2009

Speech Permanent Representation of Sweden to the EU 10 December 2009 Ewa Björling, Minister for Trade Speech by Minister Ewa Björling at the Permanent Representation of Sweden to the EU in Brussels in connection with the European launch of the 'Muslim Peace Agents' adult education project

Excellencies, dear colleagues and friends, There are certain things we as governments can do in order to promote good relations between different religious and ethnic groups - domestically, as well as internationally. Most important, perhaps, is to ensure sustainable infrastructures - legal and economic. Thereby we can provide basic social security which, I believe, is the best safeguard against fear, and the consequences of fear: mutual prejudice, marginalisation, extremism, and - in the worst cases - unrest and violence. One might have thought that, by how, more than fifty years after the end of World War II, our European welfare societies would have achieved a state of affairs, where fear was eradicated and harmonious relations would prevail. However, this is, regrettably, not quite the case, as we see time and again. Just as majority populations in Europe have harboured strong prejudice against the Jewish people, many are now equally prejudiced against Muslims. It is alarming, that in many EU member countries, political parties have risen to parliamentary prominence with programmes based on xenophobia. One has reason to be alert, especially in case their inflammatory agitation against the presence of Muslims in Europe begin to influence legislation and political decision-making. And the prejudice is mutual, unfortunately. As Minister for Trade, I have visited many Muslim countries like Morocco, Tunisia, Egypt, Oman, Saudi Arabia, Syria and Jordan, just to mention a few. And I know that a lot remains to be done in terms of overcoming misconceptions and misunderstandings between us, e.g. as regards the meaning and purpose of human rights, of gender equality, and of democracy. However, there is a limit to what governments can do, proactively. Positive action by Muslims themselves, and by sympathetic civil society, can exert influence on public opinion more effectively than legislative measures. A fine example is the topic of today's seminar: how young Swedish Muslims - equally conscious and equally proud of their national and religious identities - have initiated the project "Muslim Peace Agents" and begun to launch a number of bridge-building, educational events all over Sweden. These Muslim Peace Agents have to overcome several obstacles, however. One such obstacle is the suspicion among many North Europeans against openly professed and clearly articulated religious faith. Some people go so far as to claim that religion causes more violence and suffering than poverty or natural disasters do. They refer to war in the name of God, to religious extremist terrorist groups, to antagonisms between adherents of the same religion, and so on. But there are others who argue that the world's great religious traditions all carry a common message to humanity: of justice, peace and reconciliation. In other words: practised correctly, every religion is a path to peace. Mohandas Gandhi, who with his ideology of self-restraint and non-violence led India's struggle for independence from colonial rule, went even further. He said: "There is no way to peace. Peace is the way". Today - after two World Wars, genocides with religious connotations, and many devastating armed conflicts - we can see that people from different religions have built global peace networks, such as the World Conference of Religions for Peace (WCRP) and the International Fellowship of Reconciliation (IFOR), both of which have member organisations in Sweden. We may also regard the United Nations as an international peace movement, where disarmament and common security issues have been on the agenda from the very beginning. It is therefore logical that religious groups - or faith-based organisations (FBO's) as they are called in UN-speak - have become increasingly involved in different sectors of the international community's activities. One example is the Forum for Faith-Based Organisations, which was launched by the UNFPA in October 2008. The launch took place in Istanbul, attended by representatives of all the major religions: Hindus, Buddhists, Jews, Christians, Muslims, Sikhs and Baha'is. Interregional UNFPA meetings are now organised on a regular basis together with religious leaders as well as various NGO's, for instance the forum for Europe and Central Asia (in Minsk in August 2009). Another interreligious programme - primarily between Christians and Muslims - is co-ordinated by UNESCO. The aim there is to encourage producers of school textbooks to give a fairer image of "The Other"- or of each other - for example, the image of Islam and Muslims in Swedish and German history books, or the image of Europeans in Arabic textbooks and teaching materials. In July 2008, the Muslim World League organised a major inter-religious conference in Madrid, and invited not only those sometimes called the Children of Abraham; Jews, Christians and Muslims - but also Buddhists and Hindus. There have since then been several sequels to that conference, most recently in Geneva, end of September this year. On 12-13 November 2008, the UN General Assembly, at the request of Saudi Arabia, dedicated two whole days to discussions on how religion and politics can co-operate to fulfil the purpose of the UN: peace and common security for all the peoples of the world. The theme was 'Culture of Peace' and the speakers were not only heads of state, politicians and diplomats, but also religious leaders, including Sheikh Tantawi from al-Azhar in Cairo and Cardinal Tauran from the Vatican. There is, nowadays, a permanent platform for such discussions, namely the Alliance of Civilizations, a network launched in 2006, under the umbrella of the UN. The Alliance now comprises of more than 90 nations and 18 international partner organisations, and promises to be an important tool for resolving intercultural and interreligious clashes, which lie beyond the scope of international law and regular political bodies such as the UN Security Council. All of this may seem far removed from the local reality of European suburbs. But in fact it is precisely the opposite. Because those who think globally must, nevertheless, act locally. International solidarity is about the commitment, sacrifices and perseverance of individuals in their own daily life. It is against this background that I view the project "Muslim Peace Agents" and the new NGO, 'Swedish Muslims for Peace and Justice'. They offer a testimony to the will of the younger generation to systematically tackle major and difficult challenges. Moreover, this Muslim peace movement sets a good example to the entire Muslim world, since its members come from both Sunni and Shi'a families. It deserves mentioning that the Muslim peace movement has established close co-operation with the Swedish branch of the International Fellowship of Reconciliation; the Christian Peace Movement. It is a welcome confirmation that peacemakers from different backgrounds can work together towards a common overall goal. In the same tone, it was together with the Christian Educational Association SENSUS, that Swedish Muslims launched the bold 'Muslim Peace Agents' project in June 2006 - right at a time when the division between Western and Islamic culture appeared to be deeper than ever before. It was only a few months after the Swedish Embassy in Damascus had been burnt down - one of many violent reactions among Muslims to the so-called "cartoon crisis". I am impressed with the way young Swedish Muslims have breathed new life into what is sometimes called the 'Swedish model', not only by establishing a Muslim peace movement but also a Muslim study association, Ibn Rushd - a name that is closely linked with the rich cultural heritage that unites people north and south of the Mediterranean. Dear colleagues and friends, it is my hope today, that we shall be able to inspire similar projects in other EU member countries. There can be no doubt as to the need for such initiatives. Rest assured, that we in Sweden, are ready to co-operate and to share our experiences with you. At the same time, we know that in the field of interfaith and intercultural dialogue there is a wealth of experience in your countries - and, indeed, considerable expertise here in Brussels - from which we are eager to learn and profit. We have yet to chisel out the modalities of a project aiming at training European Peace Agents over the next few years. However, our goal here and now is to set this process in motion. Every generation has its challenges. The message of peace must be expressed anew so as to reach people in the present day. I believe that the Muslim Peace Agents have a special vocation to promote the idea of peace among their contemporaries in Europe, on both local and national level, among Muslim youth as well as others. They can do this being deeply rooted in their Muslim faith and in their respective European societies. This makes them uniquely equipped to build bridges and bring peace. Thank you!

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)

Speech The conference "Climate change, Trade and Standardisation - in a developement perspective", Swedish Standard Institute, Stockholm 23 November 2009 Ewa Björling, Minister for Trade Speech by Ewa Björling at the conference "Climate change, Trade and Standardisation - in a developement perspective" Check against delivery

Ladies and gentlemen, friends, I am very pleased to be here today, and to welcome you all to this timely event: "Climate Change, Trade and Standardisation - in a development perspective". I would like to express my appreciation to the Swedish Standards Institute for hosting the conference, and to the Swedish National Board of Trade for their support. The world has recently experienced the most severe economic crisis since the 1930's. The difficult global economic situation is an urgent and immediate challenge, which could and probably will, have long term effects. Governments have responded to this challenge by implementing far- reaching stimulus measures, and by enhanced international economic cooperation. An open international trading system is at the heart of the globalised economy, and a key element in the current recovery process. The fears of many that the crisis would result in wide-spread and far-reaching protectionist policies has, all in all, thankfully not come true. Even though we have seen some outbreaks of trade disturbing measures, the worst has been contained. The international community must continue to stand firm in the face of the pressure from protectionism and economic nationalism. What the world economy needs right now, more then ever, is further multilateral trade liberalisations. An ambitious conclusion of the Doha Development Round should be our top priority in this context. It would offer all WTO members substantial economic gains, but it would particularly benefit developing countries, which as a group have been worst affected by the crisis. A conclusion of the round would significantly reduce the scope to raise trade barriers in the future, and it would send a clear message that the world wants more free trade, not less. Talking about crisis, the world is in parallel with the economic slowdown, as you know, also facing a more long term challenge - that of combating the climate change. I'm convinced that trade is an important part of the response to this challenge as well. Environmental concerns have been a top priority for Swedish Governments, at least since the first UN Conference on the Human Environment was arranged in Stockholm in 1972. More than thirty years have passed since then, and we still face many environmental problems that we have to address. The climate change is one of the major environmental challenges of our time. And it is vital that the international community makes strong efforts to reach a deal on how to tackle the climate challenge in Copenhagen in December. Global problems can only be solved by global solutions. I am convinced that we can strive for economic growth, and at the same time reduce emissions. Sweden has shown that this is possible, and we will continue to do so. Since 1990 the Swedish emissions have decreased with 9 per cent, and our economy have grown with 48 per cent. This has not been a quick fix. It has been made possible by setting long term goals, developing new technologies, raising awareness among our citizens and so forth. A number of tools, such as taxes, incentive programmes, product standards and market based instruments, have been used in the pursuit of a more sustainable development. The power of the consumer is, as we all know, large. And companies, consumers and environmental organizations have for many years consequently expressed an interest in labels on products to display the effects on the environment. Trade policy could and should contribute in a constructive way to the overall efforts in the climate area. Trade liberalisations as such can have a positive effect by promoting the economic growth needed to finance climate actions. Open and competitive global markets also spur innovation and technological progress. And technology is, off course, a key element in moving towards a low-carbon economy. Trade policy can also make a more direct contribution to the climate challenge by stimulating trade and investments in climate-friendly goods and services - making these products more accessible and affordable on a global scale. This is why we should remove as many trade barriers in this field as we can. The prospects of global markets, instead of local or regional markets, will also provide incentives for firms to invest in R&D. But there is also another side to the trade and climate issue that shouldn't be forgotten. The OECD among others have warned of the emerging risks of "green protectionism". Going forward, it is important that the response to climate change does not result in new trade barriers. On the contrary, effective climate solutions are most likely to emerge under free trade conditions. The trading system has - to an extent - successfully reduced traditional trade restrictions such as tariffs and quotas. The focus has therefore increasingly shifted to non-tariff barriers. Many developing countries have expressed concerns that the increased number of standards and technical regulations, including labelling- and certification schemes, is hampering their export opportunities. I share this concern. At the same time, companies in developed countries are increasingly aware of the desire from consumers to buy from "greener "companies. As a result, we are seeing a growing demand from businesses for knowledge and technology to make production and products more climate friendly. New climate related standards - both national and international, public and private - are evolving rapidly to assist businesses in this work. There has literally been an explosion of carbon-related product and service activites in the marketplace. Globally, there are already around 200 initiatives for different types of climate labelling and climate declarations schemes. They are initiated by government agencies, multinational and national corporations, business organizations and NGO's. A major trade restriction for developing countries, but also for small and medium-sized enterprises in developed countries, is the lack of institutional and technical capacity to handle the variety of these standards, certification and labelling schemes. The problems are often practical in nature. It can be about the identification of which standards are needed for a certain market. How to get access to and pay for the technology that is required to comply with the standard. Or, how to demonstrate that the product actually fulfils the requirements. So - how do we assure that the growing use of climate related standards does not result in new trade barriers? The harmonisation of existing national standards, certification- and labelling schemes, or the development of new international schemes, can contribute to avoiding unnecessary trade restrictions. That is why I have initiated a Swedish project on climate related standards from a trade and development perspective. I believe that international standards in general - and their use in technical regulations on products, production methods, and services - plays an important role in facilitating trade through the promotion of safety, quality and technical compatibility. Thus, international standards can be thought of as providing a common language for traders. The benefits that are derived are significant. International standards facilitate trade and improve efficiency in production. The general view that international standards can promote trade is empirically supported. The OECD, among others, has shown that about 80 percent of all trade is affected by standards. Consequently, it should be more efficient if we have one internationally agreed standard, rather than many differing standards These facts can also be applied to international climate standards. International standards in the climate area should in the same way be used as a "common language", and in that way act as a catalyst for trade. Climate standards could help to spread climate friendly knowledge and technology, support innovation, enhance knowledge in climate friendly technology, increase market opportunities and, in the long run, boost economic growth and welfare. Our Swedish experiences over the years have learnt us that there are important benefits in participating in the international standardisation process. Among other things, an active participation ensures that national priorities and circumstances are reflected in international standards. Participation in the development of the global standards can also provide a forum for exchange of technical information with representatives from international industrial and scientific organisations. This is something valuable in itself. Unfortunately, the international standardisation process tends to be dominated by OECD-countries. Their needs are consequently more closely reflected in international standards. I am convinced that developing countries have a great potential to compete on the global market for climate related products and services. This potential must be utilised, and should not be hampered by the inability to influence the design of a standard, and thus the inability to use international standards. In January 2008, the Swedish government therefore launched a project in order to strengthen developing countries' opportunities to increased trade with climate friendly goods and services, by means of international standards. One purpose is to support developing countries that wants to participate in the development of the ISO standard on carbon footprints. The goal of the project in this regard is to enable developing countries to take an active part in the development of the standard, by influencing the content right from the start. Moreover, we are currently examining the possibilities for a long-term-program. Such a program would encompass the ISO carbon footprint standardisation work. But it would also carry on after the completion of the standard, by offering different tools such as needs assessments, establishing quality infrastructure, raising awareness, training-the-trainers and best practice conferences. The aim is to create ownership and effective application of the carbon footprint standard. I hope that our conference here today will provide a valuable opportunity to exchange views and ideas on the issues I have mentioned. And that it can help to strengthen your countries' opportunities to increased trade with climate friendly goods and services by the means of international standards. I am certain that you will find these three days fruitful, and I hope that this conference can act as a catalyst for the further so much needed work on standardisation in the climate field. Once again, welcome !

