since been through a global financial crisis and seen a sharp drop in Swedish goods exports. We are now seeing signs of recovery, the economy has begun to regain momentum and world trade is on the rise. Against this background, Dr Björling will be presenting the Government's most important policy document for trade policy, the EU internal market and the promotion of Sweden and Swedish trade.

Following the presentation in the Riksdag, Dr Björling will be available to answer questions from the media.

Contact Monica Enqvist (fd Ohlsson) Press Secretary to Ewa Björling +46 8 405 37 11 +46 70 296 18 99 email to Monica Enqvist (fd Ohlsson)

Press release 29 March 2010 Ministry for Foreign Affairs Centre for Corporate Social Responsibility to be set up in Beijing In connection with the visit to Sweden by China's Vice President Xi Jinping, the Government announced the establishment of a Centre for Corporate Social Responsibility at the Embassy in Beijing. An action plan for cooperation between Sweden and China was also signed today.

The centre will work to further develop the dialogue with China on corporate responsibility, for example, on how companies safeguard working conditions, worker protection, environmental responsibility, consumer rights and efforts to combat corruption.

"The centre will be an interesting example of how various policy areas overlap and can gather actors with wide-ranging experience of the different areas, everything from companies and trade unions to academic institutions and the public sector," says Minister for Trade Ewa Björling.

The Ministry for Foreign Affairs and Sida are cooperating on the centre and Sida is providing a considerable share of the financing.

Contact Monica Enqvist (fd Ohlsson) Press Secretary to Ewa Björling +46 8 405 37 11 +46 70 296 18 99 email to Monica Enqvist (fd Ohlsson)

Press release 26 March 2010 Ministry for Foreign Affairs Ewa Björling's Future Jobs Tour to Norrköping and Linköping Today, Friday, Minister for Trade Ewa Björling is visiting Norrköping and Linköping to meet young entrepreneurs and researchers as well as the regional Kosmopolit network in Linköping.

The visit to Norrköping and Linköping is part of Dr Ewa Björling's tour of the country to identify the jobs of the future.

Programme points: 09.00 The visit to Norrköping begins with Dr Björling meeting young entrepreneur Lina Skandevall, who runs her own communications agency.

09.30 Meeting with Christoffer Sjögren from Städarna, a Norrköping cleaning company.

10.30 Visit to the Center for Medical Image Science and Visualisation (CMIV) at the University Hospital in Linköping to learn about its work in the area of virtual autopsies.

14.00 Visit to the Gärstad waste-to-energy plant run by Tekniska Verken in Linköping.

15.30 Meeting with entrepreneurs in Linköping's Kosmopolit network in cooperation with the Swedish Trade Council in Linköping.

Dr Björling's Future Jobs Tour The Future Jobs Tour by Minister for Trade Ewa Björling will take in 42 locations in Sweden with a view to identifying the jobs of the future. On her tour, Dr Björling will meet entrepreneurs, initiative takers and students to learn more about challenges and trade barriers encountered, but also to draw attention to the potential that exists for new jobs to be created.

Kosmopolit The Kosmopolit project is the Government's special initiative to make use of the unique skills of people born abroad to increase foreign trade, create more jobs and generate higher growth. The project highlights and makes the most of the fact that entrepreneurs born abroad are in a particularly good position to conduct cross-border trade and at the same time can lead the way for other Swedish companies. Today, Kosmopolit networks are found in six regions throughout Sweden, with participants from a range of industries and countries of origin.

Contact Monica Enqvist (fd Ohlsson) Press Secretary to Ewa Björling +46 8 405 37 11 +46 70 296 18 99 email to Monica Enqvist (fd Ohlsson)

Press release 25 March 2010 Ministry for Foreign Affairs SEK 1.6 million to strengthen investments and trade with Brazil The Government decided today to contribute SEK 1.6 million for a pilot scheme in 2010 involving investment promotion activities in Brazil. The funds will go to the Invest in Sweden Agency (ISA).

The aim is to attract Brazilian companies and investors to Sweden. The goal is to make Sweden a first choice for future Brazilian investments in northern Europe. Related The ISA plans to establish an office in Sao Paulo and will market Sweden as an attractive investment country Trade and promotion by presenting investment opportunities in Sweden to actors in Brazil, building up contacts and preparing Brazilian business delegations to Sweden.

One prioritised area is health technology. On 25-28 May, the ISA, together with the Swedish Trade Council, External links Swedish businesses and trade associations, will take part in HOSPITALAR, Latin America's largest - and the Invest in Sweden agency world's second largest - industrial fair for health products. In order to take part in the fair, the Ministry for The Swedish Trade Council Foreign Affairs has decided to allocate SEK 400 000 to the Swedish Trade Council.

"Brazil is by far Latin America's largest economy, and in addition has experienced strong growth in recent years. We also see that Brazilian companies are increasingly looking to set up operations abroad, and it is therefore important that we are in place there and market Sweden. This can lead to more jobs and increased business cooperation between our countries," says Minister for Trade Ewa Björling.

The value of Sweden's exports to Brazil in 2009 amounted to some SEK 6.6 billion. This corresponds to about 0.7 per cent of Sweden's total exports. Brazil's exports to Sweden in 2009 amounted to SEK 3.7 billion.

Last year, the ISA conducted a pilot study that indicated considerable potential for investment exchange between Sweden and Brazil, including cleantech, the packing industry and material technology (focusing on cellulose), and IT and telecommunications.

Contact Monica Enqvist (fd Ohlsson) Press Secretary to Ewa Björling +46 8 405 37 11 +46 70 296 18 99 email to Monica Enqvist (fd Ohlsson)

Press release 15 March 2010 Ministry for Foreign Affairs Minister for Trade visits Gothenburg Minister for Trade Ewa Björling will be visiting Gothenburg tomorrow, Tuesday 16 March. Dr Björling will attend the Adult Education Day on practice-based learning, visit various companies and meet with a Kosmopolit network.

Practice-based learning means that Swedish for Immigrants (SFI) courses are combined with practice at an integration workplace that is linked either with an earlier vocation or a new vocational orientation. This means that the courses will be more effective due to the link with the business sector. In addition, people's skills and earlier background can be put to immediate use by creating a sense of participation, providing insight into Swedish business and practical vocational training, thereby establishing a platform that these people can use when they later look for work. SFI coaches provide support throughout the process.

Dr Björling will also meet some 80 companies comprising the Kosmopolit Network in Gothenburg. The Network will share its views with the Minister, who will explain how the Kosmopolit Project is a natural part of the Future Jobs Concept.

The Kosmopolit Project is the Government's special initiative to make use of the unique skills of people born abroad to increase foreign trade, create more jobs and generate higher growth. A new study shows that immigration to our country contributes to greater Swedish foreign trade. For example, it shows that an increase in the number of people born abroad by some 12 000 individuals will lead to an increase in exports by as much as SEK 7 billion.

The day's programme also includes visits by Dr Björling to various companies and a meeting with enterprise organisation Företagarna.

Journalists are welcome to take part. For more information, please contact Press Secretary Monica Ohlsson.

Contact Monica Enqvist (fd Ohlsson) Press Secretary to Ewa Björling +46 8 405 37 11 +46 70 296 18 99 email to Monica Enqvist (fd Ohlsson)

Press release 26 February 2010 Ministry for Foreign Affairs State Secretary Gunnar Wieslander to take part in Competitiveness Council in Brussels State Secretary Gunnar Wieslander will take part as Sweden's representative in the Competitiveness Council meeting in Brussels on Monday 1 March.

Commissioner Michel Barnier, the new commissioner responsible for the internal market, will be taking part for the first time.

At the ministers' lunch Professor Monti, who has been appointed by Commission President José M. Barroso to write a report concerning the strengthening of the internal market, will present his work. The report will be presented to the Commission in April.

"The internal market in the EU's greatest asset. A well-functioning internal market is fundamental to our prosperity. I will present what we see as the priorities for strengthening the internal market. Some of the priorities I particularly want to emphasise are increased knowledge of the internal market among both consumers and entrepreneurs, a strengthened 'digital internal market' and improved trade in services," says Mr Wieslander.

Contact Henrik Gorbow Deputy Director Department for the EU Internal Market and the Promotion of Sweden and Swedish Trade +46 (0)70 932 46 81

Press release 22 February 2010 Ministry for Foreign Affairs Minister for Trade Ewa Björling visits Serbia and Croatia On 22-23 February, Minister for Trade Ewa Björling is visiting Belgrade and Zagreb. Her programme includes meetings with government ministers, talks with Swedish companies and a visit to the Croatian Chamber of Commerce.

Serbia applied to join the EU in December 2009. The present government has shown a strong political will to implement the country's EU reform agenda.

Croatia is on the threshold of full membership of the European Union. In view of this, it is a matter of immediate interest to deepen the dialogue with Croatia as a future EU partner and to discuss common political challenges.

During her visit, Dr Björling will draw particular attention to the EU internal market, free trade and corporate social responsibility (CSR) issues.

Contact Monica Enqvist (fd Ohlsson) Press Secretary to Ewa Björling +46 8 405 37 11 +46 70 296 18 99 email to Monica Enqvist (fd Ohlsson)

Press release 19 February 2010 Ministry for Foreign Affairs Ewa Björling to Uppsala for seminar on health care export Minister for Trade Ewa Björling is in Uppsala today to take part in a seminar on the role of health care export in health care and the future of the region.

The international market for health care is growing. Over the last twenty years, our export of pharmaceutical products has increased tenfold. The care sector is now one of Sweden's fastest growing export sectors. Today, export of services represents about thirty per cent of total Swedish exports.

The seminar is being jointly organised by Uppsala University Hospital, Uppsala Regional Council, the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Uppsala BIO and Uppsala University.

Time and place Friday 19 February 9.00-12.30 Uppsala Konsert & Kongress, Sal B

Contact Monica Enqvist (fd Ohlsson) Press Secretary to Ewa Björling +46 8 405 37 11 +46 70 296 18 99 email to Monica Enqvist (fd Ohlsson)

Press release 15 February 2010 Ministry for Foreign Affairs Press invitation: Presentation of the Government's Statement of Foreign Policy

On Wednesday 17 February, Minister for Foreign Affairs Carl Bildt will present the Government's Statement of Foreign Policy. Following the debate on foreign policy in the Riksdag, a press conference will be held with Minister for Foreign Affairs Carl Bildt, Minister for International Development Cooperation Gunilla Carlsson and Minister for Trade Ewa Björling.

Please bring your press credentials.

Time and place Time: Wednesday 17 February at approx. 10.30 (immediately after the debate) Place: The Press Centre, Chamber Foyer, Riksdagen

Contact Anna Charlotta Johansson +46 8 405 00 00

Press release 01 February 2010 Ministry for Foreign Affairs Mando Diao and Nils Landgren honoured for their musical achievements Mando Diao has been awarded the 2009 Swedish Government's Music Export Prize and Nils Landgren a special prize for exceptional achievements in promoting and spreading Swedish music abroad.

The 2009 Music Export Prize At an event held today in the Ministry for Foreign Affairs press room Minister for Trade Ewa Björling presented the Government's Music Export Prize for 2009 to the pop group Mando Diao.

The jury's citation:

"Mando Diao is one of Sweden's most internationally successful live bands ever. In 2009 the band further strengthened its position through some 150 concerts in Germany, the United Kingdom, the USA and Asia, among other places. Mando Diao was also the main act at several of Europe's major music festivals and appeared in the most important television shows. During the year Mando Diao celebrated major international successes with their album Give Me Fire, and with the hit single Dance With Somebody. The album topped the charts in Germany, Austria and Switzerland. Both titles were awarded platinum records in Germany for their success. Dance With Somebody was also the most played song on the radio in all categories in Germany in 2009 and was named song of the year by German iTunes. The video was played on YouTube about 13 million times."

Ewa Björling, Minister for Trade

"It is a great pleasure to award the prize to a hard-working pop band that I myself have had the honour of seeing live in the crowded Club Quattro in Tokyo. Mando Diao is an excellent example of Swedish artists continuing to score successes around the world."

This is the thirteenth time the Government's Music Export Prize has been awarded. In previous years, the Prize has been awarded to artists such as Björn Ulvaeus and Benny Andersson, the song¨-writing duo Bloodshy and Avant, Anne Sofie von Otter, José González, Roxette, In Flames, The Hives and the Esbjörn Svensson Trio.

The jury consisted of Michael Treschow (chair), Anders Hjelmtorp, Kerstin Nordlund-Malmegård, Claes Olsson, Sofia Nyblom, Nutta Hultman, Stina Westerberg and Fredrik Wetterqvist (secretary).

The three other candidates nominated for the Music Export Prize in 2009 were the songwriter Max Martin, the opera singer Nina Stemme and the disc jockey trio Swedish House Mafia.

Special prize to Nils Landgren Ewa Björling also presented a special prize to Nils Landgren for extraordinary achievements for promoting and spreading Swedish music abroad.

The citation was:

"Nils Landgren is awarded the Special Prize for extraordinary achievements for spreading Swedish music abroad. He is a unique musician and a major international star with activities stretching from here to China. With his red trombone and warm singing Nils Landgren has for more than a quarter of a century developed an artistry in which he moves freely between different genres such as jazz, funk, folk music and pop. Together with Siegfried Loch and through the German recording company ACT - one of the largest record companies in its genre - he has made a strong contribution to marketing Swedish jazz and Swedish jazz musicians internationally. Viktoria Tolstoy, Rigmor Gustafsson and Esbjörn Svensson are excellent examples of Swedish musicians who, through Nils Landgren's mentorship and commitment, have achieved major international success. He himself has been established internationally for a long time. Perhaps particularly in Germany, after five years in North German radio's big band in Hamburg, as artistic leader of Germany's largest jazz festival, Jazzfest Berlin, and as professor at the University of Music and Theatre in Hamburg. Nils Landgren is also a professor at the Shanghai Conservatory of Music. As a musician he has participated in an impressive total of about 500 record releases.

Contact Monica Enqvist (fd Ohlsson) Press Secretary to Ewa Björling +46 8 405 37 11 +46 70 296 18 99 email to Monica Enqvist (fd Ohlsson) Fredrik Wetterqvist Senior Adviser, Secretary of the Music Export Prize jury Head of Cultural Promotion and the Image of Sweden group, Ministry for Foreign Affairs +46 8 405 32 51 [email protected]

Press release 28 January 2010 Ministry for Foreign Affairs Great interest among Swedish companies for reconstruction in Haiti On 28 January public and private actors will gather at the Ministry for Foreign Affairs for a first meeting on the willingness and ability of the Swedish business sector to contribute to the reconstruction of Haiti.

"Public-private sector cooperation will enable us to support the business sector in offering solutions through the UN and other multilateral actors. Swedish companies can often contribute long-term economic and environmentally sustainable solutions," says Minister for Trade Ewa Björling.

The UN has an important coordinating role and will lead the work of a needs analysis in cooperation with the EU, the World Bank and the Inter- American Development Bank. All in all, the multilateral system, to which Sweden is one of the major contributors, will allocate considerable amounts for the reconstruction of Haiti for many years to come. The Government Offices Projects Export Secretariat at the Ministry for Foreign Affairs will participate in drawing up an action plan for how the Swedish business sector can be involved in the reconstruction of Haiti. Together with the Swedish Association for UN Business (SWEUNB) and others, the objective is to formulate concrete offers that match Haiti's needs and demand.

SWEUNB is a non-profit organisation consisting of some 50 Swedish companies with the common interest of building long-term business relations with the UN and of contributing solutions that the UN needs in its international missions for peace and poverty reduction.

"Just as is the case among the Swedish people, we are now seeing great commitment among Swedish companies to contribute in various ways to disaster relief and reconstruction operations in earthquake-stricken Haiti. I hope now that Swedish companies' often world-leading skills and technical solutions will be put at the disposal of the reconstruction efforts for Haiti," says Minister for International Development Cooperation Gunilla Carlsson.

Contact Jens Söderblom Political Adviser to Ewa Björling +46 8 405 27 44 +46 76 766 39 99 email to Jens Söderblom Peter Larsson +46 8 405 10 00

Press release 21 January 2010 Ministry for Foreign Affairs Sweden to open ten embassies and close six The Government decided today to close Sweden's embassies in Bratislava, Dakar, Dublin, Ljubljana, Luxembourg and Sofia in the course of this year. At the same time, ten embassies will be opened, partly based on existing section offices.

The Government intends to strengthen Sweden's presence in the Caucasus and the Balkans by upgrading to embassies the present section offices in Pristina (Kosovo), Tbilisi (Georgia), Chisinau (Moldova) and Tirana (Albania). Similarly, Sweden's presence in West Africa will be strengthened by upgrading the section offices in Bamako (Mali), Ouagadougou (Burkina Faso) and Monrovia (Liberia). Section offices will also be upgraded to embassies in Kigali (Rwanda), La Paz (Bolivia) and Phnom Penh (Cambodia).

"Within the framework of the close cooperation that exists between the EU Member States, there is scope for developing new forms for maintaining bilateral contacts in future," says Minister for Foreign Affairs Carl Bildt.

"We want to be where we make the best possible use of the money that a Swedish presence costs. It is positive that we can use our resources to strengthen Sweden's presence in a number of nearby countries," Mr Bildt continues.

"Upgrading section offices to embassies is part of the process of supporting the implementation of Swedish-financed development assistance contributions in countries with which we conduct long-term development cooperation. A stronger presence on the spot is tremendously important for implementing effective, high quality and results-based development cooperation," says Minister for International Development Cooperation Gunilla Carlsson.

The Swedish Foreign Service changes with the world around it. With today's decision and announced changes, Sweden will have opened 40 missions abroad and closed 54 between 1990 and the end of 2010.

Contact Charlotta Ozaki Macias Head of Press, Information and Communication Department +46 8 405 57 25 +46 702 56 87 78 email

Press release 21 January 2010 Ministry for Foreign Affairs Press invitation: Changes in the Swedish Foreign Service

Minister for Foreign Affairs Carl Bildt and Minister for International Development Cooperation Gunilla Carlsson will present and comment on the decision on changes in the Swedish Foreign Service.

Time and place Time: Thursday 21 January, immediately after the Government meeting, at about 10.00 Place: Ministry for Foreign Affairs, Gustav Adolfs torg 1

Please bring your press credentials.

Contact Charlotta Ozaki Macias Head of Press, Information and Communication Department +46 8 405 57 25 +46 702 56 87 78 email

Press release 20 January 2010 Ministry for Foreign Affairs Ewa Björling to participate in "Success through Cleantech" in Åre Tomorrow, Thursday 21 January, Minister for Trade Ewa Björling will participate in the "Success through Cleantech" seminar in Åre.

The seminar will bring together businesspeople, business promoters and other interested parties to discuss the opportunities offered by environmentally friendly technology, both in Sweden and internationally. The participants include the US Ambassador to Sweden, Matthew Barzun, the County Governor of External links Västernorrland, Bo Källstrand and the President of the Mid Sweden Chamber of Commerce, Dick Jansson. More about Cleantech (Swedish) In her opening address Dr Björling will discuss how the financial crisis has affected Swedish trade in general, what the Government has done to promote exports of Swedish environmental technology and what plans exist for the future.

Time and place Time and place of Dr Björling's opening address Time: 11.45 Place: Holiday Club, Åre

Contact Jens Söderblom Political Adviser to Ewa Björling +46 8 405 27 44 +46 76 766 39 99 email to Jens Söderblom 2009

Press release 23 December 2009 Ministry for Foreign Affairs Ewa Björling positive after meeting with GCC Secretary-General After yesterday's meeting with the GCC Secretary-General Abdulrahman Bin Hamad al-Attiyah, Minister for Trade Ewa Björling stated that the agreement is within reach.

The GCC Secretary-General gave a clear signal that the GCC wants to resume negotiations on the free trade agreement with the EU. This should take place as soon as possible during the spring, so as to conclude the negotiations that have been underway for 20 years," commented Dr Björling after the day's meeting.

"This is very positive and means that the agreement is within reach. Both parties will benefit from a free trade agreement - not least economically. At the same time, an agreement is politically important and sends a signal that the EU and the GCC wish to further broaden and deepen their relations," said Dr Björling.

Contact Monica Enqvist (fd Ohlsson) Press Secretary to Ewa Björling +46 8 405 37 11 +46 70 296 18 99 email to Monica Enqvist (fd Ohlsson)

Press release 22 December 2009 Ministry for Foreign Affairs Secretary-General of the GCC visits Sweden Today Minister for Trade Ewa Björling will receive the Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), Mr Abdulrahman Bin Hamad al-Attiyah.

Kuwait currently holds the presidency of the GCC and the Kuwaiti Ambassador will also take part in the meeting. The agenda includes the situation in Yemen, Iran, human rights and dialogue between cultures and civilisations. The possibilities of strengthening relations between the EU and the GCC will also be discussed, including the negotiations on a free trade agreement.

Dr Björling and Mr al-Attiyah last met in April, when Dr Björling participated in the 19th Joint Council and Ministerial Meeting between the EU and the GCC countries in Muscat, organised by Oman, which held the presidency of the GCC at that time.

Secretary-General al-Attiyah will also meet the Speaker of the Riksdag, Per Westerberg, for talks.

The EU and the The Gulf Cooperation Council The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) is a regional organisation consisting of the six Gulf States (Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates). The EU established bilateral relations with the GCC countries with the signing of a cooperation agreement in 1988. The EU and the GCC have been negotiating a free trade agreement for 20 years. Apart from its trade and economic value, this agreement will provide a platform for deeper and broader cooperation between the EU and the GCC.

Contact Monica Enqvist (fd Ohlsson) Press Secretary to Ewa Björling +46 8 405 37 11 +46 70 296 18 99 email to Monica Enqvist (fd Ohlsson)

Press release 21 December 2009 Ministry for Foreign Affairs Sweden to open trade office in Iraq The Government today decided that Sweden will open a trade office in Baghdad. The office will be run by the Swedish Trade Council and will open soon.

"There is greater interest from Swedish companies in business opportunities in Iraq, and there is also a similar interest from Iraq in Swedish companies and products. This was a clear lesson I learned when I visited Baghdad during the autumn, together with the first Swedish business delegation to visit the country in 20 years," says Minister for Trade Ewa Björling.

"Opening a trade office in Baghdad will strengthen opportunities for Swedish exports to Iraq. Companies will gain access to local market knowledge and presence, support and advice, and also to special export promotion activities."

At the same time, in a special decision today, the Government appointed Roland Sossi as Trade Commissioner in Iraq, stationed in Baghdad. He will take up his post on 1 January 2010. Mr Sossi has been Senior Project Manager and Deputy Regional Director at the Swedish Trade Council in the United Arab Emirates since 2006. Between January and September 2009, Swedish exports of goods to Iraq increased by 62 per cent, compared with the same period the previous year.

The Swedish Trade Council, which cooperates closely with embassies and consulates-general, is currently represented in some 50 countries and has over 500 employees. It is jointly owned by the state and the business sector, and had a turnover of about SEK 630 million in 2008.

Contact Monica Enqvist (fd Ohlsson) Press Secretary to Ewa Björling +46 8 405 37 11 +46 70 296 18 99 email to Monica Enqvist (fd Ohlsson)

Press release 09 December 2009 Ministry for Foreign Affairs Minister for Trade reports to the European Parliament on the Swedish Presidency Tomorrow, 10 December, Minister for Trade Ewa Björling will visit the European Parliamentary Committee on International Trade (INTA) to report on EU trade policy during the Swedish Presidency of the EU.

During its Presidency, Sweden has given priority to management of the economic crisis and continued EU openness in relation to the surrounding world. The report will also cover developments in the WTO and the Doha negotiations, EU external openness, the EU negotiations on bilateral free trade agreements and other bilateral relations, trade and development issues, trade and climate, the Anti-Counterfeiting Trade Agreement (ACTA), corporate social responsibility (CSR) and future challenges in the trade policy area.

Contact Monica Enqvist (fd Ohlsson) Press Secretary to Ewa Björling +46 8 405 37 11 +46 70 296 18 99 email to Monica Enqvist (fd Ohlsson)

Press release 08 December 2009 Ministry for Foreign Affairs Free trade area around the Mediterranean a priority at trade ministers' meeting Tomorrow, 9 December, Minister for Trade Ewa Björling will take part in the eighth meeting of trade ministers within the framework of EuroMed cooperation.

"I hope that we will be able to adopt a roadmap for establishing a free trade area around the Mediterranean in 2010 and for future development," says Minister for Trade Ewa Björling.

Trade issues are prioritised in EuroMed cooperation, and one of the most important goals is to create a free trade area around the Mediterranean.

It is also hoped that a regional convention with uniform rules on the origin of goods will be adopted during the meeting. This will enable greater freedom of movement for goods. Trade in the area will be made easier with simplifications for companies. The convention covers the 27 EU Member States, ten Mediterranean countries, the four EFTA countries and the Faroe Islands, and it will also be open in future to the seven countries of the Western Balkans. The convention also provides future opportunities to make the rules more liberal and user-friendly.

It is also expected that new dispute settlement protocols between the EU and some of the partners will be signed at the meeting.

EuroMed/the Union for the Mediterranean includes the EU Member States and ten Mediterranean partners. In its capacity as holder of the Presidency of the EU, Sweden is included in a co-presidency for the Union for the Mediterranean with France and the partner country Egypt.

Contact Monica Enqvist (fd Ohlsson) Press Secretary to Ewa Björling +46 8 405 37 11 +46 70 296 18 99 email to Monica Enqvist (fd Ohlsson)

Press release 04 December 2009 Ministry for Foreign Affairs Breakthrough for EU patent during the Swedish Presidency It will be cheaper and easier for inventors and companies to protect their innovations in the EU. The EU Member States agreed today on the main elements of the EU patent and a single European Patent Court. The agreement represents a significant step towards a final solution for the EU patent.

On 4 December, the Competitiveness Council - under the leadership of Minister for Trade Ewa Björling - reached a unanimous agreement on the general focus of the European patent regulation and Council conclusions on a common European Patent Court. This is a political breakthrough in these negotiations, which have been going on for a long time now, and is a significant step towards a final agreement. The next step will be for the European Parliament to take a position on the proposal. The European Court of Justice will also need to state its opinion on the new European Patent Court.

"I am very pleased that we have finally seen a political breakthrough in these difficult negotiations that have gone on for so long. I am proud that the Council has now sent a clear and unambiguous signal to Europe's innovative companies that have long been calling for an improved patent system. The EU patent will make it much easier and cheaper to protect innovations in the EU. This will give European industry better opportunities to compete on the global market," says Minister for Trade Ewa Björling.

The general focus of the European patent regulation will now make it possible for the European Parliament to begin looking at the proposal. An EU patent will mean that people can apply for a patent to be valid in the entire EU - a market of some 500 million people. The EU patent will be cost- effective and remedy the current situation where it is much more expensive to get patent protection in the EU than in our competing markets. Protection in 13 Member States currently costs 11 times more than a patent in the United States. It is established in the Council conclusions that the annual fees are to be set at a level that promotes innovation and the competitiveness of European industry. In addition, limited translation requirements will mean considerable cost savings for the European business sector. The translation issue will be resolved in a special regulation.

The Council conclusions also contain the main elements of a single European Patent Court that will try cases on both the EU patent and existing European patents. This will bring about a considerable improvement compared to the current fragmented system where patent processes have to be conducted in each individual Member State, despite the fact that they are for the same invention. The current parallel processes also mean an increase in costs of approximately SEK 5 million in a typical case. The establishment of a single court could mean annual savings of up to SEK 3 billion for European companies. Earlier this year, the Council requested an opinion from the European Court of Justice on the new European Patent Court. The European Court of Justice has not delivered an opinion yet, and today's agreement sets out conditions for the coming opinion.

"Establishing an EU patent and a single European Patent Court is the single most important measure for promoting innovation in Europe. In view of the major simplifications and cost savings, this is, of course, also particularly important for small and medium-sized enterprises," says Minister for Justice Beatrice Ask.

Press release 04 December 2009 Ministry for Foreign Affairs Minister for Trade to take part in Middle East Summit in Abu Dhabi On Monday 7 December, Minister for Trade Ewa Björling is to take part in the Middle East Summit 2009 in Abu Dhabi in the United Arab Emirates. The Middle East Summit 2009, which will take place on 7-8 December, is being arranged by the Swedish Trade Council and is directed at Swedish companies interested in expanding business opportunities in the Middle East.

In connection with the Middle East Summit 2009, Dr Björling will meet the United Arab Emirates Minister of Foreign Trade Sheikha Lubna Al Qasimi, Minister of Economy Sultan Al Mansoori and Minister of Environment and Wateer Dr Rashid Ahmed bin Fahad. The agenda for their talks will include how relations between the United Arab Emirates and Sweden can be further deepened.

During her visit, Dr Björling will also meet entrepreneurs from the Stockholm region's Internationella Entreprenörers Nätverk (International Entrepreneurs Network, SIEN), and Sveriges Internationella Företagarförening (Swedish International Entrepreneurs Association, SIFFEK) . These networks, which are part of the Kosmopolit project, are taking part in the Middle East Summit 2009 and are in the region for various marketing activities.

Press release 03 December 2009 Ministry for Foreign Affairs Patent issue on the agenda in Brussels Tomorrow, 4 December, Minister for Trade Ewa Björling will chair the EU Competiveness Council in Brussels. The ambition is to achieve an agreement with regard to the controversial patent issue.

During the Council meeting, the ministers will conduct negotiations on an improved patent system in Europe. The proposal is about the possibility for companies to obtain protection throughout the EU by making a single application, through a common patent court being able to settle all patent disputes for all Member States. The EU patent (Community Patent) would mean providing protection throughout the EU, a market that comprises 500 million people.

"This is an important Council meeting we have ahead and I am very much hoping for progress on the patent issue. If companies can obtain a patent that is valid throughout the EU by means of a single application, we can reduce their costs and encourage them to create new inventions and develop their activities," says Dr Björling.

The patent issue has been discussed for more than 40 years and tomorrow it is hoped that a solution can be found that has the support of all the Member States. The ambition for the EU patent is to strengthen opportunities for innovation by making it cheaper and simpler for companies, thereby strengthening the EU's competitiveness in the global market.

Conclusions on the future of the internal market will also be adopted at the meeting. These will be about highlighting the potential of the services sector, promoting consumer mobility, and measures to link internal trade and regulations in the EU with those of the rest of the world.

For more information about Friday's press briefing with Dr Björling and Commissioner Günter Verheugen, please contact Press Secretary Monica Ohlsson, tel: +46 70 296 18 99

Press release 30 November 2009 Ministry for Foreign Affairs Minister for Trade to attend WTO ministerial conference in Geneva Minister for Trade Ewa Björling will today attend the World Trade Organisation (WTO) ministerial conference. Delegates from all of the 153 member states will be taking part in the conference on 30 November - 2 December.

The ministerial conference will discuss the multilateral trade system in light of the economic crisis as well as current issues in the WTO work programme. The Minister for Trade will address the conference plenary session, take part in various bilateral meetings and two working sessions around two themes: Review of WTO External links activities, including the Doha Work Programme, and The WTO's contribution to recovery, growth and development. WTO's web site

The theme of the ministerial conference is "WTO, the Multilateral Trading System and the Global Economic Environment".

Contact Monica Enqvist (fd Ohlsson) Press Secretary to Ewa Björling +46 8 405 37 11 +46 70 296 18 99 email to Monica Enqvist (fd Ohlsson)

Press release 26 November 2009 Prime Minister's Office Ministers' engagements weeks 49-50

Subject to change.

For further information contact the Minister's press secretary. Related Press contacts Calendar for Prime Minister Fredrik Reinfeldt Prime Minister's Office Calendar for Minister for Foreign Affairs Carl Bildt Calendar for Minister for Trade Ewa Björling Prime Minister Fredrik Reinfeldt 30/11 EU-China summit in Nanjing

10-11/12 European Council, Brussels

Ministry for Foreign Affairs

Minister for Foreign Affairs Carl Bildt 30/11 EU-China summit in Nanjing

1-2/12 Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe, OSCE, Athens

3/12 Trans-Atlantic dinner, Brussels

4/12 EU-Ukraine summit in Kiev

7-8/12 General Affairs and External Relations Council, Brussels

9/12 Balkan Conference, Brussels

10-11/12 European Council, Brussels

Minister for Trade Ewa Björling 30/11 GAERC trade meeting, Geneva, Switzerland

30/11-2/12 WTO Ministerial Conference, Geneva, Switzerland

3/12 Presentation of the Dagens Industri Gazelle companies anniversary prize, Stockholm

4/12 Meeting of the Competitiveness Council, Brussels 6/12 Middle East Summit Meeting, Abu Dhabi

10/12 Appearance before the European Parliament Committee on International Trade, Brussels Speech at a seminar with Muslim peace agents, Brussels

11/12 Speech and participation in a panel discussion at the SymbioCity seminar, Malmö Lunch meeting with company representatives and the Chamber of Commerce, Malmö Visit to the Voice and Face of the Street Movement, Malmö

12/12 Speech at the Bright Green Expo at the COP15 Climate Change Conference, Copenhagen Opening of the Swedish exhibition stand, COP15, Copenhagen Opening of a SymbioCity seminar, COP15, Copenhagen

Press release 19 November 2009 Prime Minister's Office Ministers' engagements weeks 48-49

Subject to change.

For further information contact the Minister's press secretary. Related Press contacts Calendar for Prime Minister Fredrik Reinfeldt Prime Minister's Office Calendar for Minister for Foreign Affairs Carl Bildt Calendar for Minister for Trade Ewa Björling Prime Minister Fredrik Reinfeldt 25/11 Travel in Sweden

Ministry for Foreign Affairs

Minister for Foreign Affairs Carl Bildt 25/11 European Parliament, Strasbourg

26/11 EU-Troika Turkey, Istambul

1-2/12 Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe, OSCE, Aten

Minister for Trade Ewa Björling 23/11 Opening speech at the SIS conference: 'Climate change and trade - in a development perspective', Stockholm

24/11 Lunch seminar on 'Trade and Climate' at the National Board of Trade

25/11 Bilateral meeting with Brazilian Minister of Mines and Energy Edison Lobao, Stockholm

26/11 Speech at the annual meeting of the Swedish Foreign Trade Association, Stockholm

27/11 Meeting of the Committee on European Union Affairs ahead of the Competitiveness Council meeting, Riksdag

30/11 GAERC trade meeting, Geneva, Switzerland

30/11-2/12 WTO Ministerial Conference, Geneva, Switzerland

3/12 Presentation of the Dagens Industri Gazelle companies anniversary prize, Stockholm

4/12 Meeting of the Competitiveness Council, Brussels 6/12 Middle East Summit Meeting, Abu Dhabi

Press release 04 November 2009 Ministry for Foreign Affairs Minister for Trade Ewa Björling to visit India on 5-7 November Minister for Trade Ewa Björling will visit New Delhi, India, on 5-7 November 2009 in connection with the EU- India Summit.

The basis for the EU-India Summit is the strategic partnership established in 2004. A dialogue will be held on current issues such as climate, environment and energy issues, the financial crisis and regional affairs. External links Dr Björling will take part in a bilateral meeting with India on 5 November, at which she will meet Indian EU-India Summit at the Minister for Commerce and Industry Anand Sharma to discuss deeper cooperation between Sweden and India website of the Swedish on trade and investment. The value of the balance of trade between Sweden and India doubled between 2000 Presidency of the EU and 2008 and Swedish exports to India have increased by a factor of six since 2000. In addition, more and more Swedish companies are setting up operations in India.

The Business Summit that will take place on the day of the Summit, 6 November, will be the tenth of its kind. Dr Björling will give an opening address and take part in roundtable discussions with business leaders from India and the EU.

Programme in brief: Thursday 5 November Talks with Indian Minister for Commerce and Industry Anand Sharma Lunch and roundtable discussion on Frugal Innovation with Swedish and Indian business leaders Opening speech at Swedish-Indian defence industry conference

Friday 6 November EU-India Business Summit

Saturday 7 November Visit to Apollo Hospital ISA roundtable discussion on biotechnology/life sciences Opening of Swedish Trade Council's new offices Sweden-India Nobel Memorial Dinner

Contact Monica Enqvist (fd Ohlsson) Press Secretary to Ewa Björling +46 8 405 37 11 +46 70 296 18 99 email to Monica Enqvist (fd Ohlsson)

Press release 29 October 2009 Prime Minister's Office Ministers' engagements weeks 45-46

Subject to change.

For further information contact the Minister's press secretary. Related Press contacts Calendar for Prime Minister Fredrik Reinfeldt Prime Minister's Office Calendar for Minister for Foreign Affairs Carl Bildt Calendar for Minister for Trade Ewa Björling Prime Minister Fredrik Reinfeldt 3/11 EU-USA Summit, Washington

5-6/11 EU-India Summit, New Delhi

Ministry for Foreign Affairs

Minister for Foreign Affairs Carl Bildt 2/11 Brookings, Washington D.C.

3-4/11 EU-USA Summit, Washington

6/11 EU-India Summit, New Delhi

9/11 EU-Indonesia troika meeting, Jakarta

12/11 Question time at the Riksdag

13/11 Committee on European Union Affairs at the Riksdag

Minister for Trade Ewa Björling 2/11 Gives speech at conference 'HIV in Europe - Working Together for Optimal Testing and Earlier Care', Stockholm

3/11 Gives speech at 20th anniversary celebration of the Swedish Board for Accreditation and Conformity Assessment (SWEDAC), Stockholm

5-6/11 Round table talks with Indian and Swedish business leaders on Frugal Innovation (cost-effective innovations in the growth of new mass markets with price-sensitive consumers), New Delhi, India Bilateral talks with India's Commerce and Industry Minister Anand Sharma, New Delhi, India

7/11 Inaugurates the Swedish Trade Council's new offices, New Delhi, India 9/11 Bilateral meeting with John Ruggie, UN Special Representative on human rights and transnational corporations and other business enterprises, Stockholm Bilateral meeting with Mary Robinson, President of Realising Rights, Stockholm

10/11 Opening address at the conference 'Protect, Respect, Remedy - a Conference on Corporate Social Responsibility', Stockholm

11/11 Opening address at the Nordic Region Trade and Export Finance Forum, Göteborg Bilateral meeting with Kunio Mikuriya, Secretary General of the World Customs Organisation (WCO), Stockholm Presents the Fashion Export Prize at the Fashion Gala, Stockholm

12/11 Takes part in the biggest subcontractors' trade fair in the Nordic region at Elmia, Jönköping

14/11 Speech at the Swedish Dental Association National Conference, Stockholm

Press release 27 October 2009 Ministry for Foreign Affairs Continued Swedish presence in New York An honorary consulate-general will be established in New York, USA, on 1 January 2010. This will mean a continued Swedish presence in New York, which will be able to support Swedish export companies and promote US investment in Sweden.

The Consulate's district will encompass the states of New York, New Jersey and Connecticut. The decision has been taken by the head of the Ministry for Foreign Affairs, Minister Carl Bildt. Related Today the Ministry for Foreign Affairs appointed David Dangoor Honorary Consul-General. He has a long Pressrelease: Sweden to close history in US business and is a member of the Board of Directors of the Swedish-American Chamber of on embassy and four Commerce, which he chaired from 1997 to 2001. consultes-general

Mr Dangoor will take up his duties as Honorary Consul-General in New York in January 2010. Being an honorary consul is an honorary appointment without remuneration. External links Read more about the Closing of the Consulate General and Opening of Honorary Contact Consulate in New York Boel Evander Director +46 8 405 21 22 email to Boel Evander

Press release 23 October 2009 Ministry for Foreign Affairs Minister for Trade to visit Washington on 26-27 October The EU and the USA agree that transatlantic economic cooperation must be better and more results-oriented.

On Monday and Tuesday, 26-27 October, Minister for Trade Ewa Björling will take part in the Transatlantic Economic Council (TEC) as representative of the Swedish Presidency of the EU. This will be the first meeting since the new US administration took office, and both parties feel that it is very important to highlight issues of mutual interest and where there are good expectations of reaching concrete results. Among the issues to be discussed are financial markets, the possible launch of an innovation dialogue between the EU and the US, and stronger regulatory cooperation. At a lunch attended by a limited number of people, the financial crisis and the future of the TEC will also be discussed.

Dr Björling will also speak at a lunch arranged by the National Foreign Trade Council, and give an address on the topic of innovation and competitiveness at a seminar arranged by John Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies (SAIS).

During her visit to Washington, Dr Björling will also take part in bilateral talks. Among those she will meet is Peter F. Cowhey, Senior Counselor at the Office of the US Trade Representative (USTR), with whom she will discuss the trade policy situation in the USA and the Doha Round.

Contact Monica Enqvist (fd Ohlsson) Press Secretary to Ewa Björling +46 8 405 37 11 +46 70 296 18 99 email to Monica Enqvist (fd Ohlsson)

Press release 22 October 2009 Prime Minister's Office Ministers' engagements weeks 44-45

Subject to change.

For further information contact the Minister's press secretary. Related Press contacts Calendar for Prime Minister Fredrik Reinfeldt Prime Minister's Office Calendar for Minister for Foreign Affairs Carl Bildt Calendar for Minister for Trade Ewa Björling Prime Minister Fredrik Reinfeldt 26-27/10 Takes part in the Nordic Council, Stockholm

28/10 Committee on European Union Affairs at the Riksdag

29-30/10 European Council, where the Heads of State or Government of the Member States meet. Prime Minister Fredrik Reinfeldt chairs the meeting, Brussels

3/11 EU-USA Summit, Washington

Ministry for Foreign Affairs

Minister for Foreign Affairs Carl Bildt 26-27/10 GAERC, Luxembourg

28/10 Nordic Council, Foreign Ministers' meeting, Stockholm

29-30/10 European Council, Brussels

3-4/11 EU-USA Summit, Washington

6/11 India Summit, New Delhi

Minister for Trade Ewa Björling 26-27/10 Attends the Transatlatic Economic Council (TEC) and gives a speech on "Climate Event" at the Heinrich Boll Foundation, Washington, USA

29/10 Takes part in the Swedish Swiss Innovation and Cleantech Forum - "InnoForum SE + CH" in Stockholm together with Swiss Minister of Economic Affairs Doris Leuthard

2/11 Gives speech at conference "HIV in Europe - Working Together for Optimal Testing and Earlier Care", Stockholm 3/11 Gives speech at 20th anniversary celebration of the Swedish Board for Accreditation and Conformity Assessment (SWEDAC), Stockholm

5-6/11 Round table talks with Indian and Swedish business leaders on Frugal Innovation (cost-effective innovations in the growth of new mass markets with price-sensitive consumers), New Delhi, India Bilateral talks with India's Commerce and Industry Minister Anand Sharma, New Delhi, India

7/11 Inaugurates the Swedish Trade Council's new offices, New Delhi, India

Press release 08 October 2009 Prime Minister's Office Ministers' engagements weeks 42-43

Subject to change.

For further information contact the Minister's press secretary. Related Press contacts Calendar for Prime Minister Fredrik Reinfeldt Prime Minister's Office Calendar for Minister for Foreign Affairs Carl Bildt Calendar for Minister for Trade Ewa Björling Prime Minister Fredrik Reinfeldt 14/10 Party leader debate in the Riksdag

Ministry for Foreign Affairs

Minister for Foreign Affairs Carl Bildt 12/10 Meeting with Kofi Annan, Stockholm

14-15/10 Barents Euro-Arctic Council, Murmansk

16/10 EU troika, Moldova

17/10 Jarl Hjalmarson Foundation Conference, Visby

19/10 Permanent Partnership Council (PPC), Brussels

22-23/10 Meeting at the European Union Institute for Security Studies (EUISS), Paris

24/10 European Development Days, Stockholm International Fairs in Alvsjö, Stockholm

25/10 General Affairs and External Relations Council (GAERC), Luxembourg

Minister for Trade Ewa Björling 12/10 Seminar on the export of health care. Ewa Björling presents the Government's views and comments on discussions from an international trade perspective. Stockholm Meeting with Palestinian Authority Economics Minister Bassim Khoury

13/10 Opening address at IFS/Swedish Agency for Economic and Regional Growth conference 'Nybyggare behövs', Stockholm Speech at the Palestine International Business Forum's Annual Business Conference, Stockholm

14-15/10 Participates at the Informal Competitiveness Council, Umeå 16/10 Meeting with High-Level Delegation from the Indian state of Karnataka (Bangalore)

19/10 Speech at the European Government Business Relations Council, Stockholm

20/10 Presents Swedish Business Award, Tallinn

21/10 Attends the Star for Life gala, Stockholm Bilateral meeting with Costa Rica's Minister of Foreign Trade Marco Vinicio Ruiz, Stockholm

22/10 Opening address at the National Board of Trade conference, Day of Trade, Stockholm

22-23/10 Attend the European Development Days event, including a roundtable discussion on the theme 'Role of the private sector in times of economic turmoil', Stockholm

26-27/10 Attend a meeting of the Transatlantic Economic Council (TEC) and deliver a speech on the theme 'Climate Event' at the Heinrich Boll Foundation, Washington, USA

28/10 Speech at a seminar on Kurds in Syria at the Swedish International Liberal Centre (SILC), Stockholm

29/10 Visit and bilateral meeting with Switzerland's Head of the Federal Department of Economic Affairs Doris Leuthard and a business organisation, Stockholm

Press release 02 October 2009 Prime Minister's Office Ministers' engagements weeks 41-42

Subject to change.

For further information contact the Minister's press secretary. Related Press contacts Calendar for Prime Minister Fredrik Reinfeldt Prime Minister's Office Calendar for Minister for Foreign Affairs Carl Bildt Calendar for Minister for Trade Ewa Björling Prime Minister Fredrik Reinfeldt 5/10 Opening address at the Baltic Development Forum.

5/10 Participates in COSAC meeting at the Riksdag; COSAC is a Conference of the committees of the national parliaments dealing with European affairs.

6/10 EU-Brazil summit

8/10 Travel in Sweden

14/10 Party leader debate in the Riksdag

Ministry for Foreign Affairs

Minister for Foreign Affairs Carl Bildt 6/10 EU-Brazil summit

8/10 EU-Australia troika meeting, Stockholm RAND think tank conference, Brussels

12/10 Meeting with Kofi Annan, Stockholm

14-15/10 Barents Euro-Arctic Council, Murmansk

17/10 Jarl Hjalmarson Foundation Conference, Visby

Minister for Trade Ewa Björling 5/10 Participates in the Global Forum, Göteborg

7/10 Speech at the Swedish-Iraqi Chamber of Commerce workshop "Many opportunities", Stockholm 8/10 Participates in the high-level session within the framework of the Transatlantic Economic Council (TEC) and at the seminar "The Transatlantic Free Barrier - How Do We get There?", Brussels

9/10 Co-chair at the high-level round-table discussion. Theme: "Can Europe emerge stronger from the crisis?" at Friends of Europe, Brussels

12/10 Seminar on the export of health care. Ewa Björling presents the Government's views and comments on discussions from an international trade perspective. Stockholm Meeting with Palestinian Authority Economics Minister Bassim Khoury

13/10 Opening address at IFS/Swedish Agency for Economic and Regional Growth conference "Nybyggare behövs", Stockholm Speech at the Palestine International Business Forum's Annual Business Conference, Stockholm

13-15/10 Participates at the Informal Competitiveness Council, Umeå

20/10 Presents Swedish Business Award, Tallinn

21/10 Attends the Star for Life gala, Stockholm

22/10 Opening address at the National Board of Trade conference, Day of Trade, Stockholm

Press release 24 September 2009 Prime Minister's Office Ministers' engagements weeks 40-41

Subject to change.

For further information contact the Minister's press secretary. Related Press contacts Calendar for Prime Minister Fredrik Reinfeldt Prime Minister's Office Calendar for Minister for Foreign Affairs Carl Bildt Calendar for Minister for Trade Ewa Björling Prime Minister Fredrik Reinfeldt 28/9 Visit to the Swedish Public Employment Service and the university in Luleå

1/10 Prime Minister's question time at the Riksdag

Ministry for Foreign Affairs

Minister for Foreign Affairs Carl Bildt 28-30/9 UN General Assembly, New York

1/10 EU Troika meeting, Ottawa

2/10 Accession Conference with Croatia, Brussels

6/10 EU-Brazil Summit, Stockholm

8/10 RAND think tank conference, Brussels

9/10 Friends of Europe conference, Brussels

Minister for Trade Ewa Björling 28-30/9 Trip to the Middle East and North Africa

1/10 Meeting with the Secretary-General of Save the Children regarding a CSR centre for children's rights in Beijing, Stockholm

5/10 Participation in the Global Forum, Göteborg

6/10 EU-Brazil Summit, Stockholm

7/10 Meeting with Paradox Entertainment Group and the Swedish Film Institute concerning promoting Swedish film abroad, Stockholm. Speech at the Swedish-Iraqi Chamber of Commerce workshop "Many opportunities", Stockholm

8/10 Speech at the seminar "The transatlantic barrier free market - how do we get there?", Brussels

9/10 Round-table discussion "Can Europe emerge stronger from the crisis?" at the Friends of Europe seminar, Brussels

Press release 18 September 2009 Ministry for Foreign Affairs Government proposes increased export credit guarantees

For 2010, the Government is proposing: - an increase in the Swedish Export Credits Guarantee Board's limit for export credit guarantees from SEK 350 billion to SEK 500 billion; and Related - an extension of the Swedish Export Credit Corporation's lending limit of SEK 100 billion and of the credit Budget and objectives: guarantee for borrowing, but to no more than SEK 250 billion at the Swedish National Debt Office (compared Ministry for Foreign Affairs to SEK 450 billion for 2009). Budget and objectives: International cooperation Budget and objectives: International development Background cooperation To counter the effects of the financial crisis on companies' possibilities to finance export deals, the Budget and objectives: Government and the Riksdag decided at the end of 2008 to increase the capacity of the Swedish Export Credit Foreign trade and promotion Corporation to finance export deals of interest to Sweden. This was made possible thanks to an injection of of trade and investment capital that will increase the Corporation's capacity to finance deals that would previously have been dealt with by private banks (Government Bill 2008/09:73). In order to further strengthen the Corporation's lending capacity, the Government and the Riksdag passed a measure (Government Bill 2008/09:86) providing the possibility to take loans, issued on market terms, of SEK 100 billion from the Swedish National Debt Office, and to obtain state guarantees for loans of up to SEK 450 billion.

At the same time, the limit for export credit guarantees issued by the Swedish Export Credits Guarantee Board was raised from SEK 200 billion to SEK 350 billion (Government Bill 2008/09:86).

Contact Monica Enqvist (fd Ohlsson) Press Secretary to Ewa Björling +46 8 405 37 11 +46 70 296 18 99 email to Monica Enqvist (fd Ohlsson)

Press release 17 September 2009 Prime Minister's Office Ministers' engagements weeks 39-40

Subject to change.