Speech Swedish Indian Defence seminar, New Dehli 23 November 2009 Ewa Björling, Minister for Trade Speech by Dr Ewa Bjorling at the Swedish Indian Defence seminar Check against delivery

Distinguished Participants and Guests, Ladies and Gentlemen, Related It is a great pleasure for me to have the opportunity to make some comments on the occasion of the seminar on Artikel: Ewa Björling i India Sweden Defence Partnership "Forging Alliances". bilateralt möte med Indien I am very pleased to have the opportunity to meet with such a distinguished group, representing the most important and valued contacts for the Swedish companies here today - Kockums, SAAB, BAE Systems, Volvo and Ericsson. Sweden has for decades been non-aligned located between NATO and the Warsaw Pact. To be trustworthy we had to develop and build our own defence system. We had to spend a lot on research and development and set aside substantial resources in order to keep a standard that was technologically on par with what other countries had. That is why we still today have a state of the art defence system. The challenge of today is to manage risks, threats and vulnerabilities that are different in character. We need different strategies for prevention, preparedness, response and recovery. The traditional goals of ensuring territorial integrity and national sovereignty must therefore be complemented with securing critical functions in society. Societies are dependent on safe, secure, and efficient flows of goods, services, capital, people, and electronic signals. If critical functions such as transportation, energy, health-care systems, food security, communications, and financial systems are debilitated - either by an intentional act of terrorism, an accident, or through a natural disaster- it will have severe consequences for everyone in society. It is crucial that a shared approach is taken by all of us, as societal vulnerabilities are amplified by globalisation, interconnected technological systems, and an ever-faster pace of innovation and evolution of science and technology. In an interconnected world, no nation can isolate itself from events, as consequences can easily spread over jurisdictional and geographical borders. In essence, there is a merger of the domestic and the international arenas. Nations are moving towards regional and global webs of dependencies and interdependencies. While it still matters what a neighbouring nation does, increasingly, what happens on the other side of the globe may be just as consequential. In Europe, we continue to evolve the European Union. With the Lisbon Treaty, we will also get new instruments and institutions to develop the common foreign and security policies. Much has been done in that respect. We have launched 28 European Security and Defence Policy (ESDP) missions in different parts of the world. The most demanding today is probably the forces that we have in Chad and the Central African Republic, in order to protect the humanitarian efforts of the UN and others. An ESDP mission was also crucial in implementing the peace agreement in Aceh in Indonesia a couple of years ago. We are building up increasingly important rule of law missions in areas such as Palestine, Afghanistan and Iraq. More must come. We are, with the new treaty soon entering into force, aiming at a Europe which is far more of a voice and an actor on the global stage. This also applies in our relationship with India. I do consider this to be one of our strategically most important relationships in the decades ahead. On paper, of course, there is strategic partnership between India and the European Union, since the summit between India and the European Union in The Hague in November 2005. India and the European Union are the two largest democracies in the world. We are multi ethnic, multi religious and multi regional to a higher degree than any other major political entity around the globe. We share a pluralistic, secular and democratic framework that defines the values that are important also in our respective relationships with the rest of the world. Both India and the European Union give priority to the shaping of a peaceful environment for our respective political, economic and social developments. Both of us do it in neighbourhoods that are not always ideal from that particular point of view. Increasingly, we must recognise that these neighbourhoods that we are concerned with are the same neighbourhoods: the areas in between India and the European Union. We look here at the threats that we are facing. The threat of fragile, failing or failed states. The emergence of areas of lawlessness and chaos. The rise of fundamentalists and terrorism. The risk of a true clash of religions and civilisations, as well as clashes within religions and civilisations. The challenges of energy supply and energy security. The risks that lie in a further proliferation of nuclear weapons and other weapons of mass destruction. All of these issues are of profound global concern. They lie in the regions between India and the European Union. It is an area of concern to us, from the political, economic and security point of view. It is an area where the common interests and common values of India and the European Union make for a strong common interest in the search for lasting solutions and enduring stability. These, and many more, are issues where I believe India and the European Union share common interests and common ideas. There are strong reasons to seek to develop the strategic partnership further. In this age, of the accelerating globalisation, there is a need to look at strategic relationships across the world in order to safeguard our interests and to secure our values. A stronger relationship between India, as it emerges as an increasingly important and democratic power, and the European Union as it now consolidates its institution for its common and foreign security policies is, in my opinion, clearly called for. In the defence field, Sweden and India have participated in many international peace-keeping activities together. It shows that both of us share the same kind of responsibilities when there are conflicts that must be solved. A recent example is the mission, in accordance with United Nations Security Council Resolutions, to contribute to the deterrence and repression of acts of piracy and armed robbery off the Somali coast. We must also engage to secure a stable Afghanistan, and to understand that this will require our sustained commitment for many years to come. Building peace, as we should have learnt by now, is somewhat more complex than just winning a war. Recent steps to increase the coherence of the international efforts in the country are therefore most welcome. The industrial and commercial relations between India and Sweden are impressively strong and vital. Our business co-operation goes back almost 100 years. Many Swedish companies - such as Sandvik, Atlas Copco, SKF, Alfa Laval, Ericsson, Tetra Pak, Volvo, have a long history of trade and co-operation with India. Several of them also have production here. Since the early days of our business relations, India has not only developed into a large economy in the world but has also become one of Sweden's most important business partners. It goes without saying that also for my government, India is an excellent partner. We have had and continue to have successful co-operation in many fields since we established diplomatic relations in 1948. Personally, I am convinced that there is plenty of room for even deeper and closer co-operation between Sweden and India, in several fields. Both nations are global leaders in a number of industrial and technological fields. We share a passion for innovation and we spend substantial resources on research and development. One specific area in which I believe we have great potential to further our co-operation is the defence sector. As you know, Sweden has some outstanding systems, technologies and products that we would be happy to continue to share with India and - given the interest and the possibilities - also to develop together. Today, we will focus on exciting areas which I am sure could be of interest in India, namely defence technologies for the future, including naval, army and air defence systems. When our governments have signed the MoU concerning co-operation in the field of defence it will be an excellent platform for co-operation between our armed forces within mutually beneficial areas. Sweden is not seeking a buyer, but a strategic partner for long-term co-operation also for future air defence and industrial development. That would serve as a guarantor for independence instead of relying on a single partner. I hope that you will find today's presentations interesting and that this seminar could be the start of an intensified dialogue and co-operation between Sweden and India in the defence industry sector. Later, my State Secretary will elaborate on how Sweden can transfer its technologies in the field we are here to discuss today. Thank you!

Speech The American chamber of commerce, Sweden 18 March 2009 Ewa Björling, Minister for Trade The present challenges for trade between USA, EU and Sweden (Check against delivery)

Ladies and Gentlemen, dear friends, Thank you so much for the opportunity to discuss some very important issues with you here this morning. The questions that I would like to raise concerning transatlantic trade and the rise of economic nationalism and protectionism are more crucial than for a very long time. It is hard to overstate the serious developments that the global economy is facing today. It seems clear that global GDP will decline this year for the first time since World War II, with growth at least 5 percentage points below potential according to the World Bank. At the same time, world trade is on track to register its largest decline in 80 years, with the sharpest losses in East Asia as a consequence of falling volumes, price declines, and currency depreciation. The boost to international trade that could result from the EU and the US working together to promote deregulation and liberalisation of international trade would be substantial, and very much needed in this present time of crisis. At the same time, should we fail, and the world be thrown into a true anti-globalization "race to the bottom", the blow to the already ravaged world economy would be hard. More protectionism and isolationism would most certainly prolong the current crisis, just as similar measures did in the 1930s. During last year's presidential election campaigns in the US, some things that were said on the campaign trail made me very concerned and troubled. When Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama were competing, most notably in the Midwest, they seemed to be challenging each other in being most sceptical about globalisation and about NAFTA and other free trade agreements. Both Senator Clinton and Senator, now President, Obama actually accused their opponent of saying nice things about the NAFTA free trade agreement especially. For me this was more than a little bit strange. In Sweden, as you know, we would probably do the opposite and accuse each others of being protectionists.

At that time there were many people who said that you shouldn't take this too seriously. That it was mostly rhetoric and that after the elections the sort of things that we heard from the Democrats wouldn't mean all that much. I was hoping that this was true, of course, but considering what was at stake, I kept worrying. I don't think that anyone was expecting that trade policy would top the agenda when Barack Obama took office. And as you know, he had some trouble in getting both the United States Trade representative and the Secretary of Commerce in place. But it now seems clear that both Ron Kirk, the nominated United States Trade Representative, and Gary Lock, the nominated Secretary of Commerce, stand a good chance of actually taking office. Fingers crossed. And today we know more of what to expect. Now that things are getting clearer, there is, it seems, some good news and some bad. One issue that made a lot of us fear that the suspicions we had during the campaign were justified was the Buy American provisions discussed earlier this year as a part of a huge US stimulus proposal. As you know, the EU threatened to retaliate if the US went ahead with this, and you could almost hear the dramatic drums beating as the threat of a trade war grew stronger. Then Mr Obama intervened with a strong statement saying, quote: "I agree that we can't send a protectionist message [...] I want to see what kind of language we can work on this issue. I think it would be a mistake, though, at a time when worldwide trade is declining, for us to start sending a message that somehow we're just looking after ourselves and not concerned with world trade." The same message echoed when Obama visited Canada in mid-February. He then told reporters that: "one of the most important things [in confronting the global financial crisis]is that each country does not resort to protectionist policies." However, the stimulus package was passed with the Buy Americans provisions included, but alongside a text saying that the US should not break any international agreements. One could agree with Frank Vargo from the US-based National Association of Manufacturers who has said that "The Buy American fight was instructive [...] Despite very strong support for Buy American by labor and sympathy in Congress, the White House said we have to stick by our agreements." This is good, of course, for a free-trader. On the other hand, it would have been a lot better and much clearer if the provisions had been cut out. As things stand today, the threat of a trade war is still there, although the immediate risk has - I hope - passed. The Buy American conflict was important as a way of clarifying certain key issues, and it seems like the same sort of pragmatism is characterising other part of the Obama administration's trade agenda as well. I would assume that the administration is trying to balance between some very strong interests. And I can imagine that it isn't an easy thing to keep labour, industry and voters happy at the same time. Even though I am, of course, convinced that in the end, everyone would benefit from a clear free trade agenda. But be that as is may, voters in the US are clearly divided. According to a Gallup survey in early February, 47 percent of the American voters think hat international trade is a threat to the economy while 44 percent call it an opportunity. This split combined with some of the trade-sceptical promises that Mr Obama made in campaign, combined with a will to solve the economic crisis, puts him in a position that I don't envy. I just hope that he has the will and the strength to do what is right. The broader picture cleared a little just the other day when the USTR presented the annual report to Congress on the 2009 trade policy agenda. From that report we learned that the administration wants to move "relatively quickly" on the bilateral free trade agreement with Panama and "establish benchmarks" for progress on the FTAs with Colombia and South Korea. On the North American Free Trade Agreement the president intends to identify ways that the agreement can be improved "without having an adverse impact on trade". Additionally, the administration says that it wants to move ahead with the ongoing WTO Doha Round. The report says that: "A strong, market-opening agreement for both goods and services in the WTO's Doha Round negotiations would be an important contribution to addressing the global economic crisis, as part of the effort to restore trade's role in leading economic growth and development. The Administration is committed to working with our trading partners for such an outcome." This is music to my ears, since I see the Doha Round as the first, second and third priority on the international trade agenda. But even though the report puts this nicely, there are some reservations, quote: "However, it will be necessary to correct the imbalance in the current negotiations in which the value of what the United States would be expected to give is well-known and easily calculable, whereas the broad flexibilities available to others leaves unclear the value of new opportunities for our workers, farmers, ranchers, and businesses." This unfortunately blurs the picture once again. It is good to know that the Obama administration is still committed to fulfilling the Doha Round. But a commitment only goes so far. It takes more than that to make more than 150 countries agree on something as vast and complicated. It takes courage, vision and a will to sit down at the table and compromise. I have no objections to the ambition to clarify things, but I really do hope that this is not just a way of trying to get out of, or delay, the deal. Quickly getting the new US administration on board on the Doha Round negotiations is essential. We are doing what we can to convince the new US administration to make open markets, free trade and a rapid conclusion of the Doha Round their top priorities. And I really hope that the G20 meeting in London in April will provide further clarity on the positions of the Obama administration. Personally, I am an optimist at heart. I still believe that a deal is within reach. And substantial economic gains, as I said before, are at stake. In fact, the Doha Round would entail the most important liberalisation of global trade in history. It involves deeply restructuring farm support in the developed world and opening markets in agriculture, manufacturing and services. An agreement would also mean an important opportunity to better integrate emerging economies such as China, India and Brazil into the multilateral system. These countries are already key players in the world economy and we need to tie them closer into the rule-based WTO system. Furthermore, a failure to reach an agreement would discourage new members from joining the WTO. Russia is one major economy that Sweden would like to welcome as a new member. This weekend the G20 finance ministers met in England to prepare for the major summit at the beginning of April on how to tackle the economic downturn. Even though no clear settlement on whether to prioritize market regulations or new stimulus plans could be reached, the statement concerning protectionism was clear: "We ... are prepared to take whatever action is necessary until growth is restored. We commit to fight all forms of protectionism and maintain open trade and investment," the statement said. This is an important signal to the world, and an important commitment for the G20 countries themselves. One should remember though, that there was a G20 meeting in November last year when a similar statement was made and protectionism was rejected. Since then, according to one survey, 17 of the G20 countries have enacted measures that threaten to distort trade. This shows the importance of some sort of monitoring of the measures taken by countries to fight the crisis, and of agreements that go further then solemn statements. One important initiative has been taken by Pascal Lamy, the WTO chairman, who has formed a "task force" within the organization to monitor, among other things, government bailouts of banks and the car sector, which he fears could trigger trade disputes over their impact on competition. I really welcome this initiative, and I think that it could be a good thing if other organizations got engaged in similar activities. The IMF, for example, could have an important role to fill. Watching out for protectionism in the bailout programs and different sort of stimulus packages is not the only trade challenge, even though it surely is one of the most urgent and most threatening. One issue that should be watched closely is the calls for "fair trade", or as it was put in the USTR report I mentioned earlier "the social accountability and political transparency of trade policy". "Fair trade" is not a bad thing by definition, but there is a risk of it being used to conceal protectionism if used in the wrong way. Therefore we should be on the alert when we hear people talking about making demands about 'labour rights' or 'social dimensions' of trade deals. Not because we oppose these goals - of course not! As a matter of fact, trade is one of the best ways of promoting values of this kind. Trade makes people less poor, or more rich, which in turn makes them more inclined to demand and work for social and human rights. But all too often we see this sort of call from certain interest groups whose primary interest is to get protection from foreign competition, rather than to promote human rights abroad. However, I don't believe that this will be a big obstacle to transatlantic trade. In Europe we do take human rights quite seriously. But another priority from the Obama administration might be a little more risky, the "tougher enforcement of existing trade laws". This could be both a good thing and a bad one. If it means that the US will work harder against so called Non-Trade Barriers - NTBs - I fully support it. One of the strongest reasons for concluding the Doha Round is to make the rules better and clearer. For one thing this would hopefully make some of the conflicts in the WTO easier (and quicker!) to settle. However, if this is used instead as an excuse to launch more cases at the WTO, to make accusations against China or other emerging markets for manipulating their currencies, or any other moves that don't benefit trade but make it harder. Then we have a problem. A third threat that I see is that the climate issue is being used to promote concealed protectionism. Already, the calls for protection against countries where environmental laws aren't as strong as in the West are growing stronger. Some industries sees it as unfair competition when regulation is strengthened. These aren't simple questions to deal with, and the climate summit in Copenhagen this winter will surely be a hard nut to crack. But I am convinced that the only way of moving forward constructively is to use free trade as a means of promoting a better environment. I have already raised the suggestion that we should eliminate all tariffs on green technologies. This would benefit our economies and the climate, without putting economic growth at risk. I could go on for a long time mentioning threats and opportunities, often in the same breath as there seem to be two sides of the coin a lot of times. But I will try to wrap things up now, by answering some of the questions that you saw on the invitation to this breakfast. How do we fight the rising dangers of economic nationalism and protectionism? By concluding the Doha Round. And, while trying to make that happen, by keeping to the existing rules and making sure that no new barriers to trade or distortions to trade are established. How big is the risk for a trade war between the EU and the US? Not as big as it seemed a few month ago, but nothing can be ruled out yet. We really should step carefully. What is the best way of strengthening the transatlantic trade relationship? Once again, I would have to pick the Doha Round as my first choice. Tariffs on goods aren't that high, but we could do a lot when it comes to investments, services and rules, to name some areas. This could be achieved in many ways, partly through existing forms of cooperation, through sectoral agreements or, eventually if nothing else works, through a new free trade agreement. But first of all, I really think that we should try the global way, the Doha Round, if that wasn't clear. The transatlantic economic relationship between the EU and the US is the largest and most important in the world. For a long time it has played a major role in promoting prosperity on both sides of the Atlantic. We have had our difficulties. But we must never forget that the things that unite us are just so much stronger than those that separate us, and that we need each other now more then perhaps ever before. Finally I would just want to say this: Today, during an economic downturn whose like hasn't been seen in 70 years, it is easy to lose track of what really matters. Everything is big; stimulus packages worth billions of dollars, trade deals that affect billions of people and regulations that affect billions of people. How can we keep in touch with the person on the street, who - at the end of the day - this is actually all about. When the wheels turn faster and faster, it gets more and more important to remember this. For me, free trade and globalisation are about making the world smaller, opportunities greater and life better. To increase the personal and economic freedom of each and every individual. One great leader has given us a good benchmark to see whether what we are actually doing is promoting these values. President Ronald Reagan, in 1981, asked this question, which is as true today as it was then. And I can't think of any better way to wrap this speech up. He said: "We always must ask: Is government working to liberate and empower the individuals? Is it creating incentives for people to produce, save invest, and profit from legitimate risks and honest toil? Is it encouraging all of us to reach for the stars? Or does it seek to compel, command, and coerce people into submission and dependence? Ask these questions, because no matter where you look today, you will see that development depends on economic freedom." 2008