For further information contact the Minister's press secretary. Related Press contacts Calendar for Prime Minister Fredrik Reinfeldt Prime Minister's Office Calendar for Minister for Foreign Affairs Carl Bildt Calendar for Minister for Trade Ewa Björling Prime Minister Fredrik Reinfeldt 24-25/9 G20 meeting, Pittsburgh, USA

1/10 Prime Minister's question time at the Riksdag

Ministry for Foreign Affairs

Minister for Foreign Affairs Carl Bildt 21-23/9 UN General Assembly, New York

24-25/9 Opening of Iceland's Embassy at the House of Sweden, Washington D.C.

26-30/9 UN General Assembly, New York

1/10 Troika meeting, Ottawa

Minister for Trade Ewa Björling 22/9 Visit to New York, USA - Speech at the Global Investment Symposium, Harvard Club of New York City - Appearance on Sirius Satellite Radio - Meeting with promotion organisations on future promotion in the USA

24/9 European Competitiveness Council, Brussels

25/9 Bilateral meeting with Thai Industry Minister Charnchai Chairungruang, Stockholm Speech at opening of the Thailand Board of Investment's Stockholm office

27-30/9 Trip to the Middle East and North Africa

Press release 15 September 2009 Ministry for Foreign Affairs How can people born abroad increase Swedish foreign trade? "The Kosmopolit project will make use of the unique knowledge of people born abroad to create more jobs," says Minister for Trade Ewa Björling.

Sweden's population has increased by over 240 000 people in the last five years, 77 per cent of whom are immigrants. A new study, presented on Wednesday in connection with a press briefing, shows that immigration to Sweden contributes to greater Swedish foreign trade. The study shows, for example, that an increase in the number of people born abroad by some 12 000 people leads to an increase in exports by as much as SEK 7 billion.

Time and place Time: Wednesday 16 September, at 10.00

Place: Small conference hall, Ministry for Foreign Affairs, Gustav Adolfs Torg 1

We find ourselves in the worst economic crisis since the 1930s. The conditions for international trade, one of the cornerstones of Sweden's prosperity, have changed dramatically in a short space of time. There is a marked drop in demand. The conditions for Swedish companies to export and import must therefore be improved.

People with foreign backgrounds have a good knowledge of the business culture, politics, religion and language of their former home countries. They are in a particularly good position to conduct trade themselves and to guide the way for other Swedish companies. This, in turn, leads to market access for Swedish companies and better trade relations between Sweden and other countries.

A special initiative, the Kosmopolit project, is being launched to make use of foreign-born entrepreneurs with the aim of improving scope for small and medium-sized companies to break into new export markets. The background is a new study, produced by the Ministry for Foreign Affairs, that examines the link between immigration and Swedish foreign trade.

Minister for Trade Ewa Björling invites you to a press briefing on Wednesday to talk more about the new initiative, the Kosmopolit project, and to present the new study.

Welcome!

Contact Monica Enqvist (fd Ohlsson) Press Secretary to Ewa Björling +46 8 405 37 11 +46 70 296 18 99 email to Monica Enqvist (fd Ohlsson)

Press release 11 September 2009 Prime Minister's Office Ministers' engagements weeks 38-39

Subject to change.

For further information contact the Minister's press secretary. Related Press contacts Calendar for Prime Minister Fredrik Reinfeldt Prime Minister's Office Calendar for Minister for Foreign Affairs Carl Bildt Calendar for Minister for Trade Ewa Björling Prime Minister Fredrik Reinfeldt 14/9 Meeting with Luxembourg Prime Minister Jean Claude Juncker, Rosenbad

14/9 Speech at the Uppsala Association of International Affairs, Uppsala University

15/9 Participation in the official opening of the Riksdag

17/9 Extra Informal Meeting of the European Council, Brussels

19/9 Participation in Alliansdagen (an event for the Alliance parties), Stockholm

24-25/9 G20 meeting, Pittsburgh, USA

Ministry for Foreign Affairs

Minister for Foreign Affairs Carl Bildt 14-15/9 GAERC, Brussels

17/9 Meeting with representatives of the Belarus opposition

18/9 Visit by Estonian President Toomas Ilves Visit by former German Foreign Minister Joschka Fischer

19-27/9 UN General Assembly, New York

Minister for Trade Ewa Björling 14/9 Meeting with Spanish Secretary of State for Trade Silvia Iranzo, Brussels Meeting with Commissioner Günter Verheugen, Brussels

15/9 Breakfast meeting with companies with business interests in North Africa, Stockholm Lunch seminar organised by the Swedish Trade Council, with Indian Minister for Commerce and Industry Shri Anand Sharma, Stockholm 16/9 Bilateral meeting with Indian Minister for Commerce and Industry Shri Anand Sharma, Stockholm Information meeting on Projekt Kosmopolit, Stockholm - the project involves initiatives to make full use of entrepreneurs from foreign backgrounds as a resource in promoting trade and investment

17/9 Holding opening address at the Swedish Federation of Business Owners/Swedish Entrepreneurship Forum seminar "From the Iron Curtain to the Common Market - Growth Challenges for the Baltic Sea Region" as part of Baltic Sea Week, Stockholm

18/9 Riksdag Committee on European Union Affairs ahead of the European Competitiveness Council on 24 September

22/9 Visit to New York, USA - Speech at the Global Investment Symposium, Harvard Club of New York City - Appearance on Sirius Satellite Radio - Meeting with promotion organisations on future promotion in the USA

24/9 European Competitiveness Council, Brussels

25/9 Bilateral meeting with Thai Industry Minister Charnchai Chairungruang, Stockholm Speech at opening of the Thailand Board of Investment's Stockholm office

Press release 28 August 2009 Prime Minister's Office Ministers' engagements weeks 36-37

Subject to change.

For further information contact the Minister's press secretary. Related Press contacts Calendar for Prime Minister Fredrik Reinfeldt Prime Minister's Office Calendar for Minister for Foreign Affairs Carl Bildt Calendar for Minister for Trade Ewa Björling Prime Minister Fredrik Reinfeldt 1/9 Participation in capacity as President of the Council of the European Union in ceremony commemorating the outbreak of the Second World War, Westerplatte, Gdansk, Poland.

2/9 Visit to Åva Upper Secondary School to speak about Sweden's priorities during its Presidency of the EU, Täby, Stockholm

4/9 Visit by President of the European Parliament, Jerzy Buzek, Stockholm

24-25/9 G20 meeting, Pittsburgh, USA

Ministry for Foreign Affairs

Minister for Foreign Affairs Carl Bildt 3/9 Meeting with Ibrahim Gambari, UN Special Representative of the Secretary-General to Burma, Stockholm Interpellation debate, Riksdag

4-5/9 Gymnich, informal meeting of the General Affairs and External Relations Council (GAERC), Stockholm

6-7/9 COFACC, Conference of Foreign Affairs Committee Chairpersons of the Parliaments of the Member States, Visby

Minister for Trade Ewa Björling 31/8 Attendance at Polar Prize award ceremony, Stockholm

1/9 Appearance before the European Parliament Committee on International Trade, Brussels Meeting with EUROCHAMBRES and BUSINESSEUROPE, Brussels

2/9 Appearance before the European Parliament Committee on Internal Market and Consumer Protection, Brussels

3/9 Joint arrangement of panel debate with Representation of the European Commission in Sweden in connection with presentation of the Internal Market Inquiry's report: "A Europe without borders - why do so few take the chance and what do we do about it?" 4/9 Breakfast with entrepreneurs ahead of trip to South Africa

4/9 Meeting with Christoffer Taxell, Chairman of the European Services Forum (ESF) Receive Anna Rosvall Stuart, Executive Director of the Sweden-America Foundation

8/9 Lunch meeting with Fredrik Erixon, Director, European Centre for International Political Economy (ECIPE)

8/9 Courtesy call by South Korean special emissaries

13/9 Informal EU trade minister dinner, Brussels

Press release 21 August 2009 Prime Minister's Office Ministers' engagements weeks 35-36

Subject to change.

For further information contact the Minister's press secretary. Related Press contacts Calendar for Prime Minister Fredrik Reinfeldt Prime Minister's Office Calendar for Minister for Foreign Affairs Carl Bildt Calendar for Minister for Trade Ewa Björling Prime Minister Fredrik Reinfeldt 24/8 Visit to Ronnaskolan school and the Swedish Public Employment Service in Södertälje

27-30/8 Political party event

31/8 Meeting with Spanish Prime Minister José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero

1/9 Participation in capacity as Chairman of the Council of the European Union in ceremony commemorating the outbreak of the Second World War, Westerplatte, Gdansk, Poland

Ministry for Foreign Affairs

Minister for Foreign Affairs Carl Bildt 24-25/8 Ministerial meeting, Istanbul

26-27/8 Ministry for Foreign Affairs Heads of Department meeting

3/9 Meeting with Ibrahim Gambari, UN Special Representative of the Secretary-General to Burma, Stockholm

4-5/9 Gymnich, Stockholm

Minister for Trade Ewa Björling 24/8 Visit to Malmö - Company visits focusing on sustainable urban development and green technology exports - Visit to Augustenborg - Malmö's answer to Hammarby Sjöstad (SymbioCity) - Meeting at the Swedish Trade Council with Business Network Öresund

25/8 Meeting with Egypt's Minister of Foreign Trade and Industry, Rashid Mohamed Rashid

27/8 Address at World Trade Day, organised by the Stockholm Chamber of Commerce

1/9 Appearance before the European Parliament Committee on International Trade, Brussels 2/9 Appearance before the European Parliament Committee on Internal Market and Consumer Protection, Brussels

4/9 Breakfast with entrepreneurs ahead of trip to South Africa

Meeting with Christoffer Taxell, Chairman of the European Services Forum (ESF)

Press release 14 August 2009 Prime Minister's Office Ministers' engagements weeks 34-35

Subject to change.

For further information contact the Minister's press secretary. Related Press contacts Calendar for Prime Minister Fredrik Reinfeldt Prime Minister's Office Calendar for Minister for Foreign Affairs Carl Bildt Calendar for Minister for Trade Ewa Björling Prime Minister Fredrik Reinfeldt 19/8 Visit to the Swedish Public Employment Service in Haninge

22/8 Political party event

24/8 Travel in Sweden

27-30/8 Political party event

Ministry for Foreign Affairs

Minister for Foreign Affairs Carl Bildt 19/8 Sopron, Hungary - ceremony to mark the 20th anniversary of the fall of the Iron Curtain

20-21/8 NB8 - Foreign ministers meeting, Iceland

Minister for Trade Ewa Björling 19/8 Meeting with Angola's Minister for the Environment, Fatima Jardim

24/8 Visit to Malmö - Company visits focusing on sustainable urban development and green technology exports - Visit to Augustenborg - Malmö's answer to Hammarby Sjöstad (SymbioCity) - Meeting at the Swedish Trade Council with Business Network Öresund

25/8 Meeting with Egypt's Minister of Foreign Trade and Industry, Rashid Mohamed Rashid

27/8 Address at World Trade Day, organised by the Stockholm Chamber of Commerce

Press release 25 June 2009 Prime Minister's Office Ministers' engagements weeks 27-28

Subject to change.

For further information contact the Minister's press secretary. Related Press contacts Calendar for Prime Minister Fredrik Reinfeldt Prime Minister's Office Calendar for Minister for Foreign Affairs Carl Bildt Calendar for Minister for Trade Ewa Björling Prime Minister Fredrik Reinfeldt 1/7 Participation in the European Commission's handover of the EU Presidency, Stockholm

3/7 Visit by French President Nicolas Sarkozy

4/7 Participation in Almedal Week, Visby

8/7-10/7 G8 meeting, Italy

Ministry for Foreign Affairs

Minister for Foreign Affairs Carl Bildt 29/6 Bundestag, Berlin

1/7 Participation in the European Commission's handover of the EU Presidency, Stockholm

Minister for Trade Ewa Björling 29/6 Participation in Almedal Week, Visby

1/7 Participation in the European Commission's handover of the EU Presidency, Stockholm

Press release 22 June 2009 Prime Minister's Office Ministers' engagements weeks 26-27

Subject to change.

For further information contact the Minister's press secretary. Related Press contacts Calendar for Prime Minister Fredrik Reinfeldt Prime Minister's Office Calendar for Minister for Foreign Affairs Carl Bildt Calendar for Minister for Trade Ewa Björling Prime Minister Fredrik Reinfeldt 22/6 Meeting with Norwegian Prime Minister Jens Stoltenberg Party event, Copenhagen

23/6 Reporting back to the Committee on European Union Affairs after the meeting of the European Council

1/7 Participation in the handover of the EU Presidency, Stockholm

3/7 Visit by French President Nicolas Sarkozy

4/7 Participation in Almedal Week, Visby

Ministry for Foreign Affairs

Minister for Foreign Affairs Carl Bildt 23/6 Seminar on Russia, Stockholm

26-27/6 G8 meeting of foreign ministers, Trieste

27-28/6 OSCE, Corfu

29/6 Bundestag, Berlin

1/7 Participation in the handover of the EU Presidency, Stockholm

Minister for Trade Ewa Björling 24-25/6 OECD Ministerial Meeting, Paris

26/6 Speech at the European Centre for International Political Economy (ECIPE), Brussels Speech at 20th Annual Crans Montana Forum "The EU and the Arab World"

Press release 15 June 2009 Ministry for Foreign Affairs Minister for Trade Ewa Björling visiting Jordan and Syria on 15-17 June

With the objective of stimulating greater Swedish trade with Jordan and Syria, Minister for Trade Ewa Björling is visiting Amman on Monday and will then travel on to Damascus.

Jordan and Syria are two medium-sized markets in the Middle East that are of interest to Swedish business. Both countries have shown good growth figures in recent years and, up to now, they have been relatively little affected by the negative consequences of the global financial crisis.

Jordan is one of the most open economies in the region. Syria started an extensive programme of economic reform some years ago and is working to deregulate its previously centrally controlled economy.

The aim of the trip is to consolidate and develop trade relations and to further extend points of contact. The Swedish companies in the trade delegation accompanying the Minister come from a broad spectrum of the Swedish business community.

The programme includes meetings with the two countries' ministers of trade, talks on bilateral trade, Swedish environmental expertise and questions concerning corporate social responsibility and human rights. In both Amman (15 June) and Damascus (16 June) Dr Björling will take part in business seminars intended to clarify the opportunities for Swedish companies in the country concerned.

Contact Monica Enqvist (fd Ohlsson) Press Secretary to Ewa Björling +46 8 405 37 11 +46 70 296 18 99 email to Monica Enqvist (fd Ohlsson)

Pressmeddelande 15 juni 2009 Utrikesdepartementet Handelsministern Ewa Björling besöker Jordanien och Syrien 15-17 juni Med målet att stimulera utökad handel mellan Sverige samt Jordanien och Syrien besöker handelsminister Ewa Björling Amman och därefter Damaskus.

Jordanien och Syrien är två mellanstora marknader i mellanöstern som är intressanta för svenskt näringsliv. Båda länderna har visat goda tillväxtsiffror de senaste åren och har hittills varit relativt förskonande från negativa konsekvenser av den globala finanskrisen. Relaterat Läs mer om Sveriges Jordanien är en av de mest öppna ekonomierna i regionen. Syrien har sedan några år inlett ett omfattande förbindelser med Jordanien ekonomiskt reformprogram och arbetar med att avreglera sin tidigare centralstyrda ekonomi. Läs mer om Sveriges förbindelser med Syrien Syftet är att befästa och utveckla handelsrelationerna liksom att bredda kontaktytorna ytterligare. De medresande svenska företagen kommer från ett brett spektrum av det svenska näringslivet.

I programmet ingår möten med handelsministrarna, samtal om bilateral handel, svenskt miljökunnande, frågor om företagens sociala ansvar och mänskliga rättigheter. I både Amman (15/6) och Damaskus (16/6) deltar ministern i affärsseminarier med syfte att belysa möjligheterna för svenska företag i respektive länder.

Kontakt Monica Enqvist (fd Ohlsson) Pressekreterare hos Ewa Björling 08-405 37 11 070-296 18 99 e-post till Monica Enqvist (fd Ohlsson)

Press release 05 June 2009 Prime Minister's Office Ministers' engagements weeks 24-25

Subject to change.

For further information contact the Minister's press secretary. Related Press contacts Calendar for Prime Minister Fredrik Reinfeldt Prime Minister's Office Calendar for Minister for Foreign Affairs Carl Bildt Calendar for Minister for Trade Ewa Björling Prime Minister Fredrik Reinfeldt 4/6 Speech at graduation ceremony for police cadets, Stockholm City Hall Political party event, Farsta

5/6 Debate with Mona Sahlin on Sveriges Television Political party event

6/6 Political party event, Rinkeby-Tensta Visit to Camp Sweden ahead of the football match between Sweden and Denmark National Day festivities, Skansen Open-air museum, Stockholm

7/6 Political party event

17/6 Party leader debate in the Riksdag

Ministry for Foreign Affairs

Minister for Foreign Affairs Carl Bildt 8/6 Interpellation debate, Riksdag (Swedish parliament) Meeting of Nordic foreign ministers, Iceland

9/6 Meeting of Nordic foreign ministers, Iceland

10/6 Bosnia seminar, Stockholm

11/6 Question Time, Riksdag (Swedish parliament) Meeting with Pierre Morel, EU Special Representative in Georgia Dinner, Committee on Foreign Affairs, Stockholm

12/6 Committee on EU Affairs, Riksdag

15-16/6 Meeting of General Affairs and External Relations Council (GAERC), Luxembourg

17/6 Committee on EU Affairs, Riksdag 18-19/6 European Council, Brussels

Minister for Trade Ewa Björling 8/6 Addresses the Gulf Cooperation Council-EU conference, Lund

9-10/6 Visits Swedish-Finnish border areas together with the Finnish Minister for Foreign Trade and Development, Paavo Väyrynen, Pajala-Kolari to Haparanda-Torneå

11/6 Question Time, Riksdag (Swedish parliament) Speech at the European Centre for International Political Economy (ECIPE) seminar 'The Global Economic Crisis and Emerging Protectionism: The End of the Era of Globalisation', Stockholm

14-16/6 Visit to Amman, Jordan - Bilateral meeting with Jordan's trade minister - Participation in trade seminar arranged by the Swedish Trade Council - Opening of the new Swedish Embassy office

16-17/6 Visit to Damascus, Syria - Bilateral meeting with Syria's trade minister - Participation in trade seminar arranged by the Swedish Trade Council

Press release 05 June 2009 Prime Minister's Office Ministers' engagements weeks 25-26

Subject to change.

For further information contact the Minister's press secretary. Related Press contacts Calendar for Prime Minister Fredrik Reinfeldt Prime Minister's Office Calendar for Minister for Foreign Affairs Carl Bildt Calendar for Minister for Trade Ewa Björling Prime Minister Fredrik Reinfeldt 14-15/6 Meeting of Nordic Prime Ministers, Egilsstadir, Iceland

16/6 Talks with Zimbabwe's Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai.

17/6 Party leader debate in the Riksdag Consultation with the Committee on European Union Affairs at the Riksdag, ahead of the meeting of the European Council

18-19/6 Meeting of the European Council, Brussels

23/6 Reporting back to the Committee on European Union Affairs after the meeting of the European Council

Ministry for Foreign Affairs

Minister for Foreign Affairs Carl Bildt 15-16/6 GAERC, Luxembourg

17/6 Committee on European Union Affairs at the Riksdag

23/6 Seminar on Russia, Stockholm

26-27/6 G8 meeting of foreign ministers, Trieste

27-28/6 OSCE, Corfu

Minister for Trade Ewa Björling 14-16/6 Visit to Amman, Jordan - Bilateral meeting with Jordan's trade minister - Participation in trade seminar arranged by the Swedish Trade Council - Opening of the new Swedish Embassy office

16-17/6 Visit to Damascus, Syria - Bilateral meeting with Syria's trade minister - Participation in trade seminar arranged by the Swedish Trade Council

Press release 02 June 2009 Ministry for Foreign Affairs Ewa Björling to meet Commissioner Ashton Tomorrow, 3 June, Minister for Trade Ewa Björling is to receive a visit by the EU Commissioner for Trade, Catherine Ashton.

In less than a month, Sweden is to take over the Presidency of the EU and during the meeting with Ms Ashton, Dr Björling will raise various issues that are to be prioritised during the Presidency. The topics for their discussions will include the economic crisis and problems with certain countries adopting protectionist measures in the wake of this crisis.

During the Presidency, Dr Björling will give special priority to advancing negotiations on various free trade agreements. The agreement with South Korea is close to a solution and negotiations on the world trade agreement, the Doha Round, need to be revitalised.

This is the first visit of the EU Commissioner to Sweden and she will also raise the current negotiations on free trade agreements, climate issues and trade and development issues with Dr Björling.

Time and place The Ministry for Foreign Affairs and the European Commission invite you to a press briefing with coffee with Dr Björling and Catherine Ashton directly after the meeting.

The press briefing with coffee will take place on Wednesday 3 June at 11.00 New conference room, Gustav Adolfs Torg 1, Ministry for Foreign Affairs, Stockholm

Prior notification required. Welcome!

Contact Monica Enqvist (fd Ohlsson) Press Secretary to Ewa Björling +46 8 405 37 11 +46 70 296 18 99 email to Monica Enqvist (fd Ohlsson) Eric Degerbeck Responsible for the press European Commission Representation in Sweden

Press release 29 May 2009 Prime Minister's Office Ministers' engagements weeks 23-24

Subject to change.

For further information contact the Minister's press secretary. Related Press contacts Calendar for Prime Minister Fredrik Reinfeldt Prime Minister's Office Calendar for Minister for Foreign Affairs Carl Bildt Calendar for Minister for Trade Ewa Björling Prime Minister Fredrik Reinfeldt 3/6 Travel in Sweden

4/6 Political party event

5/6 Political party event

6/6 National Day festivities

7/6 Political party event European Parliament election

Ministry for Foreign Affairs

Minister for Foreign Affairs Carl Bildt 1/6 Interpellation debate, Riksdag (Swedish parliament)

2/6 Breakfast meeting with the Timbro organisation, Stockholm

3/6 Visit by Martin Griffiths, Center for Humanitarian Dialogue Political party event ahead of the European Parliament election, Tensta Visit by Jacob Kellenberg, International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) Phone in ahead of the European Parliament election, Stockholm

4/6 Cabinet meeting Political party event ahead of the European Parliament election, Stockholm

5/6 Meeting with the National Committee for Landmark Year 1809, Stockholm Exhibition in connection with Landmark Year 1809, Royal Armoury, Stockholm

6/6 Political party event ahead of the European Parliament election, Stockholm National Day festivities, Skansen open-air museum, Stockholm

7/6 Political party event European Parliament election

8/6 Interpellation debate, Riksdag (Swedish parliament) N5 dinner, Reykjavik, Iceland

9/6 N5 meeting, Reykjavik, Iceland

10/6 Bosnia seminar, Stockholm

11/6 Cabinet meeting Courtesy visit with newly appointed ambassadors, Stockholm Question Time, Riksdag (Swedish parliament)

12/6 Committee on EU Affairs, Riksdag

Minister for Trade Ewa Björling 1/6 Replies to parliamentary interpellation, Riksdag

2/6 Breakfast meeting with entrepreneurs

2/6 Participates at Swedfund's presentation of a new report on Iraq

3/6 Receives the European Commissioner for Trade, Catherina Ashton - preparations ahead of Sweden's EU Presidency

3/6 Political party event, Stockholm

4/6 Bilateral meeting with Brasil's Minister of State for Communications, Helio Costa

4/6 Political party events, Uppsala, Enköping and Västerås

8/6 Addresses the Gulf Cooperation Council-EU conference, Lund

9-10/6 Visits Swedish-Finnish border areas together with the Finnish Minister for Foreign Trade and Development, Paavo Väyrynen, Pajala-Kolari to Haparanda-Torneå

11/6 Question Time, Riksdag (Swedish parliament)

Press release 14 May 2009 Prime Minister's Office Ministers' engagements weeks 21-22 2009

Subject to change.

For further information contact the Minister's press secretary. Related Press contacts Calendar for Prime Minister Fredrik Reinfeldt Prime Minister's Office Calendar for Minister for Foreign Affairs Carl Bildt Calendar for Minister for Trade Ewa Björling Prime Minister Fredrik Reinfeldt 18 May Travel in Sweden

20 May Party leader debate ahead of European Parliament election, Riksdag

25 May Travel in Sweden

Ministry for Foreign Affairs

Minister for Foreign Affairs Carl Bildt 18 May Participation in GAERC, Brussels Visit to Göteborg, Sweden

21 May Visit to Warsaw Visegrad Meeting

24-26 May ASEM, Hanoi

27-28 May Visit to Phnom Penh

Minister for Trade Ewa Björling 18 May Visit to Göteborg, Sweden

19 May Visit to Almi Företagspartner (Almi Business Partner)

19 May Dialogue meeting on the export ban on Swedish snuff in the EU internal market

20 May Advisory Committee on EU Affairs, Riksdag Meeting with World Bank President Robert B. Zoellick at World Bank meeting, Helsinki

25 May Speech at Africa Day Seminar on Strategic Partnerships for African Development, Stockholm 27 May Main speaker and award presenter at SwedenBIO's Annual General Meeting

27 May Informal meeting with African ambassadors based in Stockholm on EPA negotiations

28 May Competitiveness Council, Brussels

29 May Visit to Tranås, Sweden

Press release 07 May 2009 Ministry of Enterprise, Energy and Communications Ministry for Foreign Affairs Nigeria's Vice President leads major trade delegation to Sweden Nigeria's Vice President Dr Goodluck Jonathan is to visit Sweden on 11-12 May, together with the speaker of the Nigerian parliament, four state governors, four ministers and some 60 business leaders.

Hosting the visit in Sweden is Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Enterprise and Energy Maud Olofsson. The delegation will also be received by Minister for Trade Ewa Björling, who will also host a dinner for the Vice President and his delegation.

Apart from the official meetings, the delegation will take part in the Swedish Nigerian Economic Forum, arranged by the Swedish Trade Council and the Nigerian Embassy in Stockholm. The delegation will also visit a number of companies during its stay in Sweden.

Programme points: Monday 11 May 19.30 Dinner at the Ministry for Foreign Affairs, hosted by Minister for Trade Ewa Björling Place: Ministry for Foreign Affairs, Gustav Adolfs Torg 1- photo opportunity

Tuesday 12 May 08.30 Talks between Dr Björling, the state governors and ministers Place: Ministry for Foreign Affairs, Gustav Adolfs Torg 1- photo opportunity

09.45 Deputy Prime Minister Maud Olofsson to meet Vice President Dr Goodluck Jonathan Place: Entrance, Ministry of Enterprise, Energy and Communications, Mäster Samuelsgatan 70 - photo opportunity

Please bring your press credentials. No prior application is required for the photo opportunities.

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This is one of the largest Nigerian trade delegations ever put together and the visit underlines the growing importance of Swedish-Nigerian trade relations. Nigeria is Sweden's second largest trade partner in sub-Saharan Africa. The Swedish business presence in Nigeria is strong, with good growth potential, particularly in the telecoms, agricultural and energy sectors.

Nigeria is the most populous country in Africa with approximately 150 million inhabitants; and Africa's third largest economy, after South Africa and Egypt.

Contact Johanna Martin Press Secretary to Maud Olofsson +46 8 405 24 33 +46 70 206 75 62 email to Johanna Martin Monica Enqvist (fd Ohlsson) Press Secretary to Ewa Björling +46 8 405 37 11 +46 70 296 18 99 email to Monica Enqvist (fd Ohlsson) Karin Bolin Desk Officer, Africa Department, Ministry for Foreign Affairs +46 8 405 26 44 +46 70889 87 54

Press release 30 April 2009 Ministry for Foreign Affairs Ewa Björling to take part in informal Competitiveness Council in Prague on 4-5 May

Minister for Trade Ewa Björling will travel to Prague on Monday to take part in the informal Competitiveness Council meeting. The meeting will take place on 4-5 May. Among the topics to be discussed is the importance of a well-functioning internal market. One special focus area is the development of the EU - and the internal market in particular - five years after the Czech Republic and nine other countries joined the EU.

"The EU internal market is the world's largest market with nearly half a billion people and 20 million companies. The internal market has made a strong contribution to strengthening the entire European economy, and its function is vital for coping with the economic crisis. I look forward to contributing to the discussions next week on the challenges facing the EU," says Dr Björling.

In connection with the meeting, Dr Björling will also meet representatives of Swedish companies operating in the Czech Republic.

Contact Monica Enqvist (fd Ohlsson) Press Secretary to Ewa Björling +46 8 405 37 11 +46 70 296 18 99 email to Monica Enqvist (fd Ohlsson)

Press release 28 April 2009 Ministry for Foreign Affairs EU to open free trade negotiations with Canada

The EU Member States took a decision at the Council meeting in Brussels today to give the European Commission a mandate to open negotiations on a free trade agreement with Canada.

"The economic gains from a new free trade agreement between the EU and Canada would be significant, around EUR 11.6 billion every year according to a study presented in October 2008. Trade in services accounts for around half of the expected gains, with one quarter covered by reduced and abolished customs duties and the other quarter by regulatory simplification and other non-tariff barriers to trade," says Minister for Trade Ewa Björling.

"At the same time, the decision is politically important; it sends out a signal that the EU wants to continue its tangible and operative efforts to remove barriers to trade, facilitate investment and open up the economy. This approach is crucial if we want to reverse the economic downturn as quickly as possible," says Dr Björling. According to European Commission estimates, trade in goods between the EU and Canada is currently worth EUR 49.8 billion annually (2008), while trade in services is valued at EUR 21.2 billion (2007).

The largest product categories exported from Sweden to Canada are pharmaceuticals, cars, refined mineral oil products and engineering products and machinery. Imports include ores, pharmaceuticals, aircraft, energy-producing machinery, and iron and steel.

Sweden's exports of goods to Canada were worth SEK 11.1 billion in 2008, while imports were worth around SEK 3.5 billion. In 2006 there were 140 Swedish subsidiaries established in Canada, while 68 Canadian companies were active on the Swedish market in 2005.

Contact Monica Enqvist (fd Ohlsson) Press Secretary to Ewa Björling +46 8 405 37 11 +46 70 296 18 99 email to Monica Enqvist (fd Ohlsson)

Press release 27 April 2009 Ministry for Foreign Affairs Carl Bildt, David Miliband och Bernard Kouchner to Sri Lanka

Minister for Foreign Affairs Carl Bildt will travel to Sri Lanka on Tuesday together with his British and French counterparts, David Miliband and Bernard Kouchner. On Wednesday, the three foreign ministers will be visiting Sri Lanka in connection with the conflict situation and humanitarian crisis in the country.

Contact Anna Charlotta Johansson +46 8 405 00 00

Press release 17 April 2009 Ministry for Foreign Affairs Georgia's Minister for Foreign Affairs to visit Sweden Georgia's Minister for Foreign Affairs is to visit Sweden on 20 April. Welcome to a press conference with Ministers for Foreign Affairs Grigol Vashadze and Carl Bildt.

Time and place Monday 20 April at 13.30 Ministry for Foreign Affairs, Gustav Adolfs torg 1, Stockholm

Georgia's Minister for Foreign Affairs, Grigol Vashadze, is visiting Sweden on Monday 20 April and will have talks with Minister for Foreign Affairs Carl Bildt. He will also visit Minister for International Development Cooperation Gunilla Carlsson and Minister for Trade Ewa Björling. His programme also includes a meeting with the Speaker of the Riksdag, Per Westerberg.

This is the first time the two foreign ministers will meet for talks since Mr Vashadze took up his position in November 2008.

The agenda includes relations between the EU and Georgia, particularly in the light of the forthcoming Swedish Presidency of the EU.

A press conference will be held after the meeting of the two foreign ministers.

No prior notification is required but please bring press credentials.

Contact Anders Jörle Head of the Press Service +46 8 405 57 27 +46 70 888 36 24 email to Anders Jörle

Press release 09 April 2009 Ministry for Foreign Affairs Minister for Trade Ewa Björling to visit Malta and meet Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi

On Tuesday 14 April Minister for Trade Ewa Björling is to visit Malta for talks with Malta's Minister of Finance, the Economy and Investment, Mr Tonio Fenech.

The focus of the talks will be on Sweden's priorities in the trade and internal market area ahead of the Swedish Presidency of the EU in 2009.

On Wednesday Dr Björling will meet the Maltese Prime Minister, Dr Lawrence Gonzi, and will also have a meeting with the Parliamentary Foreign and European Affairs Committee.

Contact Monica Enqvist (fd Ohlsson) Press Secretary to Ewa Björling +46 8 405 37 11 +46 70 296 18 99 email to Monica Enqvist (fd Ohlsson)

Press release 06 April 2009 Ministry for Foreign Affairs Good news from EU today for 150 000 Swedish car owners

Today the EU approved Sweden's application for permission to continue to import ethanol for processing into biofuel. This means that the feared tariff increase that would have affected our environmentally friendly buses and the 150 000 car owners who drive ethanol cars will not materialise.

"I welcome this decision, which makes it possible for biofuel prices to remain competitive. It shows an understanding of the situation in Sweden, where the market for environmentally friendly vehicles is growing," says Minister for Trade Ewa Björling.

"We have gained a hearing for the Swedish line on the development and climate advantages of low tariffs on biofuels. We will now continue to work in the EU and the WTO to bring about more general tariff reductions on climate-friendly goods and services."

It was the EU Customs Code Committee that voted this morning to approve Sweden's application for permission to import ethanol for processing into biofuels E85 and ED95. Permission is valid for one year.

Contact Monica Enqvist (fd Ohlsson) Press Secretary to Ewa Björling +46 8 405 37 11 +46 70 296 18 99 email to Monica Enqvist (fd Ohlsson)

Press release 01 April 2009 Ministry for Foreign Affairs Indonesia's Minister for Foreign Affairs to visit Sweden

Indonesia's Minister for Foreign Affairs Dr Hassan Wirajuda is going to visit Sweden, and on Friday 3 April he will meet Minister for Foreign Affairs Carl Bildt and Minister for Trade Ewa Björling. Dr Wirajuda will also meet Speaker of the Riksdag Per Westerberg and members of the Riksdag.

The last time Mr Bildt and Dr Wirajuda met for talks was in April, when Mr Bildt visited Indonesia.

The agenda for the talks includes regional and global issues in the light of the upcoming Swedish Presidency of the European Union and how to further deepen relations between the two countries.

Press briefing and photo opportunity with Indonesia's Minister for Foreign Affairs Dr Hassan Wirajuda and Minister for Foreign Affairs Carl Bildt.

Time and place Friday 3 April at 15.40 Ministry for Foreign Affairs, Gustav Adolfs Torg 1, Stockholm

Contact Anna Charlotta Johansson +46 8 405 00 00

Press release 30 March 2009 Ministry for Foreign Affairs Minister for Trade Ewa Björling to lead business delegation to Morocco

Morocco is one of Sweden's largest export markets in North Africa, and in recent years exports of goods have increased by 18 per cent, according to figures for 2008 from Statistics Sweden. External links Tomorrow, Minister for Trade Ewa Björling will begin a visit to Casablanca and Rabat together with a business The Swedish Trade Council delegation. The visit is intended to develop trade relations, with special focus on the medical technology industry. Dr Björling will also have a meeting with her Moroccan counterpart, Minister of Industry, Commerce and New Technologies Ahmed Chami. Topics on the agenda include the financial unrest and Sweden's priorities during the Swedish Presidency of the EU.

Programme points:

Tuesday, 30 March - Dr Björling will take part in bilateral meetings with Minister of Industry, Commerce and New Technologies Ahmed Chami.

- Dr Björling will also have a meeting with the Association for the Promotion of Women's Enterprise (AMPEF).

Wednesday, 1 April - Dr Björling will take part in a business event with Swedish and Moroccan companies.

- Dr Björling will inaugurate the Swedish Trade Council's new office together with Mr El Aid Mahsoussi, State Secretary at the Ministry of Foreign Trade.

After the inauguration ceremony, a press conference will be held together with Dr Björling and representatives from Swedish companies. Please call for more information.

Contact Monica Enqvist (fd Ohlsson) Press Secretary to Ewa Björling +46 8 405 37 11 +46 70 296 18 99 email to Monica Enqvist (fd Ohlsson)

Press release 23 March 2009 Ministry for Foreign Affairs Swedish conference in Washington to carve out future trade policy Can trade increase without negative effects for the environment? How can trade help developing countries out of poverty? These are just some of the issues to be discussed at the conference "The Next Frontier: Rethinking the Global Trading System" which will be attended by Minister for Trade Ewa Björling on Wednesday 25 March in Washington DC.

Nobel laureate Paul Krugman, Professor Ari Kokko from the Stockholm School of Economics and Dutch Minister for Foreign Trade Frank Heemskerk will also participate in the conference. Working for freer world trade is a priority issue for the Government, and it is for this reason that Dr Björling has invited around one Download hundred eminent figures from the trade sector. Program for the conference "The Next Frontier: "There is a great need to meet and discuss these issues, particularly against the backdrop of the global Rethinking the Global Trading economic downturn," says Dr Björling. System" (doc 375 kB)

The conference, which is to be held at House of Sweden, will be followed up with a conference in Stockholm in June. The conclusions will be compiled in a report and used for further discussions during the Swedish Presidency of the EU in the autumn.

On Thursday 26 March, Dr Björling will meet United States Trade Representative Ron Kirk, National Security Adviser for International Economic Affairs Michael Froman and the Swedish Chamber of Commerce.

Contact Monica Enqvist (fd Ohlsson) Press Secretary to Ewa Björling +46 8 405 37 11 +46 70 296 18 99 email to Monica Enqvist (fd Ohlsson) Jens Söderblom Political Adviser +46 76 766 39 99 email to Jens Söderblom

Pressmeddelande 23 mars 2009 Utrikesdepartementet New Press Secretary to the Minister for Trade

Monica Ohlsson has today taken up her post as new Press Secretary to Minister for Trade Ewa Björling. Ms Ohlsson's most recent post was as a consultant at Mahir PR. Prior to that she spent nearly ten years working as a journalist for employers including TV3, SVT and TV4.

Ms Ohlsson will succeed Jens Eriksson, who is taking up a post as Political Adviser to Dr Björling.

Kontakt Monica Enqvist (fd Ohlsson) Pressekreterare hos Ewa Björling 08-405 37 11 070-296 18 99 e-post till Monica Enqvist (fd Ohlsson)

Pressmeddelande 10 mars 2009 Utrikesdepartementet Carl Bildt to Copenhagen

Minister for Foreign Affairs Carl Bildt will take part in the Nordic-African Foreign Ministers Meeting in Copenhagen on 11-12 March. The topics to be discussed include peace, security and climate change in Africa.

Kontakt Anna Charlotta Johansson 08-405 00 00

Press release 10 March 2009 Ministry for Foreign Affairs Minister for Trade Ewa Björling to Berlin Minister for Trade Ewa Björling will visit Germany on 11 March. She will meet the German minister with responsibility for trade, Dr Karl-Theodor zu Guttenberg, and open the Swedish stand at ITB Berlin, the world's leading tourism industry trade show.

At the meeting with Dr zu Guttenberg, Dr Björling will present the Swedish priorities for the internal market and international trade ahead of Sweden's Presidency of the European Union in the second half of 2009.

She will also open the 160m2 Swedish part of the Nordic stand at ITB Berlin. More than 11 000 exhibitors from 190 countries will be participating in the trade show. In 2007 the tourism industry accounted for 5.4 per cent of all Swedish exports and employed about 160 000 people, more than all Sweden's large multinationals together.

Contact Helena Onn Press Counselor Swedish Embassy in Berlin + 49 172 3178078

Pressmeddelande 5 mars 2009 Utrikesdepartementet Minister for Trade Ewa Björling to Brussels On Thursday 5 March Minister for Trade Ewa Björling will take part in the Competitiveness Council meeting in Brussels. Dr Björling will also have a number of bilateral meetings in preparation for the Swedish Presidency of the EU in autumn 2009. At the Council meeting the ministers will discuss the development of the internal market.

"It's important now to get trade going again. I will emphasise the importance of free movement and the internal market, particularly in the light of the present economic situation. Open markets and opposition to all forms of protectionism are the way for us to get out of the economic crisis, says Dr Björling.

During the Swedish Presidency, Minister for Trade Ewa Björling and the Government will give priority to efforts to improve the EU's internal market for jobs, growth and prosperity.

Press release 16 February 2009 Ministry for Foreign Affairs Ewa Björling to visit Paris and Brussels

Tomorrow Tuesday 17 February Minister for Trade Ewa Björling will visit Paris for talks with the French Minister of Finance Christine Lagarde and Minister of State for Trade Hervé Novelli.

On Wednesday 18 February Dr Björling will continue to Brussels to meet a number of members of the European Parliament's Committee on Internal Market and Consumer Protection (IMCO) and its Committee on International Trade (INTA).

------The visits to Paris and Brussels are part of a series of trips being made by Dr Björling ahead of the Swedish Presidency of the European Union in autumn 2009. The purpose is to discuss and build support for Sweden's priorities in the areas of the EU internal market and external trade.

Contact Jens Söderblom Political Adviser to Ewa Björling +46 8 405 27 44 +46 76 766 39 99 email to Jens Söderblom

Press release 05 February 2009 Ministry for Foreign Affairs Ministry of Enterprise, Energy and Communications Sweden and Finland reject customs duties on mobile phones Six Swedish and Finnish ministers have sent a joint letter to the European Commission today strongly criticising plans to change the classification of mobile telephones in a way that in practice would mean a dramatic rise in customs duties on them.

The ministers warn that the new duties would result in more expensive phones for consumers and weakened competitiveness for an important high-tech and innovation-driven industry. They also highlight the risk that the decision will lead to trade conflicts with other members of the World Trade Organisation (WTO). Download Read the letter from Swedish Minister for Trade Ewa Björling, Minister for Enterprise and Energy Maud Olofsson and Minister for and Finnish ministers to the Communications Åsa Torstensson have signed the letter along with Finland's Minister for Foreign Trade and European Commission (pdf Development Paavo Väyrynen, Minister of Economic Affairs Mauri Pekkarinen and Minister of 125 kB) Communications Suvi Lindén.

The letter was sent to Commissioners Catherine Ashton, László Kovács, Viviane Reding and Günter Verheugen.

Contact Jens Söderblom Political Adviser to Ewa Björling +46 8 405 27 44 +46 76 766 39 99 email to Jens Söderblom Lisa Wärn Pressekreterare hos Maud Olofsson Kenneth Hultgren Press Secretary to Åsa Torstensson

Press release 26 January 2009 Ministry for Foreign Affairs EU trade ministers discuss financial turmoil

Ewa Björling will be present in Brussels on Sunday 25 January when the EU trade ministers meet for their regular six-monthly informal ministerial dinner. At the meeting the ministers will discuss how trade policy can be used to stand up to the current financial turmoil and economic slowdown. They will also discuss the worrying trend towards increased protectionism that is following in the wake of the crisis.

"When growth is subdued and global trade shrinks, it is more important than ever to fight for free trade and safeguard the central institutions that preserve the global trade system. The protectionist tendencies that have followed in the wake of the crisis must be met with continued efforts to achieve a new agreement on world trade. At the same time we must work even harder to complete important free trade negotiations with India and the Gulf Cooperation Council, for example. I hope that this is a direction on which we can agree on Sunday," says Minister for Trade Dr Björling.

Contact Jens Söderblom Political Adviser to Ewa Björling +46 8 405 27 44 +46 76 766 39 99 email to Jens Söderblom

Press release 19 January 2009 Ministry for Foreign Affairs Minister for Trade Ewa Björling visiting Egypt Minister for Trade Ewa Björling arrived in the Egyptian capital Cairo yesterday together with a business delegation for a four-day visit. Here are some programme points:

On Monday, Dr Björling will meet Minister of State for Environmental Affairs Maged George and Minister of Health and Population Hatem El Gabaly, meet locally-based Swedish companies and present the SymbioCity export platform at an environmental seminar.

On Tuesday 20 January, Dr Björling will hold talks with Minister of Communications and Information Technology Tarek Kamel and Minister of Investment Mahmoud Mohieldin. She will also visit a telecommunications company and inaugurate the Swedish Trade Council's new offices.

On Wednesday 21 January, Dr Björling will meet her counterpart Minister of Trade and Industry Rachid Mohamed Rachid and take part in meetings between Egyptian and Swedish companies.

Contact Jens Söderblom Political Adviser to Ewa Björling +46 8 405 27 44 +46 76 766 39 99 email to Jens Söderblom

Press release 16 January 2009 Ministry for Foreign Affairs Sweden disappointed with new US trade sanctions

On 15 January, the US announced that it will impose trade sanctions on a large number of European products in an attempt to force a solution to the conflict concerning trade in hormone-treated meat that has been going on for over 10 years. External links EU prepares WTO action over "We are currently studying how the increased duties can be expected to impact on the Swedish business US trade sanction law sector. So far, we have determined that products such as lingonberry jam and frozen pork, with a total export List of EU Products Subject to value of some SEK 60 million, will be subject to duties of one hundred per cent," says Minister for Trade Ewa Additional Duties Björling.

According to US estimates, the total value of the sanctions imposed as a result of the ongoing conflict amounts to USD 116.8 million. A wide range of products from all EU countries - with the exception of the UK - will be subject to duties of between 100 and 300 per cent.

In connection with the imposition of the new sanctions, punitive duties on juice concentrate will be abolished. However, the export value of these products is limited. The new duties will cover all current exports of Swedish pork to the US.

"I am disappointed that the US has chosen to escalate the conflict, not least in a situation where new duties and more protectionism are the last thing that the world economy needs. Instead, we should direct our combined efforts towards achieving more free trade and greater openness," says Dr Björling.

"During the course of the conflict, Sweden has been proactive in the EU in trying to find an effective compromise solution. We will continue these efforts after the new administration takes office in the US. At the same time, we maintain - as does the EU Commission - that the new US trade sanctions are in breach of WTO rules and that it may be necessary to investigate this matter," continues Dr Björling.

The new duties will partially replace older duties, which will be abolished. Many people consider the procedure involving trade sanctions that are revised every six months to be particularly detrimental since this creates a great deal of uncertainty in the business sector as to the terms and conditions that will apply in the future. 2008

Press release 17 December 2008 Ministry for Foreign Affairs Lifetime Achievement Award and the Government's Music Export Prize 2008 Robert von Bahr was today awarded a Lifetime Achievement Award for exceptional contributions in promoting and distributing Swedish music abroad. The Award was presented by Minister for Trade Ewa Björling at an event held at the Ministry for Foreign Affairs Press Centre.

The jury motivated its decision as follows: "Since founding BIS Records AB in 1973, Robert von Bahr has put his passion and extensive knowledge to use in providing Swedish musicians and composers with a platform for their music. World-renowned Swedish artists such as Christian Lindberg, Martin Fröst, Sharon Bézaly, The Swedish Chamber Orchestra, Dan Laurin and many other musicians and ensembles have been able to nurture their artistry and grow with their success, and today comprise an integral part of the BIS label. In addition, BIS is associated with a number of foreign names of international prominence, all of whom are represented by a body of work that is characterised by great originality and the highest conceivable sound quality.

The BIS label has been awarded prizes in a variety of different contexts, most recently that of 'Label of the Year 2008'. Thanks to Robert von Bahr, BIS has emerged as an important promoter of Swedish music and Swedish artists, recorded with the highest possible standards. The BIS label - with a current catalogue of some 1500 titles, of which von Bahr himself has produced 434 - sold around 500 000 records worldwide in 2008. The records are distributed in 46 countries on five continents, and can also be downloaded from most major websites. Since its launch, the BIS label has sold some 12 million records."

The five nominees for the Government's Music Export Prize 2008 were also presented at the event:

1. September The jury's motivation:

"While creating very few headlines at home, September has spent the past several years laying the foundation to a fantastic international career, with innumerable entries on music charts around the world - including the US, Canada, the UK, Germany, Poland, Australia and Japan. Sales of their mega-hit 'Cry For You' have now passed the one million mark and it has been viewed over 30 million times on YouTube. The year 2008 was when the successful team made up of singer Petra Marklund, songwriter and producer Jonas von der Burg, songwriter colleagues Anoo Bhagavan and Niclas von der Burg, along with Michel Petré on Swedish record label Catchy Tunes, definitively made their mark on the international scene."

2. Basshunter The jury's motivation:

"In many ways, Basshunter's techno-pop is a kind of counterpart to 1950s rock'n'roll - particularly in the significant sense that many people of the older generation can neither decipher nor understand all the smart metaphors and cryptic symbolism of the lyrics. But the fact that despite this, 23- year-old hit-maker Jonas Altberg has a large following around the world was emphatically proven in 2008 when he managed to top both the single and album charts in the UK. In addition, a number of Top 10 hits in Austria, the Netherlands, Switzerland, Germany, Poland, the Czech Republic, Hungary, Romania, Bulgaria, Estonia, Latvia, Singapore, New Zealand, South Africa and the United Arab Emirates, as well as in all our Nordic neighbours, contributed to an exceptionally large impact on YouTube, where Basshunter has had over 160 million viewings. An undeniable sign of success in our time."

3. Max Martin The jury's motivation:

"As far back as 1999 - ten years ago - Max Martin was awarded the Government's Music Export Prize. The following year - 2000 - he received the Prize a second time, then as part of the legendary team at Cheiron Studios. In 2008, Max Martin is still one of the foremost leaders on the impressively talented and enormously gifted Swedish songwriter scene, which over the last few decades has kept the ears and eyes of many of the biggest international stars focused on Sweden. In the last year, Max Martin's (Martin Sandberg) irresistible, powerful melodies and songs have been heard on records by artists such as Britney Spears, Pink, Kate Perry, Sugababes and Cyndi Lauper."

4. Martin Fröst The jury's motivation:

"Clarinettist Martin Fröst is nominated for the Government's Music Export Prize 2008 for artistry that combines virtuosity, a strong stage presence and collaborations across artistic boundaries with avid marketing of Swedish composers and Swedish music abroad. Internationally, Martin Fröst is one of Sweden's most popular instrumentalists. He is one of the BIS label's best-selling artists and has been the artistic director of his own music festival since 2006. With Martin Fröst as ambassador, Swedish art music has found a larger arena and has received an exceptional response from both the very young audience and more experienced concert goers."

5. Björn Ulvaeus & Benny Andersson The jury's motivation:

"Good pop songs are often written to capture a magical moment in time, and then - with an effect that is as close to immediate as possible - quickly produce the greatest possible impact. There are very few who are able to create pop music that both flourishes in the present and gains a lasting vitality so that the songs and the melodies live on from generation to generation to generation. Björn Ulvaeus & Benny Andersson belong to that exclusive few who have succeeded with this feat. In 2008, over 30 years after many of the pair's classic songs were first heard with ABBA, they tirelessly continued to break new and completely unparalleled records. In recordings, on the musical stage and now also on film."