Speech the seminar "Europe of the Health Consumer" 13 November 2008 Ewa Björling, Minister for Trade Presentation by Swedish Minister for Trade, Dr Ewa Björling at the seminar "Europe of the Health Consumer"

Check against delivery Ladies and gentlemen, I am honoured to be invited here today to speak about HIV, or more specifically HIV, Corporate Social Responsibility and Trade. As Sweden's Minister for Trade, I have an overall responsibility for trade promotion and international trade policy within the Swedish government. And I am firmly convinced that the world needs more free trade, in particular in these times of economic turbulence. Trade policy and the promotion of trade and investment build on this perspective. This means that we work at all levels to improve the conditions for free trade throughout the world. And our promotion activities are intended to put companies, and especially small and medium-sized enterprises, in a better position to benefit from the opportunities offered by globalisation. I am also the minister responsible for Corporate Social Responsbility, CSR. The promotion of CSR is an important link between two cornerstones of Swedish policy; a free trade policy and a foreign and development policy that strongly emphasize the importance of human rights and a sustainable global development. CSR is about establishing a level of responsibility in business as defined in the principles of the UN Global Compact and the OECD Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises. Such ambitious multi-sectoral initiatives encourage thousands of companies to work systematically with these questions. CSR is a voluntary undertaking and rightly so. It is business-owned and business-driven. CSR is primarily not about adopting regulations or "codes of conduct". It is about adopting values and management systems that take advantage of the potential for growth that comes with caring for the employees, the consumers and the environment. The concept of CSR is nothing new. Historically companies have invested in the employees and the environment in ways we today would describe as CSR. This was sound business decisions because they increased the companies' competitiveness and was conducive to growth. I saw a contemporary example of this in Johannesburg three weeks ago. The management at Sandvik was very outspoken about HIV at the workplace. They have to invest in their employees health, in order to protect their investment in the education and training of their employees. The current focus on CSR has developed primarily as a response to the failure of governments or regulations in many parts of the world to solve basic problems concerning human rights, environmental protection, core labour standards and corruption. Today it is widely recognized that there is a clear business case for behaving responsibly and setting good examples. Many companies see the implementation of business codes and practices not as short-term costs but as long-term investments. Failing to act responsibly makes it harder to attract skilled staff and to sell products and services. There is an obvious link between CSR and HIV/AIDS, this global challenge that is one of the most urgent threats to mankind. In many parts of the world the companies, as employers, are the best suited to inform about HIV/AIDS. The companies are also important stakeholder in when it comes to combating HIV and AIDS. For me, as a Swedish Cabinet Minister, it is absolutely clear that the fight against HIV and AIDS must stay high on the political agenda, both in the industrialized world, and in the most affected countries, for instance in Sub-Saharan Africa. Therefore, HIV and AIDS must continue to be a top priority in the dialogue and co-operation, and we should all strive to do more, and better. At the global arena leaders have taken on this responsibility through the adoption of the Universal Access to prevention, treatment and care program. But this is not a struggle that can, or should, be fought only by politicians. Or even by doctors. All actors are needed in the fight. The role of the private sector is key in this struggle. It is also not a struggle that can be fought only on foreign soil. HIV is already an issue in the industrialized world and we must have a discussion at home as well. This is one reason why I welcome initiatives like the Health Consumer Powerhouse Euro HIV index. I believe it is important for every country to know its HIV status, and I hope that the index can be helpful in this regard. I hope that organisations like Health Consumer PowerHouse and others can deliver comprehensive, unbiased and independent information on, inter alia, HIV and AIDS. Such information lies at the very foundation of successful policies nationally, in Europe and globally. Combatting HIV and AIDS is about long term commitments and sustainable financing. And it is about leadership. Politicians and other leaders in society need to take full responsibility to alleviate human suffering, increase respect for human rights, improve the efficiency of preventive work and increase access to care and treatment. Leaders in the private sector can play a crucial role in all this. In supporting their own employees and their families, but also in taking part in regional and global events where HIV and AIDS is high on the agenda. For about 33 million people all over the world HIV or AIDS is part of their daily life. Therefore it must also be a part of our daily discussions; in schools, at the workplace and everywhere people meet to talk. The role of civil society is essential and the active and meaningful participation by people living with HIV and AIDS is key. I hope that all countries in the world recognize the strength in such a joint collaboration. Ladies and Gentlemen, As was said in the introduction, I have a past in HIV research. I know that the only way to conquer an infection like HIV is through research, prevention and health care. Research to find a vaccine and health care to bring the vaccine to the infected. Equally important is the distribution of antivirals and information to those concerned. This brings me to the subject of life science and health care industry. The life science sector and health care are very rapidly growing markets around the world. Within the EU we have an innovative climate, world- leading research and major concentration of institutions. Sweden is one example. Our hospitals have strong links between day-to-day health care and basic research which is a key factor in medical research. Regardless of country, it is from research and entrepreneurship that the future successful companies in the life-science sector will grow. In many cases these companies are so specialized that a national home market is far too small. This poses challenges for us as politicians on a European level. The obvious way ahead is to regard the EU as the home market. We need to formulate European policies in such a way as to promote export from day one. Thus we, literally many of us here today, has to combine forces within a European context to further enhance the common market in the health care and life science sectors. If we want European companies to be globally successful exporters of health care, we need national policies that encourage entrepreneurs in the health care sector. We need policies that allow the private health care industry to grow and prosper. From a national perspective, we have to organise our health care in such a way that entrepreneurs are encouraged to start companies. These start-ups must be allowed to grow in an environment where they can reach the size necessary to be able to take the step onto the export market. I must admit that Sweden does not have the best track record on this. Due to traditional public monopolies, the health-care sector lag behind others sectors in Sweden. We have to co-operate on a broad front to promote greater international co-operation, competitiveness, development, exports, imports and foreign investment in the sector. We can do so by promoting free trade and combating barriers to trade, and by actively promoting the internationalisation of the health care and life sciences sectors. There is also a need for special action to promote trade and investment. Research companies need to meet other researchers and stakeholders. The medical supply sector has many small and medium-sized enterprises that need support and assistance to grow through internationalisation. The same applies to the medical technology industry and to health care. If health care companies are to develop internationally, they need well-functioning markets and stable rules. EU Member States are working to complete the internal market, with free movement for goods, people, capital and, not least, services. The Services Directive is being implemented in Member States and is intended to make it easier for services companies to operate in other member countries. However, as you are aware, health care services have been exempted from the Services Directive. This summer the Commission adopted a draft directive on patient rights in cross-border health care, known as the Patient Mobility Directive. One intention of the Directive is to develop the internal market by clarifying the legal position regarding the right of patients to be reimbursed for planned health care in other EU countries. I welcome this initiative, which will make it easier for individuals seeking health care in another EU country by establishing clearer rules and ensuring patients more information and guidance about the conditions applying to cross-border health care. This will put patients in a stronger position and reinforce their ability to claim their rights under the EC Treaty. In the event that more patients make use of their right to cross-border health care, the Directive also makes it easier for health care companies that want to expand internationally and/or provide health care services for people in other EU countries. However, the right of health care companies to establish a business or provide temporary services in other Member States merits renewed attention. Health care companies and patients have a lot to gain from the EU opening up this sector. In order to reach this target, Sweden is currently looking at the potential of opening the Swedish market for foreign service providers within the two sectors medical analysis services and occupational health and safety services, and I would encourage you all to do the same. Ladies and Gentlemen, To conclude this presentation, I believe that Europe has a lot to offer when it comes to health care and life science. Through a committed, but always business-driven, work on CSR the struggle against HIV/AIDS can take on new dimensions and hopefully save more people all over the World to remain healthy or even from being infected. Based on the high standard of the health care in Europe and common and national policies that are supportive to entrepreneurs and trade, European companies will be in a good position when it comes to improve health care, both in a general context but also more specifically when it comes to HIV and AIDS. Thank you

Speech Conference on Access to Modern Energy in Sub Saharan Africa 13 October 2008 Ewa Björling, Minister for Trade Speech by Ewa Björling at a conference on Access to Modern Energy in Sub Saharan Africa