The Music Export Prize will be awarded by Dr Björling at the Swedish Grammy Awards ceremony at the Hovet arena on 7 January. In previous years, the Prize has been awarded to artists such as song-writing duo Bloodshy and Avant, Anne Sofie von Otter, José González, Roxette, In Flames, The Hives and Esbjörn Svensson Trio.

The jury has consisted of Michael Treschow (chair), Anders Hjelmtorp, Kerstin Nordlund-Malmegård, Claes Olsson, Sofia Nyblom, Nutta Hultman, Maria Engström, Thomas Stenmo, Wera Körner and Fredrik Wetterqvist (secretary).

Contact Jens Söderblom Political Adviser to Ewa Björling +46 8 405 27 44 +46 76 766 39 99 email to Jens Söderblom Fredrik Wetterqvist Senior Adviser Head of Cultural Promotion and the Image of Sweden group +46 8 405 32 51

Press release 15 December 2008 Ministry for Foreign Affairs Press invitation: Lifetime Achievement Award for extraordinary contributions to Swedish music abroad

On Wednesday 17 December 2008, Minister for Trade Ewa Björling is to present a special Lifetime Achievement Award to an internationally outstanding person who has made extraordinary contributions to the promotion and spread of Swedish music abroad for many years.

The five candidates nominated for the Government's Music Export Prize 2008 will also be announced at this event. The Music Export Prize will be presented at the Grammisgala at Hovet on 7 January and has previously been awarded to the song-writing duo Bloodshy and Avant, Anne Sofie von Otter, José González, Roxette, In Flames, The Hives and the Esbjörn Svensson Trio.

Time and place Wednesday 17 December, at 11.00, Ministry for Foreign Affairs Press Centre, Fredsgatan 6, Stockholm

Registration from 10.45. Snacks and musical entertainment in connection with the event.

Please bring your press credentials.

Contact Jens Söderblom Political Adviser to Ewa Björling +46 8 405 27 44 +46 76 766 39 99 email to Jens Söderblom Fredrik Wetterqvist Senior Adviser Head of Cultural Promotion and the Image of Sweden group, Ministry for Foreign Affairs Tel: 08-405 32 51 [email protected]

Press release 15 December 2008 Ministry for Foreign Affairs Consultation at the Ministry for Foreign Affairs: "Business people with foreign backgrounds - an underrated export resource" Ewa Björling is to meet with business people with foreign backgrounds, agencies and organisations for a consultation to promote Swedish trade with new growth markets.

Minister for Trade Ewa Björling is to hold a consultation on Monday 15 December to highlight and discuss strengthening the role that business people with foreign backgrounds can play in increasing trade with their former home countries.

At the meeting Dr Björling will summarise earlier Government measures and outline the new proposals to be presented before the end of the year.

Aim: The aim of the meeting is to discuss how the contact networks and knowledge of market conditions, languages, culture and other useful skills that many immigrants possess can be better used to promote trade. Another aim is to inform other actors about ongoing activities in an attempt to increase coordination and improve awareness of this area.

Participants: The meeting will be attended by entrepreneurs with backgrounds in countries including Iraq, Serbia/Montenegro, Iran, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Lebanon, Syria, Vietnam, India, the United Arab Emirates, Tanzania, Nigeria and Eritrea.

A large number of agencies and organisations will also participate, including the Swedish Trade Council, Swedfund, the Invest in Sweden Agency, the National Board of Trade, the Stockholm Chamber of Commerce, the Confederation of Swedish Enterprise, the Swedish Trade Federation, Almi, Nutek, the Chambers of Commerce for South-Eastern Europe, the Swedish-Iraqi Chamber of Commerce, the International Council of Swedish Industry, the Swedish Export Credit Company, the Swedish Association of Ethnic Entrepreneurs and the Swedish Export Credits Guarantee Board.

Programme points: Ewa Björling will speak on the aim of and background to the meeting. She will summarise this year's work and explain upcoming initiatives.

Brief presentations on implemented and planned measures from: The Swedish Trade Council's Mattias Bergman Director of Swedfund Björn Blomberg Director-General of the Swedish Institute Olle Wästberg Director-General of the National Board of Trade Lena Johansson Director-General of the Invest in Sweden Agency Per-Erik Sandlund Director of the Swedish Export Credit Corporation Peter Yngwe

Discussion, information, coordination and exchange of experiences.

Time and place Time: Friday 15 December, 10.00 - 12.00 Place: Ministry for Foreign Affairs, Gustav Adolfs torg 1, Stockholm

Media representatives are welcome to take part in the consultation, if space permits.

Prior notification of attendance is required.

Contact Jens Söderblom Political Adviser to Ewa Björling +46 8 405 27 44 +46 76 766 39 99 email to Jens Söderblom Gustav Ahlsson Political Adviser +46 8 405 55 65 +46 70 616 77 23 email to Gustav Ahlsson

Press release 12 December 2008 Ministry for Foreign Affairs Consultation at the Ministry for Foreign Affairs: "Business people with foreign backgrounds - an underrated export resource" Ewa Björling is to meet with business people with foreign backgrounds, agencies and organisations for a consultation to promote Swedish trade with new growth markets.

Minister for Trade Ewa Björling is to hold a consultation on Monday 15 December to highlight and discuss strengthening the role that business people with foreign backgrounds can play in increasing trade with their former home countries.

At the meeting Dr Björling will summarise earlier Government measures and outline the new proposals to be presented before the end of the year.

Aim: The aim of the meeting is to discuss how the contact networks and knowledge of market conditions, languages, culture and other useful skills that many immigrants possess can be better used to promote trade. Another aim is to inform other actors about ongoing activities in an attempt to increase coordination and improve awareness of this area.

Participants: The meeting will be attended by entrepreneurs with backgrounds in countries including Iraq, Serbia/Montenegro, Iran, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Lebanon, Syria, Vietnam, India, the United Arab Emirates, Tanzania, Nigeria and Eritrea.

A large number of agencies and organisations will also participate, including the Swedish Trade Council, Swedfund, the Invest in Sweden Agency, the National Board of Trade, the Stockholm Chamber of Commerce, the Confederation of Swedish Enterprise, the Swedish Trade Federation, Almi, Nutek, the Chambers of Commerce for South-Eastern Europe, the Swedish-Iraqi Chamber of Commerce, the International Council of Swedish Industry, the Swedish Export Credit Company, the Swedish Association of Ethnic Entrepreneurs and the Swedish Export Credits Guarantee Board.

Programme points: Ewa Björling will speak on the aim of and background to the meeting. She will summarise this year's work and explain upcoming initiatives.

Brief presentations on implemented and planned measures from: The Swedish Trade Council's Mattias Bergman Director of Swedfund Björn Blomberg Director-General of the Swedish Institute Olle Wästberg Director-General of the National Board of Trade Lena Johansson Director-General of the Invest in Sweden Agency Per-Erik Sandlund Director of the Swedish Export Credit Corporation Peter Yngwe

Discussion, information, coordination and exchange of experiences

Time and place: Time: Friday 15 December, 10.00 - 12.00 Place: Ministry for Foreign Affairs, Gustav Adolfs torg 1, Stockholm

Media representatives are welcome to take part in the consultation, if space permits.

Prior notification of attendance is required.

Contact Jens Söderblom Political Adviser to Ewa Björling +46 8 405 27 44 +46 76 766 39 99 email to Jens Söderblom Gustav Ahlsson Political Adviser +46 70 616 77 23 Email: [email protected]

Press release 11 December 2008 Ministry for Foreign Affairs Press meeting with Russia's minister for industry and energy On 11-12 December, Russia's minister for industry and energy Viktor Christenko is to visit Sweden together with a delegation of 30 people to take part in the Swedish-Russian steering committee meeting.

On Friday 12 December, Mr Christenko and Minister for Trade Ewa Björling will lead the committee's discussions at Rosenbad, followed by a working lunch. The agenda includes Russia's WTO membership, the Russian export tariffs on round timber, the global financial crisis and some company-specific issues.

During his visit to Sweden, Mr Christenko will also meet Minister for Enterprise and Energy Maud Olofsson and representatives of the Swedish business sector. A press meeting will be organised in connection with the steering committee meeting on Friday 12 December, at 13.45.

Time and place Time: Friday 12 December at 13.45 Venue: The entrance hall, Rosenbad 4 in Stockholm

Please bring your press credentials.

Contact Jens Söderblom Political Adviser to Ewa Björling +46 8 405 27 44 +46 76 766 39 99 email to Jens Söderblom David Emtestam Desk Officer 08-405 56 56

Press release 05 December 2008 Ministry for Foreign Affairs Credit boost for Sweden's export companies To meet the shortage mainly in long-term export financing that has arisen in connection with the turmoil on the world's finance markets, the Government has decided to propose to the Riksdag that the Swedish Export Credit Corporation (SEK) be granted a credit framework of a maximum of SEK 100 billion, has approved a credit guarantee to the SEK for borrowing, and raised the ceiling for export credit guarantees from the Swedish Export Credits Guarantee Board (EKN) from SEK 200 billion to SEK 350 billion.

This is intended to improve Swedish export companies' ability to finance important business, despite the current financial turmoil.

"This will considerably strengthen the SEK's and EKN's chances to meet the increased need of Swedish companies for export financing. Sweden is a small, trade-dependent country and our companies are therefore particularly hard-hit by today's lack of long-term credits. There is a risk of serious consequences for our entire economy," says Minister for Trade Ewa Björling.

The decision on the Bill means that it is proposed that the Riksdag authorise the Government, or, following Government approval, the Swedish National Debt Office, to grant the Swedish Export Credit Corporation (SEK) a credit framework amounting to a maximum of SEK 100 billion, to grant the SEK credit guarantees for borrowing against payment of a market charge, and during 2009 to give the state liability for payment commitments amounting to a maximum of SEK 350 billion for export credit guarantees via the Swedish Export Credits Guarantee Board.

The Government previously, on 10 November, took a decision to transfer state shares in Venantius AB to the SEK and to give the SEK a capital injection of a maximum of SEK 3 billion. This is considered to have increased the SEK's loan capacity by at least SEK 75 billion.

The SEK provides funds and long-term credits for export deals and infrastructure. Its activities are mainly run on commercial terms. On state instructions, the SEK administers the Swedish system for state-subsidised export credits at fixed interest rates.

The overall purpose of the EKN is to promote Swedish exports by offering competitive export credit guarantees at terms that are largely equivalent to those of competing companies in other countries.

Contact Jens Söderblom Political Adviser to Ewa Björling +46 8 405 27 44 +46 76 766 39 99 email to Jens Söderblom

Press release 28 November 2008 Ministry for Foreign Affairs Minister for Trade Ewa Björling visiting Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and Oman On 28 November to 3 December, Minister for Trade Ewa Björling is on a visit to Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and Oman together with Invest in Sweden Agency (ISA) Director-General Per-Erik Sandlund and Swedish Trade Council regional manager Mats Paulson. The trip is intended to strengthen the already good relations with these countries, and to further extend the points of contact.

Today, Friday 28 November, Dr Björling begins her tour of the Gulf Region by making her first stop in Saudi Arabia's second largest city, Jeddah.

Selected points from Dr Björling's programme On Saturday 29 November, Dr Björling will have talks with Minister of Commerce and Industry Abdullah bin Ahmad Zainal. Later, Dr Björling will speak at the Jeddah chamber of commerce and meet representatives of Swedish companies active in the country.

On Sunday 30 November, she will have discussions with Minister of Finance Ibrahim Abdulaziz Al-Assaf and a meeting is planned with the Secretary-General of the Saudi Arabian General Investment Authority.

On Monday 1 December Dr Björling will begin her visit to Kuwait. She will meet with Minister of Commerce and Industry Ahmad Yaacoob Baqer Al Abdallah and Minister of Foreign Affairs Mohammad Sabah Al-Salem Al-Sabah. Dr Björling will also meet representatives of Swedish companies as well as senior officials of Kuwait's Investment Authority.

On 2-3 December, Dr Björling will visit Oman's capital, Muscat. On Tuesday she will have talks with Minister of Commerce, Industry and Minerals Maqbool bin Ali bin Sultan, Minister of Foreign Affairs Yousuf bin Alawi bin Abdullah and Minister of Environment and Climate Affairs Sayyid Hamoud bin Faisal Al Busaidi.

On Wednesday 3 December, Dr Björling will visit the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque and meet Swedish business representatives.

Contact Jens Söderblom Political Adviser to Ewa Björling +46 8 405 27 44 +46 76 766 39 99 email to Jens Söderblom

Press release 27 November 2008 Ministry for Foreign Affairs Please note! Press conference with Pakistan's Minister for Commerce cancelled Today's planned press conference with Minister for Trade Ewa Björling and Pakistan's Minister for Commerce Amin Fahim has been cancelled.

Requests for private interviews may be addressed to Jens Eriksson, Press Secretary to Ewa Björling.

Contact Jens Söderblom Political Adviser to Ewa Björling +46 8 405 27 44 +46 76 766 39 99 email to Jens Söderblom

Press release 26 November 2008 Ministry for Foreign Affairs "Business people with foreign backgrounds - an underrated export resource" Minister for Trade Ewa Björling extends invitation to consultations.

Minister for Trade Ewa Björling is today inviting a large group of business people, public agencies and organisations to take part in consultations on 15 December to discuss how more people with non-Nordic backgrounds can be induced to contribute to increased trade between Sweden and their former home countries.

"Over the years many people have come to Sweden from all corners of the earth. This is an enormous resource, not least from the point of view of trade. I am convinced that the networks of contacts, knowledge of market conditions, language and culture that our immigrants have can be used better," says Dr Björling.

The main purpose of the consultations is to take stock of and discuss conceivable future measures and initiatives that may make it easier for, and stimulate more people with foreign backgrounds to become involved in various ways in increased trade.

During the consultations the measures that have been taken up to now to support small and medium-sized export businesses will also be described. These include the work of the Swedish Trade Council to build up networks for business people with foreign backgrounds.

Contact Jens Söderblom Political Adviser to Ewa Björling +46 8 405 27 44 +46 76 766 39 99 email to Jens Söderblom

Press release 14 November 2008 Ministry for Foreign Affairs Minister for Trade Ewa Björling to speak at Southern Africa Days seminar

Today, Friday 14 November, Minister for Trade Ewa Björling is to speak on development, trade and corporate social responsibility (CSR) at the Africa Groups of Sweden's seminar, 'Southern African Days'. In her speech, Ms Björling will talk about her experiences from the visits to Angola, Zambia, Botswana and South Africa that she recently made together with a Swedish business delegation.

Contact Time: Friday, 14 November at 12.30-13.00 Place: Kulturhuset, Studio 3, Stockholm

Press release 13 November 2008 Ministry for Foreign Affairs Ewa Björling to speak at the seminar "Europe of the Health Care Consumer"

Today, Thursday 13 November, Minister for Trade Ewa Björling will speak on corporate social responsibility (CSR) and HIV at the seminar "Europe of the Health Care Consumer", organised by the Health Consumer Powerhouse in Brussels. At the seminar a major comparative study of health care in Europe will be presented, "The Euro Health Consumer Index 2008". During the day Dr Björling will also meet leaders of the World Customs Organisation (WCO). Sweden is a significant donor to the WCO, whose mission is to support member countries' efforts to modernise their customs administrations so as to promote better and easier trade.

Contact Jens Söderblom Political Adviser to Ewa Björling +46 8 405 27 44 +46 76 766 39 99 email to Jens Söderblom

Press release 13 November 2008 Ministry for Foreign Affairs Welcome news about Russian timber tariffs - planned increase stopped

Russia announced today that it is stopping the planned increase in export tariffs on round timber that would have been implemented at the turn of the year.

"Through the Finnish Ministry for Foreign Affairs I received the gratifying news that Russia has agreed to stop its planned drastic increase in export tariffs on round timber of EUR 50 per cubic metre, which was to have been implemented at the turn of the year. The increase has now been deferred for 9-12 months," says Minister for Trade Ewa Björling.

"This breathing space gives us scope to continue the work of finding a long-term solution. I see it as a great success, not least for Sweden's and Finland's efforts in the negotiations," says Dr Björling.

Dr Björling visited Moscow on 8-10 October and discussed the question of export tariffs with Minister of Economic Development Elvira Nabiullina and Minister of Industry and Energy Viktor Christenko.

Contact Jens Söderblom Political Adviser to Ewa Björling +46 8 405 27 44 +46 76 766 39 99 email to Jens Söderblom

Press release 30 October 2008 Ministry for Foreign Affairs Minister for Trade Ewa Björling to visit the US on 3-8 November Minister for Trade Ewa Björling will be travelling to Washington and New York on 3-8 November.

On Tuesday 4 November Dr Björling will be following the US presidential election from Washington. During the day she will also be speaking at the Swedish-American Chamber of Commerce on "The Future of Free Trade and Transatlantic Relations" and holding several bilateral meetings. External links Read more about the On Wednesday 5 November Dr Björling travels to New York, where she will meet with the head of the UN Executive Women's Global Compact, Georg Kell, and Assistant Secretary-General of the United Nations Michael Adlerstein. Conference on the web page of the Swedish-American On Thursday 6 November Dr Björling will be attending and addressing the annual Executive Women's Chamber of Commerce Conference at the Swedish-American Chamber of Commerce in New York.

Contact Jens Söderblom Political Adviser to Ewa Björling +46 8 405 27 44 +46 76 766 39 99 email to Jens Söderblom

Press release 28 October 2008 Ministry for Foreign Affairs Consultation begins on 600 pages of measures to simplify trade in services Clear rules for the trade in services in Europe, simpler administration for service providers and strengthened rights for consumers. This is the purpose of the measures presented in the Ministry Memorandum "Implementation of the Services Directive" (Ds 2008:75).

The memorandum is now being circulated for consultation during the next three months. The Government expects to then be able to present a bill on the Services Directive in spring 2009. The Directive has to be implemented in EU Member States and EEA countries by 28 December 2009. Download "Swedish companies are ready to expand in the European services market. I see it as my task as Minister for Summary of the Ministry Trade to remove legal and administrative barriers obstructing this development. Effective implementation of Memorandum the EU Services Directive is an important tool in the process and I am now looking forward to comments and "Implementation of the ideas about how we can best go about this," says Minister for Trade Ewa Björling. Services Directive" (pdf 133 kB) The Services Directive states the rules and conditions that are to apply to service providers that want to set up operations or provide temporary services in the EU's internal market.

The Government Offices and agencies concerned have carried out a broad review of regulations in the service sector to weed out trade barriers that are against the rules. To ensure that Sweden fulfils the provisions of the Services Directive concerning freedom of establishment and free movement of services, a memorandum has been drawn up with proposals on how existing legislation in the sector should be amended or revoked. A new horizontal act on services in the internal market is also proposed.

To simplify contact with the authorities and improve information to companies and consumers, it is proposed that a Swedish contact point be set up in 2009. In addition, an information system will be developed that will simplify cross-cutting interagency cooperation to the benefit of both companies and government agencies.

The Ministry Memorandum also contains proposals aimed at strengthening consumer rights and raising the quality of services.

Contact Jens Söderblom Political Adviser to Ewa Björling +46 8 405 27 44 +46 76 766 39 99 email to Jens Söderblom Anna Rudérus Special Advisor Tel 08-4053980

Press release 27 October 2008 Ministry for Foreign Affairs Ewa Björling to chair Nordic trade ministers meeting in Helsinki

Today, Monday 27 November, Minister for Trade Ewa Björling will chair a meeting of Nordic trade ministers held in connection with the Nordic Council Session in Helsinki.

The agenda includes the removal of border barriers, the EU Baltic Sea Strategy, the implementation of the EU Services Directive, climate-related trade issues and the EU proposal to stop imports of seal products.

Contact Jens Söderblom Political Adviser to Ewa Björling +46 8 405 27 44 +46 76 766 39 99 email to Jens Söderblom

Press release 17 October 2008 Ministry for Foreign Affairs Minister for Trade Ewa Björling to visit Angola, Zambia, Botswana and South Africa Minister for Trade Ewa Björling will visit Angola, Zambia, Botswana and South Africa on 19-24 October.

The purpose of the visit is to spotlight the enormous potential for trade in many of the rapidly growing economies in sub-Saharan Africa, and to draw attention to the activities that Sweden and Swedish enterprises undertake in the area of corporate social responsibility (CSR), especially in the context of HIV/AIDS.

Sunday 19 October: Ewa Björling arrives in Angola. In Angola, Dr Björling will open a new trade office, meet the Minister of Foreign Affairs, the Minister of Trade, the Minister of Geology and Mines, the Minister of Energy and Water and the Minister of Telecommunications.

Tuesday 21 October: Ewa Björling arrives in Zambia. Here, she will meet with Swedish enterprises to gather information on their CSR initiatives in the area of HIV/AIDS, have talks with the Minister for Commerce, Trade and Industry and take part in a business seminar. Dr Björling will also attend the launch of Ophelia Haanyama Ørum's film "Ophelia" - a personal portrayal of HIV/AIDS in two parts of the world.

Wednesday 22 October: Ewa Björling travels to Botswana. Here, she will attend two seminars, one on the theme of multi-actor cooperation and trade capacity and the other on energy and communications. She will also meet Botswana's Vice President, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, the Minister of Finance and the Minister of Trade and Industry.

Tuesday 23 October: Ewa Björling arrives in South Africa. Dr Björling will be taking part in a seminar entitled "Higher profit through greener business strategies", visit an industrial school in Soweto, meet with Swedish enterprises working in the area of CSR, attend the launch of "Ophelia" and hold talks with the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and representatives from the Ministry of Trade and Industry.

Others taking part in the visit are Swedish Trade Council Director-General Ulf Berg, Managing Director for the Swedish Fund for Industrial Cooperation with Developing Countries Björn Blomberg, Ophelia Haanyama Ørum, and a business delegation.

Contact Jens Söderblom Political Adviser to Ewa Björling +46 8 405 27 44 +46 76 766 39 99 email to Jens Söderblom

Press release 16 October 2008 Ministry for Foreign Affairs Press invitation: Africa - our next big export market? The Ministry for Foreign Affairs, in cooperation with Swedfund, announces a lunch seminar on Friday 17 October on Sweden's growing trade with sub-Saharan Africa.

Programme: Minister for Trade Ewa Björling talks about her upcoming trip to Angola, Zambia, Botswana and South Africa from 19 to 25 October and presents the MFA's new action plan for promoting trade with sub-Saharan Africa. 'Africa's economic development then, now and in the future': Peter Stein presents a new report undertaken on behalf of Swedfund that analyses Africa's economic development and the opportunities that have opened up for Swedish companies. Björn Blomberg, the Managing Director of Swedfund, talks about the company's increasing involvement and future plans in Africa. Entrepreneur discussion. Almost fifty entrepreneurs who operate or are interested in the African market discuss problems and opportunities with Ewa Björling, Peter Stein and Björn Blomberg.

Time and place Friday 16 October, 12.30 to 14.00 Ministry for Foreign Affairs Press Centre, Fredsgatan 6 Sandwiches, beverages and coffee will be served.

Please send notification of attendance to Jens Eriksson.

Contact Jens Söderblom Political Adviser to Ewa Björling +46 8 405 27 44 +46 76 766 39 99 email to Jens Söderblom

Press release 15 October 2008 Ministry for Foreign Affairs State Secretary Gunnar Wieslander to present Swedish Export Award in Germany

Today, Wednesday 15 October, Gunnar Wieslander, State Secretary to Minister for Trade Ewa Björling, will visit Berlin to present the Swedish Export Award in Germany to the companies that have had the greatest export successes in the German market in 2008.

Germany is Sweden's largest trade partner. Exports of Swedish goods to Germany make up 11 per cent of total Swedish exports, and imports from Germany make up 19 per cent of total imports.

The presentation of the Export Award is being jointly arranged by the Swedish Chamber of Commerce in Germany, the Swedish Export Council and the Embassy of Sweden in Berlin.

During the day, Mr Wieslander will also take part in bilateral talks with two of his German colleagues and meet representatives of German and Swedish companies.

Programme points: 19.30 Start of the award Ceremony, The Westin Grand, Berlin 21.00 Address by Gunnar Wieslander and presentation of the award

Contact Jens Söderblom Political Adviser to Ewa Björling +46 8 405 27 44 +46 76 766 39 99 email to Jens Söderblom

Press release 13 October 2008 Ministry for Foreign Affairs Minister for Trade Ewa Björling to speak at Årets Nybyggare award ceremony

Tomorrow, Tuesday 14 October, Minister for Trade Ewa Björling will give a speech at the award ceremony for His Majesty King Carl XVI Gustaf's prize to Årets Nybyggare 2008.

The prize, which was established by the IFS (Swedish Association of Ethnic Entrepreneurs advice centre), goes to a person of foreign background who, with limited resources and through hard work and determined efforts, has successfully started and run a business in Sweden.

Notification of attendance is mandatory and should be sent to the Royal Court's Information and Press Department, tel: +46 8 402 60 00.

Time and place Time: Tuesday 14 October 2008 at 14.00. Seats should be taken by 13.45. Place: Bernadotte Library, the Royal Palace

Contact Jens Söderblom Political Adviser to Ewa Björling +46 8 405 27 44 +46 76 766 39 99 email to Jens Söderblom

Press release 10 October 2008 Ministry for Foreign Affairs CHECK TIME: Ministry for Foreign Affairs to finance conference on energy crisis in southern and eastern Africa

Minister for Trade Ewa Björling will be the opening speaker at the high-level conference "Access to Modern Energy in Sub Saharan Africa - focusing on Electrification and the Private Sector Contribution", which is being held in Stockholm on 13-14 October. Minister for International Development Cooperation Gunilla Carlsson will also participate and will speak on the climate issue and the potential for sustainable energy production in southern Africa.

Representatives from 13 African countries, including many energy ministers, will take part in the conference, which is being financed by the Ministry for Foreign Affairs. It is hoped that Swedish companies will be able to contribute solutions to the present energy crisis in eastern and southern Africa. The conference is being organised by the International Council of Swedish Industry (Storgatan 19).

Time and place Dr Björling will speak on Monday 13 October at 08.30 and Ms Carlsson on Tuesday 14 October at 11.00. The press is invited to attend the ministers' speeches.

Contact Jens Söderblom Political Adviser to Ewa Björling +46 8 405 27 44 +46 76 766 39 99 email to Jens Söderblom Peter Larsson +46 8 405 10 00

Press release 09 October 2008 Ministry for Foreign Affairs Press invitation: Presentation of the final report of the Export Inquiry

On Friday 10 October at 10.00 the Export Inquiry will deliver its final report "Swedish exports and internationalisation - development, challenges, business climate and promotion" (SOU 2008:90) to Minister for Trade Ewa Björling. Afterwards the report will be presented by the Inquiry Chair, Professor Ari Kokko, at a press conference with the participation of Dr Björling. The presentation will also be available at www.ud.se after the press conference.

Please bring your press credentials. Welcome!

Time and place Time: Friday 10 October at 13.30 Place: Ministry for Foreign Affairs Press Centre, Fredsgatan 6

Contact Anders Engvall Secretary to the Inquiry +46 70-493 68 73

Jens Söderblom Political Adviser to Ewa Björling +46 8 405 27 44 +46 76 766 39 99 email to Jens Söderblom

Press release 07 October 2008 Ministry for Foreign Affairs Minister for Trade Ewa Björling to Russia

On 8-10 October, Minister for Trade Ewa Björling is to travel to Moscow for talks with her Russian colleagues Minister of Economic Development and Trade Elvira Nabiullina and Minister of Industry and Energy Viktor Christenko. The agenda includes bilateral economic cooperation, Russia's WTO negotiations, the issue of higher timber tariffs and the international financial crisis.

Dr Björling will also meet representatives of both the Russian and the Swedish business sectors and visit the Mint Capital company.

Press briefing: Time: Thursday 9 October, at 14.15 Place: Bosco Café, Red Square

Contact Jens Söderblom Political Adviser to Ewa Björling +46 8 405 27 44 +46 76 766 39 99 email to Jens Söderblom

Press release 02 October 2008 Ministry for Foreign Affairs Stronger trade relations with Angola

The Government decided today to open a trade office at the Swedish Embassy in Luanda. The office will be a natural part of the Embassy's activities and will be run by the Swedish Trade Council. External links "By opening a trade office in Luanda we will be able to strengthen and develop our trade relations with Angola. Embassy of Sweden in Luanda, This will give us a great opportunity to contribute to increased growth both in Angola and in Sweden," says Angola Minister for Trade Ewa Björling.

The Government has today also appointed Sandra Dias dos Santos Skogar as Trade Commissioner in Angola. Sweden's trade with Southern Africa is currently in a very expansive phase. At the end of October, Minister for Trade Ewa Björling will be visiting four countries in the region. Among these is Angola, one of the fastest growing economies in Africa today.

Press release 24 September 2008 Ministry for Foreign Affairs Ewa Björling to attend Competitiveness Council in Brussels

Tomorrow, Thursday 25 September, Minister for Trade Ewa Björling will take part in the meeting of the Competitiveness Council in Brussels. The agenda to be tackled by the trade ministers includes efforts to fight counterfeiting and piracy.

Contact Jens Söderblom Political Adviser to Ewa Björling +46 8 405 27 44 +46 76 766 39 99 email to Jens Söderblom

Press release 22 September 2008 Ministry for Foreign Affairs Minister for Trade Ewa Björling to discuss sustainable urban development in Helsinki

Time and place Time: Tuesday 23 September at 13.00-15.00. Place: Hanasaari Swedish-Finnish Cultural Centre, Hanasaarenranta 5, Espoo, Helsinki

Tomorrow Tuesday 23 September Minister for Trade Ewa Björling will travel to Helsinki to take part in the seminar "Sustainable urban development - threat or opportunity for commerce and the economy?" at Hanasaari Swedish-Finnish Cultural Centre. Dr Björling will hold a speech about the Swedish export platform SymbioCity and have discussions with Finland's Housing Minister Jan Vapaavuori. During the day Dr Björling will also hold talks with Finland's Minister for Foreign Trade and Development Paavo Väyrynen. Their discussions will include what recent developments in Russia mean for the controversial timber tariffs and for Russia's WTO negotiations.

Contact Jens Söderblom Political Adviser to Ewa Björling +46 8 405 27 44 +46 76 766 39 99 email to Jens Söderblom

Pressmeddelande 19 september 2008 Utrikesdepartementet Minister for Trade to present the Budget Bill in Östersund

On Monday 22 September Minister for Trade Ewa Björling will present the Government's 2009 Budget Bill in Östersund.

Time and place Time: Monday 22 September at 11.00-11.45 Place: Vehicle Technical Centre, Östersund Mid Sweden, Fyrvallavägen 4, Östersund

During the day Dr Björling will also visit the Sav company - Frösö Park, Building 42, at 14.15. Media are welcome to take part in both the presentation and the visit to Sav.

Welcome!

Kontakt Jens Söderblom Politiskt sakkunnig hos Ewa Björling 08-405 27 44 076-766 39 99 e-post till Jens Söderblom

Press release 15 September 2008 Ministry for Foreign Affairs Sweden proposes rapidly negotiated climate trade agreement

On Sunday 14 September, the EU trade ministers met in Brussels for their regular six-monthly policy dinner. Sweden's Minister for Trade, Ewa Björling, who was one of the evening's main speakers, sought in her address to gain support for a new, rapidly negotiated free trade agreement for climate- and environment-riendly goods, services and technologies - in the form of an Environmental Technology Agreement (ETA).

"I want negotiations on an agreement that facilitates trade in climate- and environment-friendly goods, services and technologies to begin as soon as possible. The aim should be to show concrete results as early as the climate summit in Copenhagen next autumn," said Minister for Trade Ewa Björling.

"Already at the end of last year at the big climate meeting in Bali, Sweden was one of those taking the initiative for a discussion about the link between trade and climate. I believe that the time is now ripe to go forward and discuss more stringent proposals on tariff reductions, abolishing quotas and common certification and labelling systems," said Dr Björling.

"Our earlier ambition was that the negotiations on a climate trade agreement should be held within the framework of the WTO Doha Round. Now that these talks are on hold, I believe that the link between trade and environment is such an important issue that we should detach it from the Doha Round and make it an independent issue," said Dr Björling.

Contact Jens Söderblom Political Adviser to Ewa Björling +46 8 405 27 44 +46 76 766 39 99 email to Jens Söderblom

Press release 15 September 2008 Ministry for Foreign Affairs Ewa Björling to speak at Palestinian business conference in Stockholm

Tomorrow, Tuesday 16 September, Minister for Trade Ewa Björling is to speak at the annual conference of the Palestine International Business Forum. The participants include Palestinian, Israeli and Swedish companies, agencies and organisations.

Earlier this year, Dr Björling also took part in the first high-level conference on investments - the Palestine Investment Conference - arranged in the Palestinian territories, which took place in Bethlehem.

Time and place Tuesday 16 September, at 10.15 House of Trade and Industry, Storgatan 19, Stockholm

Contact Jens Söderblom Political Adviser to Ewa Björling +46 8 405 27 44 +46 76 766 39 99 email to Jens Söderblom

Press release 09 September 2008 Ministry for Foreign Affairs Press invitation: Ewa Björling to speak on growing Russian protectionism after Georgia crisis

Tomorrow, Wednesday 10 September, Minister for Trade Ewa Björling will speak at the Swedish Forest Industries Association seminar "Virkesforum" in Stockholm. External links One of the issues Dr Björling will address is how Russia's attitude towards free trade and the WTO has been Read more on the web site of affected by the crisis in Georgia. She will focus in particular on Russian export tariffs on timber. Skogsindustrierna

Time and place Time: Wednesday 10 September at 14.50 Place: House of Trade and Industry, Industrisalen, Storgatan 19, Stockholm

Welcome!

Contact Jens Söderblom Political Adviser to Ewa Björling +46 8 405 27 44 +46 76 766 39 99 email to Jens Söderblom

Pressmeddelande 29 augusti 2008 Utrikesdepartementet Ewa Björling besöker Tromsö

Den 1-2 september besöker handelsminister Ewa Björling Tromsö i norra Norge för att delta under de svensk- norska dagarna som anordnas för första gången i år. Ewa Björling kommer under besöket att hålla överläggningar med närings- och handelsminister Sylvia Brustat samt delta vid ett seminarium om svensk- Externa länkar norskt samarbete i nordområdena. Läs mer på Sveriges ambassads i Norge webbplats Efter Ewa Björlings möte med Sylvia Brustat anordnas en pressträff.

Tid och plats Måndag den 1 september klockan 16.15 Polarmiljöcentret, Tromsö

Kontakt Jens Söderblom Politiskt sakkunnig hos Ewa Björling 08-405 27 44 076-766 39 99 e-post till Jens Söderblom

Press release 21 August 2008 Ministry for Foreign Affairs Swedish Government reverses decision to close down embassy in Luanda

The Government today decided to reverse its decision to close down the Swedish Embassy in Luanda, Angola. Instead, a pilot project will be implemented involving a new type of embassy with a limited number of operational tasks, which will secure Sweden's presence in the country at a reduced cost.

"I am very pleased that we have found a solution that enables us to retain the Swedish Embassy in Luanda and at the same time shoulder our responsibility for the Ministry for Foreign Affairs' strained budget situation," says Minister for Trade Ewa Björling.

"Sweden's trade with Africa today is growing at an extremely rapid rate and Angola is one of the countries in which development looks very promising. We have listened to the views of actors who have stressed the importance of the embassy in Luanda," says Dr Björling.

The Ministry for Foreign Affairs continuously reviews its organisation abroad and assesses its status in relation to external changes and changing requirements for monitoring and service. This means that over time Sweden opens new or closes existing embassies and consulates.

Ewa Björling will be travelling to Africa in October to visit Angola, Botswana, South Africa and Zambia.

Contact Jens Söderblom Political Adviser to Ewa Björling +46 8 405 27 44 +46 76 766 39 99 email to Jens Söderblom

Press release 30 July 2008 Ministry for Foreign Affairs WTO parties must take responsibility for continued negotiations

"After the collapse of the WTO talks yesterday, the parties to the talks must take their responsibility and think about how the Doha Round can be moved forward. Both US chief negotiator Susan Schwab and WTO Director-General Pascal Lamy have said that despite everything, the Doha Round is still alive. The hope is to Related be able to resume negotiations in the near future," says Swedish Minister for Trade Ewa Björling. Press release: Unique opportunity missed in Doha The purpose of the Doha Round is to enable developing countries to become better integrated into the world Round trade system, giving them considerably improved opportunities to trade agricultural and other products on market terms so as to create their own sustainable growth.

EU Commission calculations show that a successful Doha Round would add EUR 100-120 billion to annual global income. This would translate into EUR 165 per household per year in the EU. In a similar study conducted by the Swedish National Board of Trade a few years ago, the income increase per household worked out slightly higher in Sweden, at up to SEK 2 800 per year.

"It's important that we uphold the multilateral system for trade liberalisation. The Swedish Government will continue to work intensively for freer world trade within the WTO framework, but we do not expect swift results and will also continue to focus on bringing the ongoing negotiations between the EU and the Gulf States (the GCC) to a successful conclusion. We will also carry on with efforts to put a free trade agreement with India in place before long.

"In light of the collapse of the WTO talks it is even more important that we finalise the EPA agreements between the EU and countries in Africa, the Caribbean and the Pacific (the ACP countries) as soon as possible."

These agreements are constructed so as to enable the ACP countries to protect particularly sensitive production for long transitional periods while giving them access to the EU's internal market.

"This would increase world trade, lead to higher growth and bring greater opportunities for more countries to lift themselves out of poverty," states Dr Björling.

Press release 29 July 2008 Ministry for Foreign Affairs Unique opportunity missed in Doha Round

"It appears that the WTO negotiations have collapsed. The Government regrets the fact that the WTO member states have not managed to reach an agreement," says Minister for Trade Ewa Björling. Related "A unique opportunity has been missed to give the world economy a well-needed vitamin boost in times of Press release: WTO parties disquiet with rising oil and food prices. This is regrettable, not least from a development perspective." must take responsibility for continued negotiations Aside from the lost economic benefits for the world economy, the collapse of the Doha Round represents a blow to the credibility of the multilateral system.

The Doha Round has been underway since 2001 and involves the WTO's 153 member states. It is not clear at present how the WTO intends to continue with the process. It is not unlikely that the Doha Round will be put on hold for several years to come.

"Despite this latest setback, Sweden will continue to work for freer world trade," concludes Dr Björling.

Press release 18 July 2008 Ministry for Foreign Affairs Over SEK 160 billion in the pot when the EU meet ahead of the trade summit Today, Friday 18 July, Minister for Trade Ewa Björling will take part in an extraordinary Council meeting in Brussels to discuss and prepare the major ministerial meeting convened by the World Trade Organisation (WTO) in Geneva, beginning on 21 July.

"The potential value of more liberal trade is enormous. The profits alone for the EU that would result from markets in other industrialised countries opening up have been estimated at SEK 160 billion. This would mean a real, and well-needed boost for the world economy in these times of economic unrest," says Minister for Related Trade Ewa Björling. Read more about Swedish international trade policy When the representatives of the more than 150 WTO member countries gather in Geneva, the focus will be mainly on an agreement concerning agricultural and industrial goods. The aim is to be able to reach an agreement on these areas during the week, which would make it possible to focus on the remaining issues during the autumn, including the trade in services and questions about regulations. The aim is a final External links agreement before the end of the year. World Trade Organisation

Never so close to a breakthrough "In the seven years that work on a new world trade agreement in the Doha Round has been underway, we have never been so close to a breakthrough. As the initiator of these negotiations, the EU has a particular responsibility for pushing forward towards a constructive and ambitious agreement," says Dr Björling.

Press release 14 July 2008 Ministry for Foreign Affairs Ewa Björling to visit the Shia Mosque in Järfälla

On Tuesday 15 July Minister for Trade Ewa Björling will visit the Shia Mosque in Järfälla. When there she will meet representatives of the Swedish- Iraqi Chamber of Commerce and the leadership of the Mosque and take part in a ceremony.

As Minister for Trade Dr Björling has visited the Middle East on three occasions. This autumn she will lead a business delegation to Iraq.

Times to meet media by agreement in connection with the visit.

Time and place 19.00 Datavägen 2, Järfälla

Contact Jens Söderblom Political Adviser to Ewa Björling +46 8 405 27 44 +46 76 766 39 99 email to Jens Söderblom

Press release 14 June 2008 Ministry for Foreign Affairs Minister for Trade Ewa Björling to visit world's largest biotechnology fair in San Diego On 15 to 18 June, Minister for Trade Ewa Björling will visit California. Dr Björling's agenda includes inaugurating the Swedish Trade Council's new office in San Francisco, taking part in the world's largest biotechnology fair - BIO2008 - in San Diego and visiting Google's headquarters, the Googleplex.

On Tuesday 17 June, Dr Björling will take part in BIO2008 in San Diego. The fair will attract over 2 200 companies from more than 50 countries. Sweden, together with Norway, Finland and Denmark, will take part in a joint Scandinavian pavilion that will attract 69 participating companies and is ranked as one of the fair's External links ten largest pavilions. During the day, a special Swedish seminar will be held on the theme 'The secret behind Sweden's drug development pipeline', where Dr Björling and President of Karolinska Institutet Harriet Read more on the web site of Wallberg-Henriksson will be among the speakers. Swedish Trade Read more on the web site of BIO2008 Other participants at the fair include Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger, who will speak about the biotechnology industry in California, Thailand's Ministry of Industry Suwit Khunkitti and India's Minister of Science and Technology Kapil Sibal.

Programme points: Monday 16 June: Inauguration of the Swedish Trade Council's new office in San Francisco. Visit to Google's headquarters, the Googleplex, and to biotechnology company Genetech.

Tuesday 17 June: Participation in BIO2008. Speaker at Swedish seminar 'The secret behind Sweden's drug development pipeline'.

Contact Jens Söderblom Political Adviser to Ewa Björling +46 8 405 27 44 +46 76 766 39 99 email to Jens Söderblom

Press release 10 June 2008 Ministry for Foreign Affairs Ewa Björling to discuss free trade-friendly agricultural reforms in Vilnius

On Wednesday 11 June Minister for Trade Ewa Björling is to visit the Lithuanian capital of Vilnius.

Dr Björling will be having talks with Lithuania's Minister of Agriculture Kazimira Prunskiene. In view of the External links current food crisis, one of the matters they will be discussing is how deregulation of the EU's trade-disruptive Swedish Business Awards web agricultural policy can open the way for more free trade and lower food prices. site

Dr Björling will also open the Swedish Business Awards 2008 ceremony together with Lithuania's President Valdas Adamkus. She will also present the prizes in the three categories: the fastest growing Swedish company in Lithuania, Corporate Social Responsibility and the innovation of the year.

Contact Jens Söderblom Political Adviser to Ewa Björling +46 8 405 27 44 +46 76 766 39 99 email to Jens Söderblom

Press release 04 June 2008 Ministry for Foreign Affairs Ewa Björling to OECD Ministerial Council Meeting in Paris On 4-5 June, Minister for Trade Ewa Björling will be participating in an OECD Ministerial Council Meeting at the organisation's headquarters in Paris.

During the meeting, the ministers gathered there will discuss climate change, trade and the global economy. Particular focus will be given to the economic consequences of rising food prices and a warmer climate. On Thursday, the OECD will also present its latest six-monthly report "Economic Outlook", with analyses and External links forecasts for the world economy. On OECD:s website you will find information about Sweden and the OECD The Delegation of Sweden to the OECD Contact Jens Söderblom Political Adviser to Ewa Björling +46 8 405 27 44 +46 76 766 39 99 email to Jens Söderblom

Press release 27 May 2008 Ministry for Foreign Affairs Penalty tariffs on Norwegian salmon to be abolished Today a majority of EU Member States backed the proposal from the European Commission to remove the penalty tariffs on Norwegian salmon. This was clear after the vote in the EU Anti-Dumping Committee this morning.

"I welcome the good news that the penalty tariffs on Norwegian salmon are being abolished, which will ensure cheaper salmon for or shortly after Midsummer," says Minister for Trade Ewa Björling. Related "Sweden has always been strongly opposed to the present penalty tariffs that have hit Swedish consumers and International Trade Policy the Swedish processing industry while favouring the fishing industries of less competitive countries.

"Anti-dumping tariffs and other penalty tariffs are serious trade policy measures that hinder the free flow of trade and they should only ever be used very restrictively and with great caution," says Dr Björling.

Facts about the EU decision EU protective tariffs on the import of farmed salmon from Norway were introduced on 1 January 2006 after complaints from salmon farmers in Scotland and Ireland. Together with five other Member States, Sweden voted against the proposal, which consisted of minimum prices of between EUR 2.80 per kilo and EUR 7.73 per kilo.

In 2007 the European Commission opened a review to determine whether Norwegian salmon farmers really were dumping their exports to the EU. This study found that the protective tariffs were no longer necessary and should be abolished. The EU's actions have also been criticised by a dispute resolution panel under the WTO in Geneva.

Today's decision in Brussels means that the penalty tariffs will be revoked as soon as the Council has adopted the decision, which is expected to take about a month.

Contact Jens Söderblom Political Adviser to Ewa Björling +46 8 405 27 44 +46 76 766 39 99 email to Jens Söderblom

Press release 21 May 2008 Ministry for Foreign Affairs New drafts improve chances for broad world trade agreement Negotiations on a new world trade agreement have entered the most intensive phase since the discussions - called the Doha Round - began in 2001.

On Monday, an important step was taken towards a breakthrough in the negotiations when two new negotiating texts on agricultural and industrial products were presented.

"Sights are now set on an agreement in the most controversial area of the Round, agricultural and industrial products. If we can find a solution in this area, the chances will be radically improved of achieving a comprehensive agreement before the end of the year. The texts give us the starting point we need to bring about a breakthrough in the negotiations in the summer," says Minister for Trade Ewa Björling.

"Unrest in the world's financial markets and soaring food prices are two timely issues that should promote a greater willingness to compromise. Right now, it is of the utmost importance that WTO members do not become absorbed in short-sighted defensive interests, but instead realise that all countries benefit from increased free trade in the long term," says Dr Björling.

There is currently consensus among WTO members to try and conclude the Doha Round before the end of the year. Progress has been made in the negotiations since the beginning of the year, and there is every indication that a ministerial meeting will be convened in Geneva in June to address the area of agriculture and industry.

Contact Jens Söderblom Political Adviser to Ewa Björling +46 8 405 27 44 +46 76 766 39 99 email to Jens Söderblom

Press release 20 May 2008 Ministry for Foreign Affairs Ewa Björling to attend Palestine Investment Conference in Bethlehem

On 21-23 May, Minister for Trade Ewa Björling will be in Bethlehem to take part in the first high-level conference on investments that is being arranged in the Palestinian territories - the Palestine Investment Conference. Dr Björling has been invited by the Palestinian Prime Minister Salam Fayyad, whose idea it was to hold the conference.

"The purpose of the conference is to increase private investments to the Palestinian territories and strengthen commercial exchange with the wider world. This is a very commendable initiative and it places the focus on an important element of the peace process, and one that sometimes gets slightly overshadowed. Increased trade is an important instrument for bringing people closer together and for laying the foundations of sustainable economic development," says Dr Björling.

Participants of the conference are expected to include the President of the Palestinian National Authority Mahmoud Abbas, France's Minister of Foreign and European Affairs Bernard Kouchner, the Middle East Quartet's envoy Tony Blair and EU Commissioner Benita Ferrero-Waldner, as well as a large number of international business representatives.

Contact Jens Söderblom Political Adviser to Ewa Björling +46 8 405 27 44 +46 76 766 39 99 email to Jens Söderblom

Press release 19 May 2008 Ministry for Foreign Affairs Minister for Trade Ewa Björling to World Economic Forum in Sharm El Sheikh From Sunday 18 May to Tuesday 20 May, Minister for Trade Ewa Björling is taking part in the World Economic Forum on the Middle East in Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt.

The conference, which has gathered leaders from around the world, is being opened on Sunday by US President George W. Bush and Egypt's President Hosni Mubarak. External links On Sunday 18 May, Dr Björling will participate in discussions on the changes in the geopolitical scenario in the World Economic Forum Middle East arising from increased competition for influence from China, Russia and others.

On Monday 19 May Dr Björling will take part in discussions on the rising food prices in the global market, with a particular focus on how this affects the countries in the Middle East.

In addition, Dr Björling will have a number of bilateral meetings, including with EU Trade Commissioner Peter Mandelson, US chief WTO negotiator Susan Schwab and Iraq's Deputy Prime Minister Barham Salih.

On Tuesday 20 May Dr Björling will travel on to participate in the Palestine Investment Conference in Bethlehem on 21-23 May.

Special accreditation is needed to attend the World Economic Forum.

Contact Jens Söderblom Political Adviser to Ewa Björling +46 8 405 27 44 +46 76 766 39 99 email to Jens Söderblom

Press release 16 May 2008 Ministry for Foreign Affairs Per-Erik Sandlund new Director-General of the Invest in Sweden Agency

The Government yesterday appointed Per-Erik Sandlund as new Director-General of the Invest in Sweden Agency (ISA). He succeeds Kai Hammerich, whose appointment ceased at the end of February. The ISA was set up in 1995 with the task of contributing to increased foreign direct investment in Sweden through new start-ups, expansion investments, partnership agreements and acquisitions.

"Per-Erik Sandlund's broad experience of the business sector and his international background will bring important vitality and skills to the work of achieving our ambitious objectives for foreign investment and strong international competitiveness," says Minister for Trade Ewa Björling.

Per-Erik Sandlund is a graduate business administrator from Umeå University and has worked since 2005 as CEO of SwedenBIO - the national organisation for the life science industry in Sweden. Per-Erik Sandlund has thirty years experience with an international stamp in the biotechnology, construction, real estate and engineering industries.

Contact Jens Söderblom Political Adviser to Ewa Björling +46 8 405 27 44 +46 76 766 39 99 email to Jens Söderblom

Press release 15 May 2008 Ministry for Foreign Affairs New advisory council for the Swedish Institute

At today's government meeting the Government appointed the following people as members of the Swedish Institute's advisory council: External links Author Dilsa Demirbag-Sten The Swedish Institute web site Editor Elisabeth Hedborg Designer, Head of College of Design Tom Hedqvist Director Jan Henningsson Ethnologist Ida Hult Member of the Riksdag Kent Härstedt Docent Björn Sandén Curator Joanna Sandell Copywriter Anna Qvennerstedt

The appointment continues until 31 December 2010. Olle Wästberg, Director-General of the Swedish Institute, is the chair of the advisory council.