Excellencies, Honourable Guests, Ladies and Gentlemen. It is a great honour and true pleasure for me to address so many distinguished guests on this important occasion. I would like to extend a special welcome to all the African ministers who have taken their time to travel to Sweden to attend this conference. As Minister for Trade, I am very glad to have this opportunity to speak to you today. As you know, Sweden has a long history of strong engagement and close relations with Africa, which we are reconfirming today. We are aiming for a new approach, reflecting the fact that Africa consists of more than 50 countries, each of them with different situations, challenges and levels of development. It is an approach based on the position that human rights and democracy, investments and trade relations are crucial for development and poverty eradication. Last spring the Swedish Government submitted its Policy for Africa to the Swedish Riksdag (Parliament). With this Policy the Government is paving the way for a renewed approach to Africa policy with a clear vision and commitment. The Government's policy for Africa reflects and emphasizes the positive changes that the continent has undergone in the last ten years. It acknowledges the changes that have taken place over the same period in Africa's relations with the rest of the world, including Sweden. Economic growth rates are rising, armed conflicts are fewer in number and African countries are increasingly assuming responsibility for their development. Our policy also provides an account of the challenges and opportunities facing the continent in its fight against poverty and efforts to achieve sustainable development. It also discusses the foreign policy framework governing Sweden's actions as well as the many instruments and channels available for co-operation with Africa. Trade is one of these. In Sweden's renewed Africa policy, we are doing more to interweave our commitments in foreign and security policy, trade policy and development assistance policy to create a single coherent policy. This approach lies at the core of the government's Policy for Global Development, which is based on the idea that all policy areas must seek to contribute to equitable and sustainable development. For example, we need to strengthen the links between actors involved in development co-operation and actors within the private sector. Trade with the wider world has built, and continues to build Sweden's prosperity. Sweden's development, from poverty to a welfare state, is the history of free trade. These insights were the starting point for the Swedish Government's Statement on Trade Policy, which I presented to the Swedish Riksdag in March this year. The Statement also emphasizes Sweden as a staunch advocate of free trade. Growing trade is a major growth engine for African economies as well. There is much to indicate that Africa's share will continue to grow. We, of course, hope that the current economic and financial crisis soon will be solved and not hamper too much these positive signs. We have to be able to look ahead and not be short-sighted and bear in mind all existing investment needs for energy now at stake in your countries. Trade policy can, and should, be designed to strengthen the ability of developing countries to become better integrated into the world economy and to benefit more from growing trade. In this regard it is anticipated that the Economic Partnership Agreements (EPAs) between the ACPs and the EU will be a powerful instrument for promoting increased trade and investments. Let me also say that global trade is not the only driving force for the development of Africa's potential. Boosting regional exchange is equally important. Regional co-operation can act as a stepping stone towards successful integration into the wider world global economy. Regional co- operation is also very high on the agenda within the AU, the COMESA, the EAC and the SADC. Interest in Africa as an export market has increased substantially in recent years. Improvements in the business climate have made it much easier for Swedish companies to invest in Africa and foreign direct investments are increasing. The figures are clear: Total Swedish exports to the continent have increased by more than 200 per cent since 1998. As a result, the Swedish Trade Council, the agency responsible for exports, has opened up five new offices in Africa. I know that there can be no trade without an infrastructure, and energy is one part of that. You can take Sweden one hundred years ago as an example. The rationale for the fast expansion of hydroelectric power in the north of Sweden was the mining of Iron ore in Kiruna and the need to transport the ore to the ports of Sweden and Norway. The overlap of natural resources, development of infrastructure and access to energy lies at the very foundation of the Swedish economy and welfare. In recent decades Sweden has worked hard to introduce renewable, efficient and sustainable energy systems. The energy sector is an area where Swedish solutions and know-how are world-leading and I am confident that Swedish experiences could be a valuable component in planning and design of new infrastructure or for upgrading existent power networks. The private sector has long experience and renowned expertise within areas such as production, transmission and distribution of electricity. The deregulation of the Swedish energy market, the Nordic electricity trade and the Swedish Energy Agency are also well respected internationally. To this I would like to add that Swedish companies are experienced in doing business internationally, and have a long tradition producing high-quality products. In the forthcoming action plan for business promotion in Africa, a great deal of attention is being given to making use of the skills that Swedish companies have in such areas as infrastructure, energy and green technology. In fact, Sweden has a great deal to offer when it comes to strategic project development in the energy and environmental sectors. We have consulting and manufacturing companies that have the capacity for, and experience of, carrying out strategic projects all over the world. My Ministry has a long experience of co-operation with Governments and Municipalities all over the world for implementation of bigger infrastructural projects, often in the energy field in so called project exports. In order to contribute to the implementation of high priority electric power projects in the countries concerned, my Ministry has initiated studies to identify projects suitable for assistance. This topic - a presentation and discussion of these studies - and information on the Swedish Efficient Project Implementation Model will be further dealt with in tomorrow's work-shop "Opportunities for Swedish Competence and Experiences". I see this as a new, important long-term activity now starting up in Africa and I hope it will be mutually appreciated. Sweden is taking part in EU activities relating to energy, the environment and infrastructure investment. Sweden is also involved in development co-operation programmes in the energy sector with a number of countries, where we have jointly agreed to focus on energy. The challenge is to get sufficient energy to more users in ways that are environmentally, economically and socially sustainable. I am sure that we will all have to draw from our own experiences, knowledge and lessons learned. In this context, I would welcome Swedish companies know-how and experience being of use. Sweden is also cooperating with other donors and development banks in regional as well as national programmes, such as the Nile Basin Initiative Power Trade, the EAC Power Master Plan and the Southern African Power Pool. As trade minister, I have also actively been striving to ensure that trade policy instruments are used - in a positive manner - to contribute to meeting global objectives on energy and climate change. Fostering the expansion of global trade in environmental goods and services, through the elimination of tariffs and other trade barriers, is a key element of this endeavour. I see this conference as an important stepping stone for close collaboration between Africa and Sweden, both on government level as well as among private actors, to commonly come up with environmentally, economically and socially sustainable solutions to the energy situation in Eastern and Southern Africa. To conclude, After decades of lost growth there are now signs that Africa is turning a corner. Africa has found its place on the global arena. We, the international community as a whole including the African countries, must continue to work closely together and support these favourable trends. This conference in itself is a testimony to the great potential for enhanced co-operation. I await with pleasure, hearing about your discussions and I look forward to an increased trade between Sweden and your countries. Thank you.

Speech The National Board of Trade Conference "Ideas on how EU trade policy can contribute to a new growth strategy", Berns Salonger, Stockholm 12 June 2008 Ewa Björling, Minister for Trade EU policy for external trade and internal market supporting growth - an integrated vision for meeting global challenges Check against delivery

Ladies and Gentlemen, It is a great pleasure for me to be here today to address such a distinguished audience. I would like to share with you some of my thoughts on how trade policy and EU internal market policy could be seen in the context of a strategy for growth and jobs in a post 2010 Europe, after the Lisbon strategy. When it was launched, the Lisbon Strategy was a European response to the emerging "new knowledge based economy". There was a growing insight among European governments about the increasing global competition. Europe had to sharpen its competitiveness, in order to be able to offer its citizen's high quality jobs and more prosperity. Today, the challenges are even more pronounced. Worldwide trade is increasing and trade patterns are changing. Increased economic integration, in combination with new technology, brings markets, competitors and trade partners closer together. We need to move up the value chain, to add more knowledge and competence to the goods and services that we produce. This enhances our prospects to be more competitive in global markets. Economic growth and prosperity - in Europe and in the world as a whole - has largely been built through economic integration and trade. This is not breaking news to anyone. A proactive policy for free trade and openness is fundamental in our efforts for growth. It is fundamental for job creation and prosperity in Europe. It is good for business, it is for competition and it is good for consumers. Openness works both ways. Access to third countries' markets enhances prospects for European industry to grow. Openness to competition from abroad spurs European companies to strengthen productivity and innovation. Short-term policy measures trying to protect European industry from competition will never be a sustainable solution. Protected by trade barriers, firms are no longer exposed to changes in customer preferences, changes in technology or changes in business processes. Imported goods that European companies use in their production also become more expensive. These factors erode our companies' competitiveness. Consumers will meet higher prices and less choice. Protectionism - in terms of direct or indirect trade barriers - will in the long run therefore have to be paid by lower growth and job losses, undermining European prosperity. Against this background, in a strategy that claims to be aiming at sustainable growth, it is just not possible to neglect international trade as a vital component. Instead, it should be one of the starting points of the analysis. The people of Europe will be looking to their leaders when they ask for more and better jobs and sustainable growth. It is our task, and our mission, to level the field by policies contributing to sustainable growth. This makes it necessary for us to promote openness, and create well functioning markets, internally as well as externally. We must make the case and explain why globalisation is an opportunity for all of us, including for those who in the short run may feel adversely affected by free trade and open markets. I hope that Europe is confident enough to see the obvious, to create sustainable long-term policies, rather than to make easy short-term decisions. Earlier this year, the European Council called for a strengthened external dimension of the Lisbon Strategy. This was a timely announcement. The EU Internal Market is of great importance when discussing the external dimension of the Lisbon Strategy. The internal market - with free movement of people, goods, services and capital, and the development of free trade - has made a decisive contribution to growth, prosperity and security in the European Union. The principles of free movement were adopted more than fifty years ago. They are fundamental to EU co-operation today. They will continue to be fundamental in the future. Today the internal market is in fact inspiring some of our trading partners around the world to follow a similar path in their own regional context. The internal market rules can thus become somewhat of a model for these countries. The internal market cannot be taken for granted. The ongoing review provides an excellent opportunity to remove the remaining weaknesses and to harness the full potential of the internal market. We welcome the Commission's focus in the review on the external dimension of the Single Market. The review is important, because the EUs internal market is a strong asset in the global economy. Sweden is working actively for an efficient internal market that can meet the needs of our businesses to compete and grow. Another factor of great importance is that more and more member states will introduce the euro as their currency. This will facilitate trade and cash flows and reduce currency risks. The internal market provides a springboard for European firms to expand globally. Competition in the internal market motivates our companies to become even more efficient and more innovative. This is necessary for an increasing competitiveness on markets outside the EU. Furthermore, companies and investments from third countries that want to gain access to the internal market spur competition. A better working and deeper integrated internal market implies reinforced incentives for foreign investments in Europe. The EU is committed to create good international rules to facilitate international trade. The EU has long experience in developing regulations that combine free trade with high levels of health and safety protection. And the EU should use this experience to take a leading role also when rules are developed at an international level. In Europe we have laid the grounds for a solid system for standardisation. It is important that we work together with our trading partners to support it globally. Standards are the language of trade. They are closely connected to the convergence of sectors and to innovation. They influence services and the evolution of the information society - the fastest moving sector of them all. The European system for regulating industrial products is in fact one of the most "open" systems in the world. The success of the internal market is, however, also dependent on the successful governance on and policies of 27 different national markets. We have pinpointed a few actions that we need to focus on in the Lisbon Strategy. They have a strong impact on the external dimension of the internal market. Most important is to improve the situation for small and medium sized enterprises. The goods and services packages will make a difference. It is also important to act in the field of climate and energy. Sweden will hold the Presidency of the EU in autumn 2009. When it comes to the internal market our objective, in the lead up to and during the Presidency, is to give it a more coherent platform. That includes the important issue of the external dimension of the Single Market. To be able to act decisively in this context, I think it is imperative to find an adequate institutional framework within the Union. This framework has to be designed in such a way that all important and relevant issues are taken into consideration. It needs to be flexible enough to take care of the consequences of the fast changes of the globalised world. It is quite obvious that the policy for external trade and the policy for the internal market have clear interconnecting linkages. This is something that we should develop further. A coherent framework for trade, internally as well as externally, has the potential to add to the competitiveness of Europe, to its growth and its prosperity. In 2006, the Commission's communication "Global Europe" showed an example how an external dimension could be designed. Now it is time to renew those thoughts and initiatives. This time, as a formal and integral part of the strategy for sustainable growth and jobs. Coming closer to 2010, various parts of the society will be expecting from European leaders to be clear and decisive regarding policy directions. The purpose of this conference is to discuss some new policy initiatives concerning the external trade. The conference should also connect trade policy more closely to the internal market. One issue that I would like to highlight is the importance of following measures and evaluation of results. The significance of this cannot be underestimated. When the Lisbon Strategy today is evaluated every year, there are indicators for a variety of dimensions of national policy. Since growth is so closely connected to external trade, it is also imperative to be able to measure the effects of the external trade policy. This could give us indications on which policy measures that work, and which measures that are less effective when it comes to promoting growth and job creation. Different approaches and perceptions regarding how to respond to the challenges of globalisation risk driving the European countries apart. This could happen at a time when - more than ever - we need a coherent and concerted action. Part of the solution could lie in the Lisbon Treaty, which is expected to enter into force in the beginning of 2009. The new Treaty will bring several changes to the way trade policy is developed and carried out in the EU. These changes, in turn, might influence the way the EU acts in international trade negotiations. First, the European Commission will receive a slightly broader and clearer mandate. This will strengthen and facilitate action in relation to third parties, such as the WTO or other countries. Second - and perhaps more important - the role of the European Parliament will be enhanced. Under the Lisbon Treaty, trade policy and trade agreements with third countries will have to be approved by the Parliament. This could create a stronger and more distinct basis for EU trade policy. It could also strengthen the accountability of trade policy, in a time when the EU needs to improve the confidence among its citizens. The Lisbon Treaty will require EU institutions to collaborate more closely. It is essential to avoid creating a complex and unwieldy institutional environment. More transparency and openness will probably also be necessary. All together, when the Lisbon Treaty comes into effect, the Union will be able to act more distinctively in trade negotiations, and on the basis of a stronger political mandate. This should lead to a more effective and coherent action. Against the background of the Lisbon Treaty, I believe we need to have a discussion - in the Council - in what arena trade policy matters are best handled. Today, trade policy is the formal competence of GAERC. But is trade policy really discussed in depth there? The outcomes of different trade policy options, are these really discussed in that council? When the new Treaty enters into force, it is suggested by some that trade policy should fall under the competence of the Foreign Affairs Council. Others suggest that trade policy should be the competence of the General Affairs Council. Where we ultimately will arrive on this issue, is still an open question. In any case, what is lacking is an arena where EU trade ministers, as myself, can thoroughly discuss how different trade policy options contribute to European competitiveness, growth and prosperity. This is something that we should discuss further. Many policy areas are affected by trade. I believe that trade policy - and the effects of different approaches - should be discussed in a much broader context . For instance, is the Competitiveness Council discussing pros and cons of different approaches to trade? The employment ministers, how do they take different trade related effects into consideration in their discussions? It is important for us to find an adequate and suitable institutional "machinery" for discussing trade related issues. The effects of trade is an issue that concerns many ministers, since other policy areas are affected. We need to look at trade from different perspectives. Let me conclude with some final remarks on the future of the EU. The European Council has asked Member States to start reflecting on the design of a new strategy for growth and jobs for the next decade. Many of us have started our internal work in this direction and a discussion on EU level will have to start in time before the next phase of the strategy. For Sweden, an external dimension will be an important component of this strategy, and that is one of the reasons why we have this conference here today, to reflect and discuss against the background of the report of the National Board of Trade. In the autumn of 2009, during the Swedish presidency, the future strategy for sustainable growth and jobs will be a priority issue. I am looking forward to continued discussions on this matter. Thank you.