The Swedish Institute (SI) is a government agency that promotes interest in Sweden abroad by means of strategic communication and cultural, educational and scientific exchange. It works closely with Swedish and foreign partners and with Swedish embassies and consulates.

Contact Fredrik Wetterqvist Ministry for Foreign Affairs, Department for the EU Internal Market and the Promotion of Sweden and Swedish Trade +46 708 89 87 53 Jens Söderblom Political Adviser to Ewa Björling +46 8 405 27 44 +46 76 766 39 99 email to Jens Söderblom

Press release 14 May 2008 Ministry for Foreign Affairs Minister for Trade to present new Director-General of the Invest in Sweden Agency

Time and place External links Time: Thursday 15 May at 11.30 Invest in Sweden Agency web Place: Ministry for Foreign Affairs, Gustav Adolfs Torg 1 site

On Thursday the Government will appoint a new Director-General for the Invest in Sweden Agency (ISA). The media are invited to a press conference where Minister for Trade Ewa Björling will present the Director- General; together, they will describe the work of the ISA.

The Invest in Sweden Agency is a government agency answerable to the Ministry for Foreign Affairs. Its mission is to actively encourage foreign companies to invest in Sweden through new start-ups, expanding their investments, signing cooperation agreements and making acquisitions. ISA has its headquarters in Stockholm and foreign offices in India, Japan, China and the United States.

Contact Jens Söderblom Political Adviser to Ewa Björling +46 8 405 27 44 +46 76 766 39 99 email to Jens Söderblom

Press release 13 May 2008 Ministry for Foreign Affairs Minister for Trade Ewa Björling to talk about a silent export revolution

Today, Tuesday 13 May, Minister for Trade Ewa Björling is holding a speech on the theme of "new markets - new opportunities" at the Swedish Trade Council export conference (Stora Exportdagen) at China Teatern in Stockholm.

Dr Björling will discuss new export forecasts indicating that, while attention is focused on India and China, Africa is quietly becoming one of Sweden's most important trading partners outside the EU and North America.

Time and place Place: China Teatern, Stockholm Time: 12.30-14.00

Contact Jens Söderblom Political Adviser to Ewa Björling +46 8 405 27 44 +46 76 766 39 99 email to Jens Söderblom

Press release 09 May 2008 Ministry for Foreign Affairs Sustainable Chinese cities to be built using Swedish expertise

A large delegation from Tangshan, a city of seven million people on the Chinese coast some 200 km east of Beijing, is currently visiting Sweden to conduct discussions with the Government and Swedish companies on enhanced cooperation in the area of the environment.

"This is the exciting start of the broadest and longest term initiative for environmental technology that Sweden has taken in China," says Minister for Trade Ewa Björling who met the delegation on Thursday evening.

A new development area with an environmental profile is being planned in Tangshan. The project includes a deep-water harbour, industrial zones and housing for more than half a million people. The City of Tangshan is showing great interest in involving Sweden and Swedish environmental companies as partners in this huge development project.

During the high-level visit to China on 13-16 April several agreements were signed on cooperation on environmental technology, including the area of sustainable urban development. In the coming decade another 200 million people in China are expected to move to the cities. This will greatly increase the pressure on urban infrastructure - sewage treatment, waste, transport and energy - areas where Swedish companies possess world- leading expertise.

Contact Jens Söderblom Political Adviser to Ewa Björling +46 8 405 27 44 +46 76 766 39 99 email to Jens Söderblom

Press release 06 May 2008 Ministry for Foreign Affairs Concerted Swedish action in protest against Russian timber protectionism Minister for Trade Ewa Björling has invited representatives of the Swedish forest industry to join her on Wednesday 7 May to discuss and identify potential measures and strategies with which to counter Russian timber tariffs that were raised by 50 per cent on 1 April.

"The latest rise was a significant setback, but we are now taking a fresh approach and demanding zero tolerance of further increases, as well as a clear plan for how these tariffs can be dismantled. This is necessary if Russia's entry into the WTO is not to be delayed or made more difficult," says Dr Björling.

Russia's export tariffs on timber are in breach of the EU's agreement with Russia on the terms of its entry into the World Trade Organisation. Despite this, tariffs have been raised on two occasions - 1 June 2007 and 1 April 2008. A third large increase is planned for 1 January 2009.

Healthy competition on an open market "Sweden's forest industry has grown strong by being exposed to healthy competition on an open market. I am convinced that such a policy would be of benefit to Russia as well," says Dr Björling.

Negotiations with Russia are being led by the EU Commission and are coordinated regularly with Finland and Sweden.

Participants in Wednesday's meeting will include the Managing Director of the Swedish Forest Industries Association, Marie Arwidsson, as well as representatives of SCA, Stora Enso and Smurfit Kappa Kraftliner.

Time and place Dr Björling will be available for questions after the meeting, on Wednesday 7 May at approximately 10.30 at the Ministry for Foreign Affairs, Gustav Adolfs Torg 1.

Contact Jens Söderblom Political Adviser to Ewa Björling +46 8 405 27 44 +46 76 766 39 99 email to Jens Söderblom

Press release 24 April 2008 Ministry for Foreign Affairs Sweden to take part in World Expo 2008 in Zaragoza

The Government has today decided that Sweden will take part in World Expo 2008 in Zaragoza, Spain. "Water and Sustainable Development" is the theme of the Expo, which will take place between 14 June and 14 September.

"The World Expo in Zaragoza is expected to attract six million visitors and is an excellent opportunity to present Swedish leading edge expertise in the area of water and environmental technology. We know from experience that there is enormous international interest in the world-leading environmental know-how available Sweden," says Minister for Trade Ewa Björling.

Sweden's participation will be financed by a number of Swedish enterprises operating in Spain and Sweden. The Swedish Trade Council will be leading the project, which has a budget of EUR 1.7 million. The Government has appointed Staffan Björck as Commissioner General of the Swedish pavilion.

Contact Jens Söderblom Political Adviser to Ewa Björling +46 8 405 27 44 +46 76 766 39 99 email to Jens Söderblom Staffan Björck Commissioner General of the Swedish pavilion +46 8 405 10 00

Press release 24 April 2008 Ministry for Foreign Affairs Global standardisation - more than straight cucumbers On Wednesday the Government presented its first communication to the Riksdag describing the importance of standardisation in an increasingly globalised world. Common standards have contributed to the success of trade in goods on the EU internal market. The challenges of the future include using standards in a similar way to benefit sustainable development, innovation and the growth of trade in services.

"Effective standards give us safer, cheaper and better products and services every day as consumers. But the debate in Sweden has often been more about what people think standards say about cucumbers and strawberries. Instead I want to highlight the positive contribution made by common standards," says Minister Related for Trade Ewa Björling. The Communication in Swedish "I am also keen to highlight standardisation as a tool for growth and competitiveness - as a way of making it easier for Swedish companies to dare to venture out onto the export market. We also want to look ahead and show how common standards can contribute to sustainable development, more trade in services and a more innovative business climate" says Dr Björling.

Common solutions to frequent problems. That's one way of describing standards. Everything around us is affected by standards. From the traditional standardisation of nuts and bolts to broad social issues like the climate problem or corporate social responsibility. By taking parting in standardisation Sweden can influence global developments. One area where Swedish initiatives are well on the way to resulting in an international standard is solid biofuels. Through a massive effort together with Swedish biofuels stakeholders, government agencies, producers and other parties, the Swedish Standards Institute, SIS, has succeeded in making real progress and is now preparing a meeting of ISO, the International Organisation for Standardisation, where guidelines will be drawn up for work at global level in this area.

Contact Jens Söderblom Political Adviser to Ewa Björling +46 8 405 27 44 +46 76 766 39 99 email to Jens Söderblom

Press release 22 April 2008 Ministry for Foreign Affairs Secretary-General of the OECD visiting Sweden Secretary-General of the OECD, Angel Gurría, is visiting Sweden on 22-23 April at the invitation of Minister for Trade Ewa Björling.

Time and place External links Press conference with Secretary-General Angel Gurría and Minister for Trade Ewa Björling Delegation of Sweden to the Time: Wednesday 23 April, at 11.00 OECD in Paris Place: Ministry for Foreign Affairs, Gustav Adolfs Torg 1 Read more about Angel Gurría at OECD's website Dr Björling and Mr Gurría will hold talks about the role of the OECD in the international economic system and trade policy issues of the future, as well as trade and climate change.

During his visit to Stockholm, Mr Gurría will also meet Minister for Enterprise and Energy Maud Olofsson, Minister for Finance Anders Borg, Minister for Foreign Affairs Carl Bildt, Minister for International Development Cooperation Gunilla Carlsson, Minister for Employment Sven Otto Littorin, Minister for Higher Education and Research Lars Leijonborg, Minister for the Environment Andreas Carlgren, Minister for Migration and Asylum Policy Tobias Billström and Minister for Local Government and Financial Markets Mats Odell.

On Tuesday Mr Gurría is giving a speech at the Stockholm School of Economics.

- - - - -

The OECD (Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development) has 30 member states. Its headquarters are in Paris.

Press release 18 April 2008 Ministry for Foreign Affairs Positive news about direct flights to Tokyo

Even though 31 countries are waiting for approval to start direct flights to Tokyo, Sweden's prospects look very good. This is what Minister for Trade Ewa Björling was told when she met Masashi Nakano, Senior Vice Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry, during her visit to Japan.

"Mr Nakano said that more than 30 countries are queuing to start direct flights to Tokyo, but that Sweden's extensive economic exchange with Japan is a guarantee that it should be possible to solve the matter as soon as a fourth runway is completed at Haneda Airport. This is very good news, especially for our Swedish businesses here in Japan, which have raised the matter repeatedly during my visit," says Minister for Trade Ewa Björling.

Contact Jens Söderblom Political Adviser to Ewa Björling +46 8 405 27 44 +46 76 766 39 99 email to Jens Söderblom

Press release 14 April 2008 Ministry for Foreign Affairs Ministry of Enterprise, Energy and Communications Vice President of Colombia to visit Sweden Colombian Vice President Francisco Santos Calderón is visiting Sweden on 14-15 April.

The agenda for talks will include issues such as energy, climate change and trade, political developments in Colombia and the surrounding region, as well as human rights.

Vice President Santos will meet Deputy Prime Minister Maud Olofsson and State Secretary for trade issues at the Ministry for Foreign Affairs, Gunnar Wieslander. During his visit, Vice President Santos will also meet Members of the Riksdag and representatives of the business sector.

Contact Elisabeth Eklund Counsellor Ministry for Foreign Affairs, Americas Department + 46 8 405 54 25 Frank Nilsson Pressekreterare hos Anna-Karin Hatt

Press release 14 April 2008 Ministry for Foreign Affairs Minister for Trade Ewa Björling visits China and Japan, 13-18 April

From 13-18 April, Minister for Trade Ewa Björling is visiting China and Japan together with Prime Minister Fredrik Reinfeldt and Minister for the Environment Andreas Carlgren.

Dr Björling is also leading the accompanying business delegation with representatives from around 35 companies.

During her stay in Beijing between 13-15 April, Dr Björling will meet China' Minister of Commerce Chen Deming, and others. The agenda for talks includes the ongoing WTO negotiations, intellectual rights issues and corporate social responsibility (CSR). Mr Deming and Dr Björling will also launch a joint Swedish-Chinese CSR website.

In addition to this, Dr Björling will visit Ikea together with the Secretary-General of Save the Children Sweden, Charlotte Petri Gornitzka, address the Swedish Chamber of Commerce in China and take part in a major seminar on green technology.

On Friday 16 April, Dr Björling will travel on to Tokyo. There, her programme will include a meeting with Japan' Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry Akira Amari, the opening of the defence seminar 'Stealth at Sea', and a meeting with the Swedish pop group Mando Diao prior to one of their concerts.

Programme points: 14 April, Beijing: Breakfast meeting speech at the Swedish Chamber of Commerce in China. Meeting with China's Minister of Commerce Chen Deming, together with representatives from the business delegation. Launch of joint CSR website together with Mr Deming. Opening of Swedish-Chinese high-level forum on CSR.

15 April, Beijing: Speech about the SymbioCity export platform at a seminar on green technology and sustainable urban development. Visit to Ikea together with the Secretary-General of Save the Children Sweden, Charlotte Petri Gornitzka, and others.

17 April, Tokyo: Opening of defence seminar 'Stealth at Sea'. Meeting with Japan' Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry Akira Amari. Meeting with pop group Mando Diao prior to their concert at Club Quattro.

18 April, Tokyo: Opening of green technology seminar at the Swedish Embassy. Meeting with representatives of the Japanese business sector.

Contact Jens Söderblom Political Adviser to Ewa Björling +46 8 405 27 44 +46 76 766 39 99 email to Jens Söderblom

Press release 02 April 2008 Ministry for Foreign Affairs Swedish initiative for closer trade dialogue with Africa Tomorrow, Thursday 3 April, Minister for Trade Ewa Björling will be meeting ambassadors from Kenya, Namibia, Angola and Rwanda, among others, to begin a closer dialogue on trade and partnership between the EU and the African states.

Dr Björling has invited all the African ambassadors in Stockholm to discuss the economic partnership agreements (EPA), being negotiated between the EU and countries in Africa, the Caribbean and the Pacific - the APC countries.

"I want to learn more about how the African states regard the ongoing trade negotiations with the EU. A closer dialogue is necessary to enable us to understand each other's needs and wishes, thereby enabling us to more rapidly reach solid agreements that will strengthen the opportunities for developing countries to become integrated in the global economy," says Dr Björling.

At the beginning of the year, 35 APC countries signed temporary trade agreements with the EU, giving them full access to the internal EU market. Since then negotiations have continued with a view to broad-based agreements that also include investments and services.

Time and place Time: 15.30-17.30 Place: Ministry for Foreign Affairs, Gustav Adolfs Torg 1

Dr Björling will be available to meet the media after the meeting.

Contact Jens Söderblom Political Adviser to Ewa Björling +46 8 405 27 44 +46 76 766 39 99 email to Jens Söderblom Gustav Ahlsson Political Adviser +46 8 405 55 65 +46 70 616 77 23 email to Gustav Ahlsson

Press release 01 April 2008 Ministry for Foreign Affairs Stronger Swedish presence in Mumbai, India

Today, Tuesday 1 April, Minister for Trade Ewa Björling opened the Swedish Trade Council's new office in Mumbai. Mumbai, with more than fifteen million inhabitants, is regarded to be India's finance and entertainment centre.

"A strong presence in Mumbai, one of India's most exciting and dynamic cities, is extremely important for Swedish companies' opportunities to establish themselves and grow on the Indian market. To help further strengthen ties between our two countries, I have also invited Minister of Commerce and Industry Kamal Nath to Sweden. He hopes to be able to visit Sweden together with a business delegation as early as the spring," says Dr Björling.

During her visit to Mumbai Dr Björling also met Alan Rosling of India's largest business group, Tata.

On Monday she met India's Minister of Defence and Minister of Commerce and Industry in New Delhi.

Tomorrow, Dr Björling will be visiting a number of companies active in biotechnology, the aviation and defence industry and other sectors in Bangalore.

Contact Jens Söderblom Political Adviser to Ewa Björling +46 8 405 27 44 +46 76 766 39 99 email to Jens Söderblom

Press release 28 March 2008 Ministry for Foreign Affairs Minister for Trade Ewa Björling to visit India on 30 March - 2 April

From 30 March until 2 April, Minister for Trade Ewa Björling will be visiting New Delhi, Mumbai and Bangalore in India. Her programme will include bilateral meetings with Minister for Commerce and Industry Kamal Nath and Minister for Defence A.K. Antony, a number of visits to companies and the inauguration of the new Swedish Trade Council office in Mumbai.

The value of Sweden's trade with India has more than doubled between 2002 and 2007, and Swedish exports to the country have increased by 500 per cent since 2000. Among the sectors identified as particularly strong growth markets are biotechnology, green technology and defence equipment.

The EU is currently negotiating a broad free trade agreement with India and Sweden is actively driving for far-reaching liberalisation of trade in goods and services, as well as investments. It is hoped that it will be possible to put an agreement into place during the Swedish EU Presidency in 2009.

Programme points: 31 March: Dr Björling to hold an address at a breakfast meeting at the Swedish Chamber of Commerce in New Delhi. During the day, bilateral meetings will be held with the Indian Minister for Commerce and Industry, the Indian Defence Minister and others. 1 April: Dr Björling to inaugurate the new Swedish Trade Council office in Mumbai. 2 April: Visits to a number of companies in Bangalore and dinner with Swedish entrepreneurs.

Contact Jens Söderblom Political Adviser to Ewa Björling +46 8 405 27 44 +46 76 766 39 99 email to Jens Söderblom

Press release 13 March 2008 Ministry for Foreign Affairs A new Swedish policy for Africa On Wednesday the Government presented its renewed Africa policy when the Government Communication on Africa was submitted to the Riksdag. The Communication sets out the Government's policy for cooperation with Africa. The areas it covers include trade, economic growth, democracy, security, aid, environment and climate, and gender equality.

- Africa is so much more than famine, armed conflict and a lack of democracy and human rights. The continent has enormous assets and potential. Our policy must build on the reality of great differences between countries, says Minister for International Development Cooperation Gunilla Carlsson.

The new policy for Africa starts from the positive changes that have taken place in the continent over the past ten years, and from the development of Africa's relations with the rest of the world. A strong partnership between the EU and Africa is of central importance. Poverty reduction and the promotion of sustainable development remain priority areas. Economic growth, deeper democracy and stronger protection of human rights form the basis for development.

- African states are dependent on being able to build up their own business and industry and on conducting trade both with other parts of the world and with one another. This is crucial for sustainable economic development, says Minister for Trade Ewa Björling.

- The continuing conflicts in Darfur, Chad, Somalia and eastern Congo are not only causing great human suffering, but they also make clear the link between peace, security and development. The development of Africa is a global concern. This is why it is important that Sweden, the EU and the international community support the work being done in the African Union in the efforts to achieve greater democracy and protection of human rights. Zimbabwe is a tragic example of how a lack of respect for these values has an adverse effect on development and wipes out the progress that has been achieved, says Minister for Foreign Affairs Carl Bildt.

The new Africa policy also highlights the threat to the climate as a central issue for the future of Africa. The International Commission on Climate Change and Development appointed by the Government will play an important role in deepening knowledge about how Sweden and other members of the international community can best provide assistance.

Contact Jens Söderblom Political Adviser to Ewa Björling +46 8 405 27 44 +46 76 766 39 99 email to Jens Söderblom Mikael T. Eriksson Sara Malmgren Leave of absence

Press release 11 March 2008 Ministry for Foreign Affairs Minister for Trade Ewa Björling signs investment protection agreement with Saudi Arabia During a meeting with Saudi Minister of Finance Dr Ibrahim Al-Assaf in Riyadh this morning, Minister for Trade Ewa Björling signed an agreement on investment protection between Sweden and Saudi Arabia.

Dr Björling is the first Swedish Minister for Trade to visit Saudi Arabia in ten years. The country is Sweden's largest market in the Middle East and Swedish exports to Saudi Arabia amounted to some SEK 8 billion in 2006.

"The Gulf States are among the fastest growing economies and Sweden has a long tradition of maintaining a presence in the region. Stable trade also forms a good basis for dialogue aimed at promoting positive developments with regard to human rights," says Dr Björling.

The agreement aims to create increased security in international investments through long-term guarantees concerning handling such matters as dispute resolution, regulations on compensation in the event of expropriation, regulations for transferring capital, and provisions to prevent discrimination and distorted competition.

Contact Jens Söderblom Political Adviser to Ewa Björling +46 8 405 27 44 +46 76 766 39 99 email to Jens Söderblom

Press release 10 March 2008 Ministry for Foreign Affairs Minister for Trade Ewa Björling to visit Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Israel and the Palestinian territories

Today, Monday 10 March, Minister for Trade Ewa Björling will travel to Saudi Arabia. There she will address the Riyadh Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and meet the Saudi Minister of Finance and National Economy and the Minister of Commerce and Industry.

On Tuesday 11 March Dr Björling will travel on to Qatar. Her agenda there includes talks with Minister of Finance Youssef Hussein Kamal, meetings with Swedish business actors in the country and meetings with representatives of the banking and telecommunications industries.

On Wednesday 12 March Dr Björling will arrive in Israel. During her stay there from Wednesday to Friday she will have talks with the Israeli Minister of Industry, Trade and Labour Eliyahu Yishai and visit the Shafdan wastewater treatment project and Hadasit technology transfer company.

On Thursday 13 March Dr Björling will also visit the Palestinian territories to meet representatives of the administration and to open a business seminar.

Contact Jens Söderblom Political Adviser to Ewa Björling +46 8 405 27 44 +46 76 766 39 99 email to Jens Söderblom

Press release 07 March 2008 Ministry for Foreign Affairs Press invitation: Ewa Björling to speak on International Women's Day Minister for Trade Ewa Björling is to give the opening address tomorrow, Saturday 8 March, at Nätverket 8 mars, in connection with the International Women's Day celebrations.

Dr Björling will speak on the theme of "Free trade and free movement - instruments in the fight for women's independence". The address will be given as part of a seminar on "Women and the Economy". Other speakers will include Percy Barnevik and Minister for Integration and Gender Equality Nyamko Sabuni.

Contact Jens Söderblom Political Adviser to Ewa Björling +46 8 405 27 44 +46 76 766 39 99 email to Jens Söderblom

Press release 06 March 2008 Ministry for Foreign Affairs Swedish legislation to be reviewed in search of more effective internal market Minister for Trade Ewa Björling today appointed Jörgen Hettne as Inquiry Chair to conduct a horizontal review of how Swedish legislation affects the EU internal market for products and services.

The aim of the inquiry is to survey and describe how Swedish regulations affect the free movement of goods and services in the EU internal market on a horizontal level. The inquiry will also present proposals on simplifying, improving and supplementing current regulations.

"For a small country that depends on exports like Sweden, it is particularly important to constantly hunt red tape, unnecessary costs and unfounded bureaucracy. Each member country must take its responsibility so that the fundamental principle of free movement of goods and services in Europe can be fully realised," says Minister for Trade Ewa Björling.

Jörgen Hettne is the Director of the Swedish Institute for European Policy Studies (Sieps). His previous posts include Legal Secretary and Director, Court of First Instance of the European Union, and Specialist in EC Law at the Ministry for Foreign Affairs.

The inquiry is to report its findings to the Government no later than 15 May 2009.

Contact Jens Söderblom Political Adviser to Ewa Björling +46 8 405 27 44 +46 76 766 39 99 email to Jens Söderblom Kristina Asplund Information Officer, Sieps phone +46 (0)8 16 46 03 cell phone +46 (0)70 399 23 38

Press release 05 March 2008 Ministry for Foreign Affairs Seven hundred Swedish companies marketing green technology abroad Today, Minister for Trade Ewa Björling launched a new export platform to market Swedish green technology and sustainable construction around the world. The platform - that goes by the name of 'SymbioCity' - brings together 700 Swedish companies and is targeted at cities that want to introduce sustainable development. More than seventy ambassadors took part in the presentation, arriving in biogas boats.

For the first time in history, more than half of the world's population now lives in cities. This ongoing urban transition demands that the world's cities be designed in an environmentally friendly and resource-efficient way. This is why the Government has launched SymbioCity - a platform that brings together Swedish External links companies with long experience of environmentally friendly construction and sustainable urban planning. SymbioCity web site Press pictures of SymbioCity "Developing sustainable and dynamic cities is one of the biggest challenges of our time. There is great potential here for spreading Swedish green technology, which already has a very good reputation," says Minister for Trade Ewa Björling.

SymbioCity is an export platform for Swedish companies whose work, in various ways, involves green technology, sustainable construction and urban planning. Together, they will aim to present solutions for many of the problems facing the world's cities. Important areas include energy efficiency, reduced carbon dioxide emissions and improved water supplies.

The launch of SymbioCity took place in Hammarby Sjöstad in the presence of a large gathering of foreign ambassadors. Present at the launch was Anders Hallersjö from the Swedish Trade Council, who has been involved in developing the concept.

"The advantage of SymbioCity is the range of companies that are gathered under one roof. Its ability to offer everything from urban planning to waste management to energy recovery is what makes SmybioCity unique," says Anders Hallersjö.

Contact Jens Söderblom Political Adviser to Ewa Björling +46 8 405 27 44 +46 76 766 39 99 email to Jens Söderblom Anders Hallersjö Director at the Swedish Trade Council +46 705 22 23 84

Press release 29 February 2008 Ministry for Foreign Affairs Government to present Statement on Trade Policy in the Riksdag On Tuesday 4 March at 13.30, Minister for Trade Ewa Björling will present the Government's Statement on Trade Policy to the Riksdag. It is ten years since the Government last presented such a document.

The Statement presents the Government's overarching policy in the field of trade and deals with challenges and opportunities in a globalised world. Related A press conference will be held after the subsequent debate in the Riksdag. Publication: Statement on Trade Policy- Declaration of Trade (in English) Publication: Statement on Press conference Trade Policy - Declaration on Time: Tuesday 4 March at around 14.30 (directly after the debate). Trade (in Arabic) Place: Press room, Hall of the Chamber, the Riksdag. Publication: Statement on Trade Policy - Declaration on Trade (en francais) Advance notice of your intention to attend the press conference is appreciated. Publication: Statement on Trade Policy - Declaration on Trade (en español)

Contact Jens Söderblom Political Adviser to Ewa Björling +46 8 405 27 44 +46 76 766 39 99 email to Jens Söderblom

Press release 14 February 2008 Ministry for Foreign Affairs Sweden nominates candidate for post of Secretary General of the World Customs Organisation Sweden has decided to nominate Lars Karlsson for the post of Secretary General of the World Customs Organisation (WCO). Lars Karlsson has been Deputy Director-General of the Swedish Customs Service and has been responsible for capacity building in the WCO since 2006.

"Lars Karlsson has broad competence and a strong commitment to more efficient and effective trade that would contribute to the further development of the WCO," says Minister for Trade Ewa Björling.

The WCO has 171 member countries that together represent some 98 per cent of world trade. The WCO cooperates closely with other organisations like the OECD, the UN and the World Bank to facilitate trade by supporting the establishment of efficient, effective and modern customs administrations in developing countries and in other ways.

The new Secretary General will be elected at the WCO Council Meeting in June 2008.

Contact Jens Söderblom Political Adviser to Ewa Björling +46 8 405 27 44 +46 76 766 39 99 email to Jens Söderblom

Press release 04 February 2008 Ministry for Foreign Affairs EU support for Swedish line on ethanol

Today the EU approved Sweden's application for permission to continue to import ethanol for processing into biofuel. This means the feared tariff increase of over 30 per cent that would have followed from a negative decision, and would have affected the 89 000 car owners who drive ethanol cars, will not materialise.

"I welcome this decision, which makes it possible for E85 and E95 prices to remain competitive. The decision shows an understanding of the situation in Sweden, where the market for environmentally friendly vehicles is growing rapidly, and bears witness to a realisation of the measures required to reach the climate goals we have jointly set," says Minister for Trade Ewa Björling.

"The decision indicates that we have gained a hearing for the overall Swedish line on the development and climate advantages of low tariffs on biofuels. We will now continue to work in the EU and the WTO to bring about more general tariff reductions on climate-friendly goods and services."

It was the EU Customs Code Committee that voted this afternoon to approve Sweden's application for permission to import ethanol for processing into the biofuels E85 and E95.

Contact Jens Söderblom Political Adviser to Ewa Björling +46 8 405 27 44 +46 76 766 39 99 email to Jens Söderblom

Press release 25 January 2008 Ministry for Foreign Affairs Ewa Björling to lead trade delegation to Kiev

On 29-30 January Minister for Trade Ewa Björling will travel to the Ukrainian capital, Kiev, along with representatives of around thirty Swedish enterprises.

The minister is scheduled for bilateral talks with Ukraine's Minister of Economic Affairs, Bohdan Danylyshyn, and Minister of Health Vasyl Knyazevych. She will also officially open the Swedish Trade Council's new office in Kiev and address the "Sweden-Ukraine, Partners in Business" seminar.

This visit to Kiev will also include the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between the Association of Swedish Chambers of Commerce and Industry of both countries.

Ukraine is a growing market for Swedish enterprises and since 2000 exports to Ukraine have increased by an average of 37 per cent per year. Problems related to waste management, energy consumption and water quality have resulted in considerable interest in Swedish energy and environmental technology.

Contact Jens Söderblom Political Adviser to Ewa Björling +46 8 405 27 44 +46 76 766 39 99 email to Jens Söderblom

Pressmeddelande 25 januari 2008 Utrikesdepartementet Press invitation: Ewa Björling to open Stockholm Fashion Week

On Monday 28 January, Minister for Trade Ewa Björling will open the first of two fashion weeks to be held in Stockholm in January and February organised by the Swedish Fashion Council. Fashions for the coming autumn and winter will be the focal point of these weeks that will also include seven fashion fairs and around 40 fashion shows.

Time and venue Time: Monday 28 January 09.00-10.00 Place: Hotel Scandic Anglais, entrance at Sturegatan 7

Programme:

09.15 Introduction, Lotta Ahlvar, Swedish Fashion Council 09.10 Speech, Ewa Björling 09.20 Ulf Berg, Swedish Trade Council 09.25 Ola Toftegaard, Swedish Textile and Clothing Industries Association (TEKO) 09.30-10.00 Time for questions/breakfast mingle

Accreditation for press breakfast: Helena Mellström, Marketing Manager, Swedish Fashion Council: [email protected]

Kontakt Jens Söderblom Politiskt sakkunnig hos Ewa Björling 08-405 27 44 076-766 39 99 e-post till Jens Söderblom

Press release 21 January 2008 Ministry for Foreign Affairs Ewa Björling to visit Berlin

On Tuesday 22 January, Minister for Trade Ewa Björling will visit Berlin. Dr Björling will hold talks with Germany's Minister for Economics and Technology, Michael Glos. The Ministers will discuss Sweden's application for permission to retain a low tariff on E85 biofuel, which will be dealt with by the EU Customs Code Committee at the beginning of February.

Dr Björling will also speak on the subject of 'Swedish and German Foreign Trade in a Globalised World' at the German-Swedish Chamber of Commerce, attend a lunch meeting with Swedish small entrepreneurs active in Germany and meet representatives of the German business sector.

Contact Jens Söderblom Political Adviser to Ewa Björling +46 8 405 27 44 +46 76 766 39 99 email to Jens Söderblom

Press release 18 January 2008 Ministry for Foreign Affairs Project Exports: New funding initiative for environment and energy fields Today, Minister for Trade Ewa Björling is visiting Helsinki to discuss a new funding initiative with the CEO of the Nordic Investment Bank, Johnny Åkerholm.

The Ministry for Foreign Affairs is providing SEK 12 million to invest in environmental and energy measures in the Baltic Sea region, the new EU Member States, Ukraine, the Western Balkans and other strategic markets in order to promote strategic project exports. External links European Bank for The funding is being provided in close cooperation with the European Bank for Reconstruction and Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) and the Nordic Investment Bank (NIB). It includes areas in which Sweden is a world Development (EBRD) leader, such as emissions cleaning, waste management issues and energy efficiency.

"I am glad that Sweden is able to offer partner countries help in developing infrastructure projects in important areas," says Dr Björling.

------EBRD is a London-based development bank that offers development and financing of investment projects in Central and Eastern Europe, Russia, Ukraine, the Balkans, Caucasus and Central Asia. EBRD is owned by 61 countries and two international institutions, including all EU countries and the US, Canada, Japan and Russia.

NIB is a Helsinki-based multilateral financial institution that finances private and public investment projects in the member states and elsewhere. NIB is owned by Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Iceland, Latvia, Lithuania, Norway and Sweden.

Contact Jens Söderblom Political Adviser to Ewa Björling +46 8 405 27 44 +46 76 766 39 99 email to Jens Söderblom

Pressmeddelande 18 januari 2008 Utrikesdepartementet Nysatsning inom miljö- och energiområdet

I dag besöker handelsminister Ewa Björling i Helsingfors, bland annat för att diskutera en ny satsning med Europeiska utvecklingsbankens VD Johnny Åkerholm. Relaterat Utrikesdepartementet satsar 12 miljoner kronor för åtgärder inom miljö- och energiområdet i Pressmeddelande: Ewa Östersjöregionen, EU:s nya medlemsländer, Ukraina och Västra Balkan samt andra strategiska marknader för Björling besöker Helsingfors att främja strategisk projektexport. Läs mer om EBRD och NIB

Satsningen görs i nära samarbete med Europeiska Utvecklingsbanken (EBRD) och Nordiska Investeringsbanken (NIB).

Det gäller bland annat områden där Sverige har världsledande kompetens såsom rening av utsläpp, avfallsfrågor och energieffektivisering.

- Jag är glad över att Sverige kan erbjuda samarbetsländerna hjälp med att utveckla infrastrukturprojekt på angelägna områden, säger handelsminister Ewa Björling.

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EDRD är en utvecklingsbank med säte i London som erbjuder utveckling och finansiering av investeringsprojekt central-och östeuropa, Ryssland, Ukraina, Balkan, Kaukasus och Centralasien. EBRD ägs av 61 länder och två internationella institutioner, inklusive samtliga EU- länder och bland andra USA, Kanada, Japan och Ryssland.

NIB är en multilateral finansieringsinstitution med säte i Helsingfors som finansierar privata och offentliga investeringsprojekt i och utanför medlemsländerna. NIB ägs av Danmark, Estland, Finland, Island, Lettland, Litauen, Norge och Sverige.

Kontakt Jens Söderblom Politiskt sakkunnig hos Ewa Björling 08-405 27 44 076-766 39 99 e-post till Jens Söderblom

Press release 11 January 2008 Ministry for Foreign Affairs Ewa Björling to visit car show in Detroit On 13-14 January, Minister for Trade Ewa Björling will visit Detroit to attend the annual North American International Auto Show.

Dr Björling will take part in the opening ceremony on Sunday and in the presentation of Saab's new car on the same day. The Minister for Trade will also meet representatives of Saab, Volvo, Ford and GM.

Contact Jens Söderblom Political Adviser to Ewa Björling +46 8 405 27 44 +46 76 766 39 99 email to Jens Söderblom

Press release 11 January 2008 Ministry for Foreign Affairs All set for Swedish participation in world's largest biotechnology trade fair The Government will provide SEK 450 000 to support Swedish participation in the world's largest biotechnology trade fair, BIO International Convention, which will be held in San Diego on 17-20 June.

"Swedish biotech companies are at the very forefront in areas such as biotechnology, pharmaceuticals and medical technology. They are ranked ninth in the world and fourth best in Europe. Given the limited size of the Swedish market, however, international exposure is tremendously important, not least for small and medium-sized enterprises." This comment comes from Minister for Trade Ewa Björling, who is visiting San Diego today, 11 January, partly to meet representatives of companies in biotechnology and biofinance.

The trade fair project will be planned and carried out in cooperation with the Swedish Trade Council, the Invest in Sweden Agency (ISA) and the industry organisation SwedenBIO. A total of SEK 2.5 million will be invested in a joint national pavilion, marketing activities, scientific panels and networking.

Contact Jens Söderblom Political Adviser to Ewa Björling +46 8 405 27 44 +46 76 766 39 99 email to Jens Söderblom

Press release 04 January 2008 Ministry for Foreign Affairs Ewa Björling to Washington, Los Angeles, La Jolla and Detroit On Monday, 7 January, Minister for Trade Dr Ewa Björling will travel to Washington.

The Minister for Trade will take part in the inauguration of the winter theme: 'Innovation and Technology' at House of Sweden on 8 January and hold an address at the 'Leadership through Innovation' seminar on 9 January. She will also have several meetings with representatives of the US government, the World Bank and others.

On Wednesday 9 January, Dr Björling will travel on to Los Angeles. Her programme there includes participation in a round-table discussion at the RAND think tank and a visit to the Twentieth Century Fox film company and the Swedish-owned game company Paradox Entertainment. On Friday 11 January, the Minister for Trade will visit biotechnology and risk capital companies in the field of biofinance in La Jolla.

On Saturday 12 January, Dr Björling will arrive in Detroit where her agenda includes participation on Sunday in the inauguration of the annual Detroit Auto Show and meeting representatives of the automotive industry.

The programme includes: Tuesday 8 January 17.30 Press showing of House of Sweden and the new winter theme 19.00 Inauguration of the theme 'Innovation and Technology'

Wednesday 9 January 13.30 Address at the 'Leadership through Innovation' seminar, House of Sweden

Thursday 10 January 14.30-16.30 Visit to Twentieth Century Fox International 16.30-17.40 Visit to Paradox Entertainment

Sunday 13 January Participation in the inauguration of the Detroit Auto Show

Contact Jens Söderblom Political Adviser to Ewa Björling +46 8 405 27 44 +46 76 766 39 99 email to Jens Söderblom 2007

Press release 13 December 2007 Ministry for Foreign Affairs Ewa Björling to visit Skärholmen

On Saturday 15 December Minister for Trade Ewa Björling will visit Skärholmen to meet Stockholm residents doing Christmas shopping and representatives of the local business association.

11.10 - 11.40 Meeting with representatives of the business association

Contact Jens Söderblom Political Adviser to Ewa Björling +46 8 405 27 44 +46 76 766 39 99 email to Jens Söderblom

Press release 04 December 2007 Ministry for Foreign Affairs New Press Secretary to the Minister for Trade

Jens Eriksson has today taken up his post as new Press Secretary to Minister for Trade Ewa Björling. His most recent post was at Stockholm City Hall where he worked as Deputy Secretary to the Stockholm City Commissioner at the City Planning and Traffic Division, Mikael Söderlund.

Mr Eriksson succeeds Malin Werner, who has taken up a post as political adviser at the Prime Minister's Office.

Contact Jens Söderblom Political Adviser to Ewa Björling +46 8 405 27 44 +46 76 766 39 99 email to Jens Söderblom

Press release 03 December 2007 Ministry for Foreign Affairs Ewa Björling to award 'Prix d'Excellence' in Paris On 3 December, Minister for Trade Ewa Björling will award the 'Prix d'Excellence' to the Swedish company that has stood out in particular this year for its success in France.

The Prix d'Excellence is organised by the Swedish Chamber of Commerce in France, in collaboration with the Swedish Embassy and participating companies.

The Minister for Trade will give an address during the award ceremony that will be attended by representatives of French-Swedish business, French organisations and authorities, the political sphere and the media. "France is one of the world's most important importing countries and Europe's second-largest market; there is a good chance of increasing Swedish companies' presence in France," says Dr Björling.

Contact Malin Werner Press Secretary, Political Adviser to Ewa Björling

Press release 29 November 2007 Ministry for Foreign Affairs Gunnar Wieslander appointed State Secretary to the Minister for Trade Today the Government appointed Gunnar Wieslander State Secretary to the Minister for Trade, Dr Ewa Björling.

Captain Gunnar Wieslander comes from the post of Commander of the First Submarine Flotilla in Karlskrona. He has previously been an adviser at the Ministry of Defence and a teacher at the Swedish National Defence College.

Contact Malin Werner Press Secretary, Political Adviser to Ewa Björling

Press release 27 November 2007 Ministry for Foreign Affairs Export initiative: Network for entrepreneurs with foreign backgrounds Minister for Trade Ewa Björling has decided to instruct the Swedish Trade Council to carry out special network- building initiatives for entrepreneurs with foreign backgrounds. SEK 1.1 million will be allocated to the Swedish Trade Council for the task.

The programme will consist of various types of activities targeting small enterprises as well as meetings and seminars at county level and centrally in Stockholm. A network of entrepreneurs with personal experience of special markets will be developed. The Swedish Trade Council will cooperate with relevant agencies and organisations for business development and internationalisation.

"This is an important initiative to make use of the experience and knowledge of different markets that entrepreneurs with foreign backgrounds possess," says Ms Björling.

Contact Malin Werner Press Secretary, Political Adviser to Ewa Björling

Press release 16 November 2007 Ministry for Foreign Affairs Minister for Trade pays tribute to Ingmar Bergman in New York

The Minister for Trade, Dr Ewa Björling, is visiting New York on 17-20 November. The Minister will hold a speech at Brooklyn Academy of Music, which is arranging an event in remembrance of Ingmar Bergman, with appearances by Lena Endre, Lena Olin, Peter Stormare, Pernilla August and others.

Dr Björling will also be interviewed and play Swedish music in a radio programme on Sirius Satellite Radio.

In addition, the Minister will have several meetings at the UN and take part in a roundtable at the New York Academy of Sciences on the theme 'Bio- science meets Biofinance'.

Contact Malin Werner Press Secretary, Political Adviser to Ewa Björling

Press release 13 November 2007 Prime Minister's Office Ministry for Foreign Affairs Lithuania's President Valdas Adamkus to visit Stockholm

On Wednesday 14 November, Lithuania's President Valdas Adamkus is to visit Sweden and Prime Minister Fredrik Reinfeldt. The agenda for their discussions at Rosenbad will include the Baltic Sea region, climate and energy issues, the Swedish EU Presidency and other current EU matters.

His Majesty The King will receive President Adamkus at a audience on 13 November and Minister for Foreign Trade Ewa Björling will host a lunch at the Ministry for Foreign Affairs the same day. President Adamkas' programme also includes meetings with the Speaker of the Riksdag and representatives of the Swedish business sector.

Programme points: 12.55 Photo opportunity Place: Entrance to Rosenbad

13.00 Talks with Prime Minister Fredrik Reinfeldt Place: Rosenbad

14.10 Press briefing with Prime Minister Fredrik Reinfeldt and President Valdas Adamkus Place: Bella Venezia, Rosenbad

Contact Edvard Unsgaard Press Secretary to Fredrik Reinfeldt +46 8 405 10 00 Jan Olsson Ministry for Foreign Affairs, European Union Department +46 8 405 50 94 email to Jan Olsson

Press release 09 November 2007 Ministry for Foreign Affairs Minister for Trade to meet Mary Robinson and Ericsson CEO Carl-Henric Svanberg On 9 November, Minister for Trade Ewa Björling is to meet Mary Robinson, former President of Ireland (1990- 1997), former UN High Commissioner for Human Rights (1997-2002) and the founder of the 'Realising Rights: the Ethical Globalisation Initiative'.

Among the subjects to be discussed at Dr Björling's meeting with Mary Robinson are the Swedish Government's policy for corporate social responsibility and its views on human rights within the framework of a continued active free trade policy. External links Realizing Rights/The Ethical Dr Björling and Ms Robinson will also visit Ericsson's CEO Carl-Henric Svanberg for lunch talks on free trade Globalization Initiative and the social commitment of Swedish companies.

Contact Malin Werner Press Secretary, Political Adviser to Ewa Björling

Press release 08 November 2007 Ministry for Foreign Affairs Minister for Trade to participate in civil security conference On Thursday 8 November, Minister for Trade Ewa Björling will hold the opening speech at the 'Civil Security Conference'.

The aim of the conference is to find possible cooperation areas in civil security between the Swedish technology industry and the USA.

The seminar has been arranged by the Swedish Association of Civil Security (SACS), the Swedish Agency for Innovation Systems (VINNOVA), the Swedish Emergency Management Agency and the Embassy of Sweden in Washington. The participants include Swedish high-tech companies and representatives of the US Department of Homeland Security (DHS). The DHS has overall responsibility for leading and coordinating efforts to strengthen civil security in the USA and works with public, private and civil actors.

The conference will take place in the Conference Centre in Rosenbad, Stockholm.

Contact Malin Werner Press Secretary, Political Adviser to Ewa Björling

Pressmeddelande 5 november 2007 Utrikesdepartementet The Government supports the fight against trade in conflict diamonds The Government is contributing SEK 3 million to the Diamond Development Initiative (DDI). The aim of the DDI is to remedy problems linked to the diamond-producing countries in Africa, problems to do with the poverty and unsafe environment that working in diamond mines may entail.

The DDI is related to the 'Kimberley process' that works to hinder international trade in conflict diamonds. The Kimberley process is holding its annual meeting this year on 5-8 November in Brussels under the chair of the EU. Just over 300 delegates from some 70 countries are expected to attend the meeting, as well as representatives of the diamond industry, stakeholder organisations and international organisations.

"The Kimberley process and the DDI are important initiatives. They affect our trade with Africa and are linked to development aspects within trade, security and the environment, in line with Swedish policy for global development," says Minister for Trade Ewa Björling.

Kontakt Malin Werner Pressekreterare, politisk sakkunnig hos Ewa Björling

Press release 19 October 2007 Ministry for Foreign Affairs Ewa Björling to take part in meeting of trade ministers in Lisbon On Sunday 21 October, Minister for Trade Ewa Björling will participate in a Trade Ministerial Conference as part of European Union cooperation with the Middle East and North Africa, the EuroMed cooperation. A total of 37 ministers from the EU and partner countries around the Mediterranean will attend the meeting.

The meeting is a stepping stone on the way to establishing a free trade area between the EuroMed countries in 2010. The agenda focuses on greater trade liberalisation for both industrial goods and agricultural products. The ministers will also discuss common standards for industrial products so that a product manufactured in External links one country fits the standard conditions in all other countries. Euromed web site "Promoting trade liberalisation is particularly important to enable EuroMed cooperation to be further deepened", says Dr Björling.

Contact Malin Werner Press Secretary, Political Adviser to Ewa Björling

Press release 09 October 2007 Ministry for Foreign Affairs HG Wessberg to be State Secretary to Minister for Trade Ewa Björling On Thursday 11 October HG Wessberg will be appointed State Secretary to Minister for Trade Ewa Björling.

HG Wessberg has served most recently as State Secretary at the Ministry of Defence. His previous posts have included Director-General at the Swedish Companies Registration Office, Vice President of the Confederation of Swedish Enterprise and Managing Director of the Federation of Swedish Industries.

Contact Malin Werner Press Secretary, Political Adviser to Ewa Björling

Press release 03 October 2007 Ministry for Foreign Affairs Ministry of Enterprise, Energy and Communications Ministry of Education and Research Ministry of Employment Fifth Binational Commission Sweden - South Africa On Wednesday 3 October 2007, the fifth Binational Commission(BNC) will begin in Stockholm under the leadership of Deputy Prime Minister Maud Olofsson. The South African delegation will be led by Deputy President Ms Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka.

Subjects to be discussed during the talks include peace and security in Africa, environment and climate issues, reforms and efficiency enhancement in the UN, HIV/AIDS, the crisis in Zimbabwe, the situation in Burma and other current African and international issues. Download Joint Declaration on the 5th Discussions will be held in three main areas: political, economic and pro-development issues. Various session of the Binational proposals for cooperation in third countries, joint projects and seminars will be discussed with a view to Commission between South further strengthening bilateral relations and promoting trade exchange between Sweden and South Africa. Africa and Sweden, 3 -4 The Deputy President will also be accompanied by a trade delegation. October 2007 (pdf 113 kB)

Programme The BNC meeting starts at Rosenbad on 3 October, at 11.30. In the afternoon, the Deputy President will meet Minister for Higher Education and Research Lars Leijonborg and Minister for Employment Sven Otto Littorin. In the evening, the Deputy Prime Minister will host a dinner at the Ministry for Foreign Affairs.

Thursday 4 October will start with a breakfast meeting at 08.00 at the Swedish Trade Council, followed by a seminar on investments. The fifth BNC meeting will conclude at Rosenbad at 16.30 on Thursday.

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The close political relations between Sweden and South Africa have resulted in the establishment of the Binational Commission. The Commission was set up at the initiative of the then Prime Minister Göran Persson and President Thabo Mbeki in connection with the major Sweden-South Africa event in 1999. The BNC is a framework involving policy instruments for broadening and deepening relations and provides a platform for regular dialogue and for identifying and implementing joint projects and programmes.

The first BNC meeting was held in Stockholm in October 2000, when Deputy President Mbeki led the South African delegation. The last time the BNC met was in Pretoria in November 2005, when Deputy Prime Minister Bosse Ringholm and Deputy President Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka led their delegations.

Photo opportunity Wednesday 3 October at 11.30 Place: Rosenbad Rosenbad 4 Assembly at the entrance at 11.15 Please bring your press credentials

Press conference Tuesday 4 October at 16.30 Place: Ministry for Foreign Affairs Press Centre Fredsgatan 6 Assembly 16.15 Please bring your press credentials

Contact Lisa Wärn Pressekreterare hos Maud Olofsson Malin Werner Press Secretary, Political Adviser to Ewa Björling Mårten Wennberg Pressekreterare Eva-Marie Byberg Press Secretary +46 8 405 38 77 +46 70 772 74 47 email to Eva-Marie Byberg Jan Janonius

Press release 27 September 2007 Ministry for Foreign Affairs Objective achieved at donor conference for trade and development The high-level conference for trade-related development assistance that took place in Stockholm on Tuesday, and included participants such as WTO Director-General Pascal Lamy, was a success. The countries that participated pledged a total of just over USD 170 million. Sweden will be contributing SEK 100 million over the coming three years.

Minister for International Development Cooperation Gunilla Carlsson and Minister for Trade Ewa Björling welcomed around one hundred delegates from 34 donor countries, five developing countries and eleven international organisations and regional banks. Related Stockholm Pledging "The success of the conference shows that there is an awareness among several donors that the least Conference on Enhanced developed countries must be integrated into the global economy if they are to be permanently lifted out of Integrated Framework, 25 poverty. They must be given the opportunity to make use of the openings that the trade system offers. The September 2007 fact that we organised this conference together is quite natural given the strong link between trade and development," say Minister for International Development Cooperation Gunilla Carlsson and Minister for Trade Ewa Björling in a joint statement.

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The Enhanced Integrated Framework The objective of the Enhanced Integrated Framework is to raise a total of USD 250 million for the multilateral fund for the framework's activities over the first five years. Since many of the donors were only able to make commitments for the next few years, the USD 170 million pledged at the conference in Stockholm are a very good start towards achieving the objective.

Sweden announced that it plans to contribute SEK 100 million to the Enhanced Integrated Framework Trust Fund over the next three years.

Press release 12 September 2007 Prime Minister's Office Ministry for Foreign Affairs Ewa Björling new Minister for Foreign Trade Prime Minister Fredrik Reinfeldt decided today to appoint Ewa Björling Minister for Foreign Trade.

Ewa Björling was born in 1961, lives on Ekerö and is a Member of the Riksdag (Parliament) for Stockholm County, serving primarily on the Committee on Foreign Affairs and the Advisory Council on Foreign Affairs. She has been a Member of the Riksdag since 2002.

Ewa Björling, who holds a PhD in medicine and the title of associate professor, was previously engaged in medical research at Karolinska Institutet. As a politician, she has broad experience of foreign policy issues including foreign and security policy, research policy, HIV, Africa and migration. Ewa Björling was a member of the Board of the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (Sida) from 2003 until January 2007.

Contact Roberta Alenius