Speech Ministry for Foreign Affairs 29 April 2008 Ewa Björling, Minister for Trade Opening speech by state secretary Gunnar Wieslander to the Latin American ambassadors in Stockholm (in spanish) DISCURSO (EN ESPAÑOL) ANTE LOS EMBAJADORES LATINO-AMERICANOS Y REPRESENTANTES INVITADOS DEL INSTITUTO SUECO (SVENSKA INSTITUTET), LA AGENCIA DE INVERSIONES EN SUECIA (ISA), LA DIRECCIÓN NACIONAL DE COMERCIO (KOMMERS-KOLLEGIUM), OPEN TRADE GATE (OTGS), EL CONSEJO DE COMERCIO EXTERIOR DE SUECIA (EXPORTRÅDET) Y LA FEDERACIÓN DE COMERCIO SUECA (SVENSK HANDEL) PARA PRESENTAR LA POLÍTICA COMERCIAL DE SUECIA, INTERCAMBIO ECONÓMICO Y ACTIVIDADES DE PROMOCIÓN SUECA EN RELACIÓN CON LATINOAMERICA

LUNES 28 DE ABRIL DE 2008 EN EL MINISTERIO DE ASUNTOS EXTERIORES (UD) HORA 16-18 (RECEPCIÓN)

Excelencias, señoras y señores, amigos: Voy a dar este discurso en mi segunda lengua, pero con su permiso quisiera dirigirme al Embajador brasileño, Don Antonino Lisboa Mena Gonçalves y añadir algunas palabras de bienvenida. Senhor Embaixador Mena Gonçalves: É com grande prazer que eu encontro aqui hoje os prezados amigos Embaixadores de América Latina. Com sua permissão, caro Embaixador Antonino Mena Gonçalves, eu usarei hoje principalmente minha segunda língua nativa, o espanhol. Eu vou falar em espanhol simplesmente por que eu nao domino sua lingua maravilhosa, com seu sóm e seus acentos bonitos. Excelencias, amigos: La relación entre Suecia y los países latinoamericanos es tradicionalmente muy buena. El desarrollo político y económico en América Latina continúa estando en nuestro punto de mira. Seguiremos esforzándonos por mantener, reforzar y desarrollar estas buenas relaciones. De hecho, ésa es la razón por la cual les he invitado hoy; América Latina ha estado, está y seguirá estando en nuestras pantallas. La dedicación de Suecia en el proceso democratizador y nuestra oposición contra las dictaduras durante décadas pasadas han dejado huellas. Decenas de miles de refugiados fueron acogidos e hicieron de nuestro país el suyo. Muchos volvieron a sus países de origen y entre ellos, algunos hoy mantienen importantes puestos en sus respectivas sociedades. Otros optaron por permanecer en Suecia y constituyen hoy un importante vínculo entre nuestros países. La aportación de los latinoamericanos ha enriquecido nuestra cultura (arte, literatura, música y no olvidemos la gastronomía). Quizás esa sea la causa por la cual la lengua española actualmente sea la que más dominan los suecos después de la inglesa. El intercambio económico con la región latinoamericana es de gran importancia, al ser Suecia un país relativamente pequeño y dependiente de su comercio exterior. Desde principios del siglo pasado, principalmente Brasil y México, pero también Argentina, Chile, Perú, Colombia al igual que otros países, poseen una fuerte capacidad industrial y constituyen un punto de partida importante para empresas suecas como la ABB, Alfa Laval, Ericsson, Scania, Volvo y otro gran número de empresas suecas. El clima económico actual en Latinoamérica podría calificarse como acogedor para con las pequeñas y medianas empresas suecas y permite una cooperación más intensa y más amplia a este nivel entre nuestros países. La política comercial de Suecia se lleva a cabo a través de la UE. No obstante, la dimensión bilateral es de suma importancia, sobre todo para a largo plazo poder mantener y desarrollar nuestras buenas relaciones. Suecia desempeña un papel muy activo en el desarrollo de la política comercial común europea. Como ustedes bien saben, nuestro país aposta apasionadamente por el libre comercio. Suecia quiere contribuir a un mercado más abierto y frenar las tendencias proteccionistas que a veces surgen en la UE. Lamentablemente estamos sufriendo una racha de proteccionismo a nivel mundial, lo cual es un reto para los paladines del libre comercio. Excelencias, amigos: Desde un punto de vista comercial, es de vital importancia la finalización de la ronda de Doha antes de éste fin de año. También esperamos que haya un mejor y más sencillo clima de negociación en la prevista fase final de la ronda. La situación de las negociaciones en la Organización Mundial de Comercio (OMC) es crítica y es necesaria la prudencia para mantener vivas las negociaciones, al igual que se debe trabajar activamente para alcanzar un resultado favorable para todos en el proceso. Las negociaciones van a tener un gran impacto no sólo en las regiones sino también en el conjunto global económico. La Unión Europea (UE) es el mayor inversor en Latinoamérica (especialmente en Sudamérica). Suecia está muy interesada en llevar a cabo amplios y ambiciosos acuerdos de asociación y libre comercio. En este momento, la Comunidad Andina y América Central acaparan el centro de atención en este ámbito. El gobierno sueco juega un papel muy activo en la configuración de los acuerdos de asociación que abarcan el libre comercio así como la política de diálogo y la ayuda al desarrollo. Tenemos la esperanza en que las negociaciones avancen de una manera positiva. Suecia apoya el acuerdo de partenariado económico (APE) entre la UE y el Caribe, el cual proporciona una GRAN oportunidad para aumentar el comercio entre ambas regiones. Suecia participará a mediados de mayo en la quinta Cumbre UE-Latinoamérica y Caribe (LAC) que se celebrará en esta ocasión en Lima, representada por el Ministro de Asuntos Exteriores Carl Bildt y su séquito. - - - - Sudamérica es una región con un crecimiento económico positivo durante los ultimos seis años consecutivos y muchos países en la región muestran una continua expansión con buenos ingresos derivados de la exportación. El Consejo de Comercio Exterior de Suecia (Exportrådet) calcula un crecimiento del volúmen del mercado en Sudamérica del 10% en el año 2008 y del 6,5% en el año 2009. Un acuerdo biregional de libre comercio entre la UE y Mercosur - en el que las negociaciones lamentablemente están paradas desde hace tiempo - crearía un mercado de 700 millones de consumidores. Un acuerdo entre la UE y Mercosur aumentaría el interés del cono sudamericano por parte sueca, al igual que lo ha conseguido el acuerdo entre la UE y México y con Chile. Según el Banco Central de Suecia, nuestros activos de inversiones directas en Sudamérica en el año 2006 alcanzaron algo más de 25 mil millones de coronas suecas. El valor de mercado de casi todos los activos es considerablemente superior. En este contexto, es importante recordar también que las empresas suecas en Latinoamérica tienen un gran valor, tanto como empleadores como exportadores en los países en cuestión. Permítanme el ejemplo de Brasil: las empresas suecas además de producir para el mercado nacional tambien contribuyen a las exportaciones de Brasil - tan solo Scania exporta por mas de 6 mil milliones de coronas suecas a terceros países! Las actividades del Consejo de Comercio Exterior de Suecia siguen aumentando cada vez más en su región. El gobierno sueco apoya activamente la entrada de pequeñas y medianas empresas en el mercado latinoamericano. Quisiera resaltar la importancia que tienen tanto un desarrollo político y económico sostenible cómo un ambiente seguro para que continúen las inversiones extranjeras en la región. - - - - Me sería imposible nombrar todos los países, todas las empresas, todas las cooperaciones económicas que existen entre nuestro país y su región, pero espero que lo que he mencionado refleje y reitere la magnitud y la importancia de nuestras relaciones. A nivel personal me siento particularmente interesado por Latinoamérica, su abundante naturaleza, su fascinante historia y su rica cultura. La semana que viene encabezaré una delegación de empresas de telecomunicaciones al Brasil y a la Argentina. También mantendré conversaciones bilaterales en las capitales. Mi ambición es que éste sea el primero en una serie de viajes a la región. Excelencias, amigos: Quisiera acabar este discurso agradeciéndoles su asistencia e invitándoles a un diálogo informal y amistoso. De nuevo, muy bienvenidos y muchas gracias!

Speech Swedish CleanTech seminarium in Tokyo, Japan 18 April 2008 Ewa Björling, Minister for Trade Speech by Ewa Björling at Swedish CleanTech seminar

Distinguished Guests and Friends, Ladies and Gentlemen, It is a great pleasure for me to attend this occasion, the Swedish CleanTech seminar on environmental technology. The Swedish Government has recently launched a major initiative to support international co-operation between enterprises and institutions involved in the research and development of environmental technology. This initiative was born out of our concerns about the environment and climate change. But it was also born out of our strong belief that this is a field where huge business opportunities are waiting to be seized. Sweden has been a global leader in environmental technology for fifty years, but we have mainly used our expertise to improve our own society. Now, when the world is experiencing a new era of industrialisation, and many emerging economies are suffering from a rapidly deteriorating environment, we believe that our knowledge, products and concepts could be of great benefit outside our borders. One of our ambitions is to strengthen our co-operation with other global leaders in the field of environmental technology. This is one of the main reasons for my visit to Japan, and also the underlying theme of today's seminar. Japan has been at the forefront of environmental technology for many decades. It is therefore my conviction that Sweden and Japan have a great deal to gain if we coordinate our efforts and reinforce our co- operation in this field. Not only would it be beneficial for the research and development of new or improved products and concepts, but it would also enhance our opportunities to reach the global market. Swedish-Japanese co-operation is strong and its potential is even stronger. Our industrial ties go back more than 150 years. Many big Swedish engineering companies - such as Sandvik, Atlas Copco, SKF, Alfa Laval, Ericsson, Tetra Pak and Volvo - have a long history in the Japanese market. Several of them also have production facilities in Japan. Since the 1960s, our co-operation has been particularly strong in the automotive industry and in electronics. And since the 1990s, we have also enjoyed highly successful co-operation in the ICT sector and pharmaceuticals. The establishment in 2001 of Swedish-Japanese joint venture, Sony-Ericsson, might be the most striking example of what can be achieved when Sweden and Japan combine ambitions, expert skills and capital. In only a few years, Sony-Ericsson went from a start-up to the fourth largest mobile handset producer in the world. It is, without doubt, one of the most successful international joint ventures the world has ever seen. More recently, intensive Swedish-Japanese co-operation has emerged in the field of biotechnology. During the last few years, several major Japanese companies have joined forces with Swedish companies and institutions to develop tomorrow's pharmaceutical products. In my view, environmental technology might very well be the "next big thing" in the successful history of Swedish-Japanese industrial partnerships. Yesterday, here in Tokyo, the Swedish Prime Minister addressed the opening of a Swedish-Japanese symposium on "Sustainable Urban Development". The purpose of the symposium was to discuss a number of vital environmental issues from a conceptual and future-oriented perspective. Today's seminar will focus on the technologies and concepts that are already in place. We will therefore use this opportunity to present to you some of the solutions that have been developed in Sweden and that have helped us to improve our own environment. Hopefully, the presentations will stimulate discussion and result in continued dialogue and co-operation. The first presentation concerns our new and highly interesting initiative called "SymbioCity", which is a platform for technologies and methods for the improvement of modern cities. Sweden's capital city, Stockholm, was once both dirty and polluted, but is today regarded as one of the cleanest capitals in the world. I hope that you will find it interesting to hear more about how this transformation was achieved. Before handing over to the next speaker, I would like to share with you a happy piece of news regarding Swedish-Japanese co-operation in the field of environmental protection. One of the companies in the Swedish business delegation, Tricorona, is involved in the business of emissions trading and is a leading player in the new climate economy that evolved as a result of the Kyoto Protocol. A few weeks ago, Tricorona signed an important contract with the Japanese Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry and the Japanese Ministry of the Environment regarding the procurement of emissions reductions. I would like to congratulate you on this agreement, which reflects the potential and opportunities for even closer co-operation between our countries. I hope that Tricorona's contract will serve as a source of inspiration for the enhancement of business relations between Sweden and Japan in the field of environmental technology and protection. Thank you!

Speech 17 April 2008 Ewa Björling, Minister for Trade Speech by Ewa Björling at "Stealth at Sea" seminar in Tokyo

Distinguished Guests and Friends, Ladies and Gentlemen, It is a great pleasure for me to have the opportunity to make some comments on the occasion of the seminar "Stealth at Sea". This is my first visit to Japan as Swedish Minister of Trade and I am very pleased to have the opportunity to meet with such a distinguished group, representing the most important and valued contacts for the three Swedish companies here today - Kockums, SAAB and Bofors. The industrial and commercial relations between Japan and Sweden are impressively strong and vital. Our business co-operation goes back more than 150 years. Many big Swedish companies - such as Sandvik, Atlas Copco, SKF, Alfa Laval, Ericsson, Tetra Pak, Volvo, Kockums, SAAB and Bofors - have a long history of trade and co-operation with Japan. Several of them also have production here. Swedish Industry has always believed in the great potential of business relations Japan. It was Swedish business leaders who asked the Government to establish a Swedish diplomatic presence in Tokyo. And it was Swedish business leaders who bought and donated to the Government the piece of land where the Sweden Embassy is built - here, where we are today. Business leaders' positive long-term view of Japan's potential was certainly correct. Since the early days of our business relations, Japan has not only developed into the second largest economy in the world but has also become one of Sweden's most important business partners. Since the 1960s, our co-operation has been particularly strong in the fields of electronics and engineering. And from the 1990s and onwards, we have also had highly successful co-operation in the IT and communication sector. The establishment of Sony Ericsson in 2001 is an inspiring example of what Swedish-Japanese industry can achieve together. Very encouraging is also the rapid increase in direct investments in both directions in recent years. Japanese investments in Sweden have grown more than tenfold in less than 10 years. Today more than 160 companies in Sweden have a Japanese owner. This is a truly an impressive development. In the other direction, Swedish investments in Japan have increased more than 20 times over the last ten years. Volvo's acquisition of Nissan Diesel and the establishment of the Swedish furniture retailer IKEA are two recent examples. Personally, I am convinced that there is plenty of room for even deeper and closer co-operation, in several fields, between Sweden and Japan. Both nations are global leaders in a number of industrial and technological fields. We share a passion for innovation and we spend more money on research and development than most other countries in the world. And the recent surge of Swedish-Japanese investments shows that we enjoy co- operating and doing business with each other. One specific area in which I believe we have great potential to further our co-operation is the defence sector. Here, Sweden has some outstanding technologies and products that we would be happy to share with Japan and - given the interest and the possibilities - also continue to develop together. The Swedish defence industries - including the three companies presented here today - have been established in Japan for quite some time. Several Swedish defence products are license-produced in Japan. Today, we will focus on an exciting area which I am sure could be of interest in Japan, namely the use of stealth techniques at sea. As many of you know, Kockums has revolutionised the art of naval shipbuilding by developing techniques for glass-fibre and carbon reinforced hulls. Combined with stealth technology, these ships are designed to elude all types of detection. In Sweden, these technologies have been used for the production of our Visby Class Corvette. The Swedish Navy is very content with these new carbon stealth vessels and their qualities. I believe that this technology could also be of interest for Japan. In addition to this, SAAB and Bofors will present some related and highly interesting products with stealth capabilities. SAAB will talk about their world-leading underwater equipment and Bofors about their weapon systems and how they can be integrated in a stealthy hull of a naval battleship. I hope that you will find today's presentations interesting and that this seminar could be the start of an intensified dialogue and co-operation between Sweden and Japan in the defence industry sector. Thank you!

Speech 17 April 2008 Ewa Björling, Minister for Trade Speech by Ewa Björling at Ericsson Executive Day in Tokyo

Distinguished guests and friends, Ladies and Gentlemen, I am very pleased to be able to address this gathering on the occasion of "Ericsson Executive Day" in Tokyo. This is my first visit to Japan as Minister of Trade and I am very pleased to have the opportunity to meet with some of Ericsson's most important business contacts. Ericsson's success in Japan has been - and is - of the utmost importance to Sweden. Many of you here today have contributed to this success. Let me thank all of you for your support for Ericsson and Sweden. One of my first tasks as Minister for Trade was to launch the common brand platform for Sweden. This will form the basis of a more up-to-date and vigorous presentation of our country abroad. A credible and attractive image of Sweden, and of the distinctive features of our country, will undoubtedly be of use and an advantage for a company trying to establish itself internationally. This image is also a crucial competitive instrument when it comes to attracting people and businesses from other countries to Sweden, whether this involves tourism, manpower, researchers, students or investments. Sweden is perceived as a dynamic country that in its endeavours to maintain a high level of development also takes people and the environment into account. A progressive country characterised by innovation, openness, caring and authenticity. Sweden and Japan have a long tradition of industrial co-operation. Some of Sweden's best-known industrial products have been sold in Japan since the middle of the 19th century. Indeed, around the year 1900 our commercial ties were growing so fast that Swedish industry requested the Government to establish a Swedish diplomatic presence in Tokyo in order to promote business interests. Later, in the 1930s, a group of Swedish industrialists donated a piece of land in Tokyo to the Government for the purpose of building a bigger mission. This piece of land in Shiroyama Hills is actually still where the Swedish Embassy stands today. The industrialists were right in their positive long-term assessment of Japan's potential. Since the early days of our business relations, Japan has not only developed into the second largest economy in the world, but has also become one of Sweden's most important business partners. Most interesting, however, is new momentum that our business relations have gained in recent years. Since the late 1990s, a remarkable number of important investments have taken place in both directions. Looking at Japanese investments in Sweden, the accumulated investments have grown more than ten-fold in less than 10 years. Today more than 160 companies in Sweden have a Japanese owner. This is a truly an impressive development. In the other direction, Swedish investments in Japan have also shown a strong development in recent years. According to our estimates, accumulated Swedish investments in Japan have increased more than 20 times over the last ten years. There is no doubt that Ericsson has played an important role for these positive developments. Not only has Ericsson been the largest and most important Swedish company in Japan over the last ten years. Together with the Sony Corporation it has also made a historic contribution to Swedish-Japanese business relations. The establishment of Sony Ericsson in 2001 is an inspiring example of what can be achieved when Sweden and Japan combine ambitions, skills and capital. Sony Ericsson has not only developed into the fourth largest mobile handset producer in the world but is also one of the most successful international joint ventures the world has ever seen. There is plenty of room for even deeper and closer co-operation between Sweden and Japan. The recent surge of Swedish-Japanese investments shows how well we work together. Both Sweden and Japan share a passion for technological innovation. We spend more money on research and development than most other countries and are world-leading research nations in a number of fields, including telecommunications. This has contributed to the fact that Swedish companies and brands stand tall in the international market. I am proud to say that Sweden is ranked as number one among the EU countries when it comes to innovations. But I can also see a great potential in improving the commercialising of our innovations, and thereby further strengthen the Swedish brand. Sweden also shares a devotion to long-term business relationships, not least with Japan. We work very well together. Swedish business people enjoy working in Japan and with Japanese colleagues. And I hear that this appreciation often is shared by Japanese working with Swedes. Let me conclude by expressing my hope for continued success for Ericsson in Japan and for the continued strengthening of the business relations between Sweden and Japan. Thank you!

Speech Investors dinner, Tokyo, Japan 17 April 2008 Ewa Björling, Minister for Trade Speech by Ewa Björling at investors dinner in Tokyo

Distinguished guests and friends, Ladies and Gentlemen, I am very pleased to have the opportunity to say a few words on the occasion of this business dinner here at The Tokyo Club, hosted by Mr Ulf Berg, President of the Swedish Trade Council, and Mr Rolf Rising, representing the Invest in Sweden Agency. As you all know, the industrial and commercial relations between Sweden and Japan are constantly growing and have never been stronger than today. During the last 7-8 years, investments in both directions have been booming. Many of the distinguished investors and business representatives here tonight are key persons behind this success. It is a pleasure for me, as Swedish Minister for Trade, to meet with you. There is a long tradition of business relations between Sweden and Japan. Some of Sweden's best-known industrial products have been sold in Japan since the middle of the 19th century. Indeed, around the year 1900, our commercial ties were growing so fast that Swedish industry asked the Government to open diplomatic representation in Tokyo in order to promote Swedish business interests. In the 1930s a group of industrialists donated a piece of land in Tokyo to the Government for the purpose of building a bigger Mission. This piece of land was located here on Shioyama Hills, next to The Tokyo Club, and this is still where the Swedish Embassy stands today. It is more than fair to say that industry was right in its expectations. Since the early days of our business relations, Japan has not only developed into the second largest economy of the world, but has also become one of Sweden's most important trading partners. Over the last 7-8 years, our traditionally strong commercial relations have gained new momentum due to a remarkable number of important investments in both directions. The establishment of the Swedish-Japanese joint venture Sony Ericsson in 2001 is the most notable example of what can be achieved when Sweden and Japan combine ambitions, skills and capital. Sony Ericsson is not only the fourth largest mobile handset producer in the world but also one of the most successful international joint ventures the world has ever seen. Looking at Japanese investments in Sweden, both Toyota and Nissan have made important investments through the acquisition of the Swedish companies BT Industries and Atlet. Accumulated Japanese investments in Sweden have grown more than tenfold in less than 10 years. More than 160 companies in Sweden have a Japanese owner. This is a truly impressive development. In the other direction, Swedish investments in Japan have also shown strong growth in recent years. Volvo's acquisition of Nissan Diesel and Huskvarna's acquisition of Zenoah are two recent and important examples. The establishment and rapid expansion of IKEA has also contributed strongly to the positive investment trend. According to our estimates, accumulated Swedish investments in Japan have increased more than 20 times over the last ten years. I attach great importance to further strengthen this successful co-operation between our countries. For me as Minister for Trade, an important task in this regard, is to promote a credible and attractive image of Sweden, and of the distinctive features of our country. This image is also a crucial competitive instrument when it comes to attracting manpower, researchers, students or investments to Sweden. Sweden is perceived as a dynamic country that in its endeavours to maintain a high level of development also takes people and the environment into account. A progressive country characterised by innovation, openness, caring and authenticity. This dinner tonight has partly been arranged to recognise these impressive developments and our common success. But it is also being held to deepen our contacts and further advance our investments and business relations. On this note, let me therefore propose a toast: To the continued successful development of Swedish-Japanese business relations! Kampai!

Speech Beijing 14 April 2008 Ewa Björling, Minister for Trade Speech by Ewa Björling at the Sino-Swedish Highlevel Roundtable on CSR

Minister Li Rongrong, Prime Minister Reinfeldt, Honoured Guests, Ladies and Gentlemen,

As the Swedish minister in charge of Corporate Social Responsibility, CSR, it is indeed a great privilege to be able to participate in this roundtable meeting with representatives of leading Chinese and Swedish enterprises. The commitment between our two governments for a more profound dialogue on Corporate Social Responsibility is manifested in the Memorandum of Understanding signed in Stockholm during the state visit by President Hu Jintao last year. It encompasses dialogue and sharing experiences on best practices in companies, about working conditions and work safety, consumers' rights and consumers' protection, the contribution of business to better environmental protection, energy saving and decreased pollution of water and air. Another item of particular importance is to combat corruption. Globalisation is here to stay - and is moving more quickly and in fact many argue that progress will never be as slow as it is today. More and more countries take advantage of the opportunities and benefits inherent in globalisation. Sweden and China share a belief in free trade and global integration. In Sweden, development and wealth originated from, and still depend on, international economic exchange. Globalisation offers greater opportunities for trade and investments across borders. For governments and companies, there are also many new challenges. The map of how business is conducted has been redrawn - many companies all over the world have learned the hard lesson of not acting in a responsible way - and have also experienced the benefits of showing responsibility. Promotion of corporate social responsibility is an important link between two cornerstones of Swedish policy: an open trade policy and a foreign and development policy that strongly emphasises the importance of human rights and a sustainable global development CSR is by definition a voluntary undertaking, and rightly so. It should be business-owned and business-driven, but do governments have a role to play in this important process? The answer is; yes, absolutely. Apart from providing the necessary legal framework and making sure that laws and universal instruments are adhered to, governments can stimulate forums for dialogue and exchange of experiences on good practices. As governments, we can endorse and recognise good practices, we can provide information on CSR instruments - as our two governments already do - and we can help to build capacity as well as to form partnerships with businesses. One example of how governments and business can collaborate is the CEO Water Mandate. It originated as an initiative by the Swedish Government, together with the UN Global Compact, on how business operators could contribute to finding sustainable solutions to the global water challenge. Large and small businesses responded and formed the CEO Water Mandate. Today, this initiative, is run by business operators, themselves. I am glad that the Mandate has been translated into Chinese and the report is available here at the roundtable. Macro-economic stability, social inclusion, environmental protection and corporate responsibility are not conflicting objectives. On the contrary, the objectives towards responsible competitiveness and a harmonious society are mutually reinforcing. Some argue that corporate social responsibility has made slow progress. Others fear that it will be used as a non-tariff barrier, closing off export opportunities under the pretext of social and environmental conditions. Indeed the very term 'corporate' itself suggests something relevant only to large multinationals, not small and medium-sized enterprises. But CSR is not a tool for protectionism or something that is only relevant to big multinationals. On the contrary, I see responsible business practices as an important, complementary tool to free trade. Governments must make sure that demands for CSR do not squeeze out small producers or serve as a non-tariff barrier, excluding developing countries from global markets. One way to prevent CSR from being used as a tool for protectionism is to start from and promote internationally negotiated and universally accepted norms. For Sweden, CSR is about establishing a level of decency in business as defined in the Principles of the UN Global Compact and the OECD Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises. The strength and legitimacy of these two instruments derive from the internationally accepted UN declarations; Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the ILO Core Conventions. I believe that CSR is a decisive part of a development that will help remove scepticism towards globalisation. There is a clear business case for behaving responsibly and setting good examples. Supply chain management is a crucial issue for businesses large or small. Consumers, as well as business partners, shareholders, and - increasingly - employees, request a well-managed supply chain. We are all aware of the harmful effects of corruption. It distorts competition, makes it more difficult to develop trade relations and deters investments. Therefore, it is important that companies comply with the tenth principle of the UN Global Compact, which says that companies should work against corruption in all its forms, including extortion and bribery. Within the framework of the recently signed Memorandum on CSR, we will be able to develop a fruitful dialogue between our respective business communities on such matters as how to develop their integrity instruments and thereby contribute to the fight against corruption. The joint Sino-Swedish website on CSR that was launched today also offers hands-on tools for businesses on how to avoid corruption. As a growing supplier of the world's merchandise exports, with a massive consumer market, and as an important global investor, China has a major role to play in shaping globalisation. An increasing number of Swedish enterprises are establishing business relationships in China, which has created a growing demand for a dialogue on ways to implement responsible business practices. The Swedish business community in China pursues an ambitious implementation of CSR practices here and is an important partner in our bilateral cooperation in this field. The dialogue between our Government and the Chinese government on corporate social responsibility during the last five years has created an important forum for the exchange of experiences and dialogue on different aspects of CSR. The MOU is an important step towards establishing a framework for our cooperation in this field. This morning, together with the Chinese Minister of Commerce Mr Chen Deming, I had the honour of inaugurating a Joint Sino-Swedish website on CSR cooperation, which will serve as a resource for Chinese companies that are interested in knowing more about CSR and implementing it into their business practises. We also jointly launched the kick-off of the first comprehensive training programme for high officials on CSR, together with several business representatives. Through the website, Chinese and Swedish companies will be able to access information free of charge on internationally recognised tools for implementing CSR, as well as on best practices from Chinese and Swedish companies. The training programme that was launched today is an ambitious joint effort for increasing CSR awareness. The first part will take place this week, and will encompass a wide range of CSR-related themes as well as close co-operation with companies here in China and in Sweden. It will be followed by visits to study Swedish and Chinese companies in China where the participants will be able to see how other companies have made CSR practices part of their business. CSR raises complex issues and many companies are now exploring how to put principles and guidelines into practice. I imagine that the situation in China is similar to the one in Sweden. That is why I appreciate the practical approach our two countries have taken regarding our CSR co-operation. This afternoon, I look forward to learning about the way you, the representatives of enterprises, have chosen to act in a responsible way and which challenges you meet within your respective fields of business. Thank you!

Speech Beijing, China 14 April 2008 Ewa Björling, Minister for Trade Speech by Ewa Björling at the opening of Sweidsh-Chinese CSR-website

Dear Minister Chen Deming, Honoured guests, Ladies and Gentlemen, As the Swedish minister in charge of Corporate Social Responsibility - also well known as CSR - I am very honoured to take part in the implementation of the Memorandum of Understanding on CSR between Sweden and China, signed during the state visit of President Hu Jintao to Sweden last year. The commitment from both our governments for a more profound dialogue on Corporate Social Responsibility is manifested in the Memorandum of Understanding. It encompasses dialogue and sharing experiences on best practices in companies, working conditions and work safety, consumers' rights and consumers' protection, the contribution of business to better environmental protection, energy saving and decreased pollution of water and air. Another item of particular importance is to combat corruption. Globalisation is here to stay - and is moving more quickly and in fact many argue that progress will never be as slow as it is today. More and more countries take advantage of the opportunities and benefits inherent in globalisation. Sweden and China share a belief in free trade and global integration. In Sweden, development and wealth originated from and still depend upon international economic exchange. Macroeconomic stability, social inclusion, environmental protection and corporate responsibility are not conflicting objectives. On the contrary, the objectives towards responsible competitiveness and a harmonious society are mutually reinforcing. For Sweden, promotion of corporate social responsibility is an important link between two cornerstones of Swedish policy: an open trade policy and a foreign and development policy that strongly emphasise the importance of human rights and sustainable global development. The Swedish Government is a firm believer in free trade and sees many opportunities in enhanced economic integration. This is true not only for large corporations but perhaps even more so for small and medium-sized companies that have a large potential to engage in international trade. I know that the same is true of China where there are many SMEs that have not yet engaged in international trade - indeed the majority of businesses globally are SMEs - and they are an enormous potential for increased trade. Globalisation offers new opportunities for trade and investment across borders. For governments and companies, there are also many new challenges. The map of how business is conducted has been redrawn - many companies all over the world have learned the hard lesson of not acting in a responsible way. Some argue that corporate social responsibility has made slow progress. Others fear that it will be used as a non-tariff barrier, closing off export opportunities under the pretext of social and environmental conditions. The very term 'corporate' may suggest that CSR is relevant only to large multinationals, not to small and medium-sized enterprises. But CSR is not a tool for protectionism or something that is relevant only to big multinationals. On the contrary, I see responsible business practices as a complementary tool for open and free trade, international investments, economic growth and sustainable development. We must make sure that demands for CSR do not squeeze out small producers or serve as a non-tariff barrier, excluding developing countries from global markets. One way to prevent CSR from being used as a tool for protectionism is to act in accordance with internationally negotiated and universally accepted norms, such as the Principles of the UN Global Compact and the OECD Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises. The strength and legitimacy of these two instruments derive from internationally accepted UN declarations; the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the ILO Core Conventions. There is a clear business case for behaving responsibly and setting good examples. Supply chain management is a crucial issue for businesses large or small. More and more, consumers as well as business partners and share holders are requesting a well managed supply chain. I believe that CSR is a decisive part of a development that will help reverse the trend of scepticism towards globalisation, free trade and investment. CSR is also about competitiveness, for countries as well as for companies. This has been clearly indicated in the Responsible Competitiveness Index, in which 108 countries and their companies have been analysed. Last year, 2007, Sweden was rated as the most competitive country - based on the responsible competitiveness of its industry. I am proud that our enterprises have taken the lead. Many companies thus see the implementation of business codes and practices not as short-term costs, but as long-term investments. Failing to act responsibly makes it harder to attract and maintain skilled staff and sell goods and services. In a few days here in Beijing, on the 25th of April, the China WTO Tribune supervised by MOFCOM and the leading international body in this field, AccountAbility, will launch the first Chinese report on responsible competitiveness, discussing China's performance in the 108-country Responsible Competitiveness Index, and the potential for China to enhance its international competitiveness through responsible business practices and supporting public policies. We all know about the harmful effects of corruption. It distorts competition, makes it more difficult to develop trade relations and deters investments. Therefore, it is particularly important that companies comply with the tenth principle of the UN Global Compact, which states that companies should work against corruption in all its forms, including extortion and bribery. I believe that together, we can develop this area through a fruitful dialogue between our respective business communities on such matters as how to develop their integrity instruments and thereby contribute to the fight against corruption. One important tool in this respect is the anticorruption portal, which can be found on our joint website. CSR is by definition a voluntary undertaking, and rightly so. It should be business-owned and business-driven, but do governments have a role to play in this important process? The answer is; yes, I believe they do. Successful CSR policies depend on an enabling environment where governments have a crucial role to play. Apart from providing the necessary legal framework and making sure that laws and universal instruments are adhered to, I think that governments can facilitate these processes and that we can stimulate forums for dialogue and exchange of experiences on good practices. One example of how governments and business can collaborate is the CEO Water Mandate. It originated as an initiative by the Swedish Government, together with the UN Global Compact, on how business operators could contribute to find sustainable solutions to the global water challenge. Large and small businesses responded and formed the CEO Water Mandate. Today, this initiative is run by business operators themselves. I am glad that the Mandate has been translated into Chinese and the report is available here. As a growing supplier of the world's merchandise exports, a massive consumer market and an important global investor, China has a major role to play in shaping globalisation. An increasing number of Swedish enterprises are establishing business relationships in China, and there is growing demand for dialogue on ways how to implement responsible business practices. A clear sign of this is the good cooperation between Swedish businesses and MOFCOM and other Chinese entities in this field. The Swedish business community in China pursues an ambitious implementation of CSR practices here and is an important partner in our bilateral cooperation. I highly welcome the commitment by the Chinese government and business community to work more closely with the UN and other actors on corporate social responsibility issues. I understand that China had the single largest business delegation attending the Global Compact Leaders Summit in Geneva last summer. China is also playing a major role in the process of developing the new ISO 26 000 standard on social responsibility. The dialogue between our countries on Corporate Social Responsibility during the last 5 years has created an important forum for an exchange of experiences and dialogue on different aspects of CSR. Today we are gathered here in Beijing for a historic moment: the inauguration of the joint Sino-Swedish website for CSR Cooperation, as well as the kick-off of the very first training programme on CSR within the framework of the MOU. Through the website, companies will be able to access information free of charge on internationally recognised tools for implementing CSR, as well as on best practices from Chinese and Swedish companies. The training programme is an ambitious joint effort in increasing CSR awareness. The first part will take place this week, and will encompass a wide range of CSR-related themes as well as close co-operation with companies here in China and in Sweden. I wish all the participants a fruitful week and hope that this will be a first step in enhancing the dialogue on CSR between our governments, but more importantly, between companies and business organisations. I see the joint Sino-Swedish website as a good example of assisting our business operators with the 'how-to' aspect of CSR. As the MOFCOM website attracts the most daily visitors of all government websites in China, I am convinced that our new joint website will soon become one of the most visited as well. I am honoured to be able to press the 'start' button, together with my minister colleague, Mr Chen Deming.

Speech Breakfast meeting with the Swedish Chamber of Commerce in Beijing 13 April 2008 Ewa Björling, Minister for Trade Sweden and China - Trading in a Globalised World, speech by Ewa Björling

Ladies and Gentlemen, I am very pleased to be here at this breakfast meeting with the Swedish Chamber of Commerce in Beijing. Together with an important business delegation, and as a part of the on-going state visit, I'll be in China for a few days - and I'm on a tight and most effective, schedule. After this meeting I will be meeting my colleague, China's Minister of Commerce, Mr Chen Deming. We will discuss how to expand bilateral trade and investment, and the WTO/DDA. Your input is very important to me and I'm very interested in hearing about your experiences of doing business in China and your views regarding the current commercial developments. We have witnessed a broadening and deepening of the relations with China - at the economic and political level; at the corporate level; in the field of research and innovation; and not least in the field of environmental protection and urban planning. I believe that there are many opportunities to enhance the cooperation between our countries, for example, as China focuses more on sustainable development, the environment and Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR). The state visit to Sweden last year by President Hu Jintao, the first Chinese state visit to Sweden ever, was a success. One outcome of that visit was a MoU on CSR, an important issue for my government. I will come back to this later One of my first tasks as Minister for Trade was to launch the common brand platform for Sweden. This will form the basis of a more up-to-date and vigorous presentation of our country abroad. A credible and attractive image of Sweden, and of the distinctive features of our country, will undoubtedly be an advantage for a company trying to establish itself internationally. This image is also a crucial competitive instrument when it comes to attracting other countries to Sweden, whether this involves tourism, manpower, researchers, students or investments. Sweden is perceived as a dynamic country that in its endeavours to maintain a high level of development also takes people and the environment into account. A progressive country characterised by innovation, openness, caring and authenticity. China today is our largest trading partner in Asia. Our bilateral trade amounted to SEK 66 billion in 2007. China's exports to Sweden are expanding rapidly - they have more than doubled since 2002, while Swedish exports to China are not developing at quite the same pace, however, Sweden is open to more exports from China. It is to the benefit of Swedish consumers, but also of our companies working with global supply chains. But we would also like to see increased Swedish exports to China. In order to achieve this, it is crucial to eliminate trade barriers. We have a particular interest in fostering a better protection and enforcement of intellectual property rights. Furthermore, we are concerned about burdensome export and import procedures and the failure to open up government procurement and address non-tariff barriers. I must say that China has taken a number of important steps since its WTO accession, for example, by reducing its tariffs. But more has to be done and it is important to work with China in these areas. Tomorrow I will discuss this, among other things, with the Chinese Minister of Commerce. Increasing trade between our two countries is a priority during this visit. Free trade is a cornerstone of Swedish foreign and business policy. It is also the basis of our domestic economic policy. Swedish prosperity is built on international trade and the ability of our companies to compete in markets all over the world. One of Sweden's most important tasks in the EU is to be a strong defender of free trade. The best way of opening up trade globally is via multilateral agreements. It is primarily through the WTO that we can ensure open trade and stable rules, to the benefit of us all. The Doha Round is Sweden's single most important trade priority. The negotiations in the WTO are at a critical stage. The Doha Round must be concluded with an ambitious result by the end of this year. We cannot afford to lose this historic opportunity. If we do not play our cards wisely we run the risk of losing what now seems to be within reach. This would be a serious blow to the WTO, to the multilateral trading system as such, and to the global economy as a whole. This would be especially serious now, given the recent unrest on global markets. There have been positive signs during the last couple of months. It seems as if there is a genuine commitment from key players to make an extra effort. The aim is to achieve a breakthrough in the negotiations before the summer, and to conclude the round before the end of the year. Sweden will do its utmost to achieve this, and I am optimistic that it can be done. China needs to take a more active role in the WTO negotiations and be a responsible stakeholder, as I will also underline to Mr Chen Deming. There are few countries in the world that would benefit more from a successful conclusion of the Doha Round than China. An ambitious result would also inject new energy into the long-term economic reform process to the benefit of citizens and companies. We are today witnessing a changing economic balance in the world. Asia is growing rapidly and countries like China and India are at the forefront. With globalisation the global economy has become more and more integrated and more countries are joining in global trade. In China we have seen that increased openness (since the reform process) and liberalisation of trade has led to increased growth and prosperity. Trade has been the force driving China's impressive economic development. It is important that Swedish companies do not lag behind when it comes to setting up business in this dynamic part of the world. And I know that there are more than 550 Swedish companies established in China today, a truly impressive figure. But China does not seem to be following the traditional growth path. China is not just "the factory floor of the world", manufacturing textiles and clothing, toys and electronics. It also has all the world's telecom companies taking part in different joint ventures and a Chinese telecom industry that really matters - Chinese companies are already exporting 3G equipment. Last year China produced more cars than Japan. China can't only compete in low-cost production. Europe still has knowledge, experience and advanced technology of great interest to China, and of great importance to China's economic development. But China is deepening its investment in research and development and moving into higher-cost production. China may become a world leader in some fields of R&D. China is also on its way to becoming a major global investor, primarily to get better access to new technology and secure control over natural resources. As a growing supplier of the world's exports, with a massive consumer market and as an important global investor, China has a major role to play in shaping globalisation. Globalisation offers new opportunities for trade and investment across borders. For governments, as well as for business, there are many new challenges involved, such as environmental impact, corruption or core labour standards. Today there is widespread recognition that there is a clear business case for behaving responsibly and setting good examples. Many companies see the implementation of business codes and practices not as short-term costs, but as long-term investments. The commitment to enhance and strengthen our co-operation with China in the field of Corporate Social Responsibility is important to my government. We are now on our way to following up on the bilateral agreement that was signed during President Hu's state visit to Sweden. Together with the Prime Minister, I will attend a Chinese-Swedish High-level Roundtable concerning CSR later on today. I will inaugurate a joint Chinese-Swedish website on CSR cooperation together with Chinese Minister of Commerce Mr Chen Deming. It is of importance to understand that CSR is, and rightly so, business-owned and business-driven. For Sweden, promotion of CSR is also an important link between two cornerstones of Swedish policy: an open trade policy and a foreign and development policy that strongly emphasises the importance of human rights and sustainable development. This link between free trade, human rights and sustainable development is also important in the field of export financing. Sweden wants to establish a level playing field in the area of export financing and we hope that China will accept the OECD-rules on export financing (OECD Arrangement on officially supported export credits) and the common rules regarding anti-corruption, environment and sustainable lending. Addressing climate change is of the highest priority for the Swedish Government. All countries must contribute to the creation of an international framework that benefits us all, but it is not a government-to-government affair only. It also involves the entire global society. And companies have a major role to play. Sweden has recently developed the concept "Sustainable City" further. To emphasize the interdependence between all different urban sectors we have given the concept the new name "SymbioCity". The aim is to show how Swedish companies can contribute to world-leading technical solutions and applications in urban infrastructure sectors, such as waste, water and sewage, transport, energy and the integration and interaction between the different sectors. Some more than 700 companies are currently involved in the SymbioCity-concept. Innovation has long been one of Sweden's strongest competitive advantages, and Sweden is currently the most innovative country within the EU. This is why I believe that Swedish companies have a unique opportunity to find a profitable niche in for example creating climate-friendly products. Sweden has a strong position with regard to green technology - a sector in which the opportunities for international growth have, in recent years, attracted increasing attention in pace with the climate debate, more stringent environmental requirements and rising energy prices. One area in which Sweden stands particularly strong is systems expertise in the SymbioCity-concept. In this way, Sweden can also help to launch environmentally friendly and energy-efficient solutions that can be used in countries' development strategies, helping countries to make better use of their own resources. Another aspect is water and air cleaning technologies that improve the environment. At the Expo2010 world exhibition in Shanghai, Sweden will also have excellent opportunities to present itself and its environmental expertise, which is world-leading in many respects. I recommend you all to visit the website, www.symbiocity.se. But it is not only about technology. Sweden can also contribute institutional experiences and best practices in environmental protection legislation and economic regulatory incentives, derived from decades of environmental efforts. To further strengthen the co-operation between Sweden and China within this area, the Swedish Government, through our embassy in Beijing, recently created a new centre for environmental technology, CENTEC, which aims to promote the use of Swedish environmental technology in China and to introduce Swedish companies to the Chinese market. Bearing in mind the rapid global urbanisation, all the mega cities here in China and the environmental problems related to this development I feel certain that there are lots of opportunities for joint projects within this sector, to decrease emissions of all kinds. Given my background - as a researcher, I would also like to say something about research and development. R&D is of rapidly growing importance in our bilateral relations. Last October a huge Chinese-Swedish Science Week was held here in Beijing. The presidents of all major Swedish research foundations and universities were present. A rapid expansion of our co-operation is foreseen, especially in the fields of environment, energy and climate, the next generation of mobile communication and networks, material sciences, biomedicine and public health and health care systems. Globalisation offers an array of opportunities as well as challenges, and so does the Chinese market. I am now interested in hearing what you have to say about how we can help Swedish companies enhance their partnership with China. Thank you!

Speech Ministry for foreign affairs 10 April 2008 Ewa Björling, Minister for Trade Opening address - discussion on economic partnership agreements (EPA) with Stockholm-based African ambassadors

Your Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen, I am pleased and honoured to welcome you to this meeting. I see this as a great opportunity to enhance our dialogue in finding more common ground and to address issues of mutual interest in the international trade arena. At this point of time, there is no doubt that the Economic Partnership Agreements negotiated between the EU and groups of ACP countries need to be more thoroughly discussed. They offer enormous development potential, but also involve challenges for individuals, companies and countries, not least in Africa. Thus, I look forward to hearing your views on the challenges ahead and discussing with you how Sweden - as a member of the EU - can contribute constructively to a successful and development-friendly outcome of the EPA process. As you know, Sweden has a long history of strong engagement and close relations with Africa, which in fact we are now reconfirming. On Wednesday 12 March the Swedish Government submitted its communication on Africa to the Parliament. With this communication the Government is paving the way for a renewed Africa policy - taking its cue from the continent's new reality. We are aiming for a new approach, reflecting the fact that Africa is made up of 53 countries, all with different situations, challenges and levels of development - an approach based on the position that democracy, investments and trade relations are crucial for development. We must respond - not only to the misery of wars and conflicts or challenges to democracy - but also to opportunities and positive developments that are occurring such as the newly built stock exchange in Rwanda's capital Kigali and the election in Liberia of Africa's first female president. Swedish development assistance to Africa, which is increasing, will help to improve conditions for the development of democracy, respect for human rights and for sustainable economic growth. Our new development assistance policy, with clearer priorities and a focus on effectiveness and results, will help to make a difference. In Sweden's renewed Africa policy, we are doing more to interweave our commitments in foreign and security policy, trade policy and development assistance policy to create a single coherent policy. This approach also lies at the core of the Government's Policy for Global Development, which is based on the idea that all policy areas must seek to contribute to equitable and sustainable development. Trade policy can, and should, be designed to strengthen the ability of developing countries to become better integrated into the world economy and to benefit more from growing trade. The Swedish Government is working actively to make it easier for African countries to fully participate, both politically and economically, in a globalised world. Support in facilitating trade is necessary for growth and poverty reduction in Africa. Part of our aspiration is to encourage Swedish businesses to forge new ties in Africa. Engaging in more intense trade and investment and taking greater corporate social responsibility on the African continent is of mutual benefit and in the common interest of Swedish companies and their African partners. This takes me back to the need for more dialogue between us on trade-related issues, in particular the Economic Partnership Agreements, to ensure that they are designed to promote growth and sustainable development in Africa. Let me start by drawing on the Swedish experience. Trade with the wider world has built, and is still building, Sweden's prosperity. Over the past 150 years, Sweden's development, from poverty to a welfare state, is the history of free trade. Today globalisation is a fact of life, and international trade is growing. These insights were the starting point for the Swedish Government's Declaration on Trade, which I presented in the Swedish Parliament on 4th of March this year. It was the first time in about ten years that a Swedish trade minister presented such a declaration. For me it was an opportunity to publicly set out the trade policy I want to pursue. One of the issues I emphasised was that Sweden must be the strongest defender in the European Union of free trade. Today, the international economic climate is marked by greater instability and ever stronger protectionist winds are blowing - both within and outside Europe. If we shut the door to our markets, we are also shutting the door to development, to the opportunity for millions of people to lift themselves out of poverty. Protectionism leads to resources being locked in activities that are not viable in the long term and to consumers being adversely affected by more expensive goods and less choice. There is a broad consensus in Sweden on the importance of pursuing a coherent policy for sustainable and equitable global development. Such a policy that implies (among other things) improved access to our markets for developing countries, including Africa. The Economic Partnership Agreements could be major steps towards this goal, although we still have a long way to go. I made it very clear in the trade policy declaration that in negotiations such as these, form can certainly be as important as content. Mutual respect is a key ingredient. Improved market access must be complemented by trade reforms. In the trade policy declaration, I therefore also emphasized the importance of trade-related assistance. A concrete example is the Swedish support to launching a trade policy institute in Arusha in Tanzania, where African Government officials have the opportunity to increase their knowledge of, for example, the WTO system and international trade law. Sweden also supports harmonisation of standards in Africa and capacity building through African Regional Standard Organisation (ARSO) as well as other national and regional standardisation organizations, which are essential for private sector development throughout the region. For those of you who are interested there are copies available of the Declaration on Trade in English and French. The communication on Africa will be available in English shortly and we will be happy to provide you with a copy. Let me briefly outline the Swedish position: - Trade is an important factor in combating poverty. - We see the EPA process as an instrument for development and have worked actively to secure duty-free and quota-free access to the EU market for goods from the ACP countries. - A crucial aspect to maximize the development potential of the agreements is the promotion of further regional integration. This is one area where there is a clear need to move beyond what has now been established, and ensure that the agreements do indeed become regional. - Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreements, including trade-related areas, such as trade facilitation, investment, public procurement and competition as well as trade in services and intellectual property rights, enables a broader approach to economic development and regional integration. Therefore we believe that they are important in order to truly make use of trade - as an instrument to support development in the ACP countries. At the same time, these are difficult issues that need to be dealt with in a manner tailored to different circumstances and needs. Now, I welcome your views on the opportunities and challenges involved in the EPA process as outlined in the invitation to this meeting. There is a lot at stake and I am eager to hear your perspectives and if possible also to discuss how Sweden - as a member of the EU - could contribute constructively to a successful development in Africa.

Speech Swedish Trade Council seminar "Swedish-Turkish Business Forum" 03 April 2008 Ewa Björling, Minister for Trade Seminar "Swedish-Turkish Business Forum" in connection with the visit of the Prime Minister of Turkey

Your Excellency, Prime Minister Erdogan, Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen, It is a great honour for us all to have His Excellency Prime Minister Erdogan attending our Swedish-Turkish Business Forum today. Today globalisation is a fact of life, and international trade is growing. Growth in trade leads to more jobs and greater prosperity. Foreign investments in both Turkey and Sweden are creating new business opportunities, bringing in new skills and increasing the exchange of technology and technical expertise. EU membership gives Swedish companies free access to the world's largest common market, comprising 30 countries, half a billion people and 20 million enterprises. Turkey's association agreement and the Customs Union with the EU has given Turkish companies access to most of the EU's internal market and taken Turkey one step closer to full EU membership. The EU Neighbourhood Policy aims to deepen the EU's relations with the countries in its vicinity. One of the principles behind this policy is that the EU has a strong interest in promoting stronger democracies, economic development and stability in its neighbourhood. Here, economic integration and increased free trade are vital. The EU and the countries in the Mediterranean region have agreed to establish a free trade zone by 2010. Turkey is uniquely well placed to take on the role as driving force in the economic development of the Mediterranean region. Most of the countries in this major region are currently showing sound growth. My ambition is to help more Swedish companies become more involved and successful in this region and to promote our trade relations. The best way of opening up trade globally is via multilateral agreements. This is also the only way of ensuring a fair, stable and predictable international trade system. Completing the current trade round in the WTO, the Doha Round, is therefore one of the Swedish Government's most important trade policy priorities. The Doha Round has been underway since 2001, and has been pronounced dead by the media several times. But today, there is support from all WTO members for a concentrated effort to complete the Round this year. If we fail, we run a serious risk of having to wait for several years before we get another chance. The European Union today has the largest integrated economy in the world. I would argue that it is the philosophy of enlargement - probably more than anything else - that has made the Union increasingly relevant and important on the wider global stage. The idea of the enlargement process continues to be a strong driving force for stability, democratisation and economic prosperity. It is crucial that we continue to deepen and widen the European economy, and thus also increasing the competitiveness of our economy and enabling us to maintain and further our position in the global market. An open Union is creating a new European economy. After today's Business Forum, I think it will be clear enough to everyone that Turkey has opened up its economy faster than some of the other candidate countries in the last two decades, and is now establishing itself as a "tiger economy" of the South-eastern Europe with impressive and steady growth rates. In this context, few could doubt the strategic significance of a Turkey that continues on its path of reforms, modernisation and European-inspired development, unleashing the full potential of its economy. This, in turn, will require that the movement towards membership of the European Union continues. Sweden, as a strong supporter of enlargement, firmly believes that accession negotiations must continue and move forward with good progress. The benefits are clear for both sides. I hope that - in a not too distant future - we will see Turkey as a full member of the European Union and Istanbul taking a place alongside London and other European cities as one of the dynamic hubs of economic growth on the continent of Europe. Such a Union would in my view be an even stronger global force than the one we can envisage today. Our positive views on the potential for Sweden and Turkey to continue to cooperate in economic, commercial and industrial fields show that both countries are eager to invest in the other's market. Previous challenges are dealt with more easily today in the interest of growing trade and cooperation between the two countries. It is also very interesting for us to follow the development of Turkey as a hub for companies that want to do business in Central Asia. Let me point out three aspects of membership and what they mean in practice. Common norms and standards are a valuable asset in international trade. If a product is approved in one country it is automatically guaranteed access to markets in other member states. This will considerably facilitate trade and remove non-tariff barriers. Predictability is a must for investors, and we are therefore following with great interest the efforts of the Turkish Government to reform the country's legal system and sustain its political stability. A central set of ideas in EU policies is expressed in the Lisbon Strategy. One aspect of this is the external role of the EU and its new members, that is, our role in relation to globalisation. Today more and more protectionist voices are being heard, not the least within the EU. But protectionism leads to resources being locked in activities that are not viable in the long term and to consumers being adversely affected by more expensive goods and less choice. What we need is an open system for free world trade and continued liberalisation. One of Sweden's most important tasks is to be the strongest defender of free trade in the EU. And I hope that Turkey will be one of our allies in this. In the last couple of years, business relations between Turkey and Sweden have strengthened. Turkey is now not only an important export market for Swedish companies, but is also becoming an important partner for Sweden in our trade relations with other marketplaces. Turkey's highly competitive investment conditions, rapid growth, liberal and reformist investment climate and geographical location have proved to be of great value for Swedish companies with investment plans in the region. Its strategic location between Europe, Central Asia and the Middle East gives access to a region with interesting growth potential, and so creates even more business opportunities for Swedish companies. I am convinced that our economic bilateral relations and trade will continue to increase. One positive step in this direction is the establishment of a Saab sales office in Ankara and I very much hope that this will contribute to further cooperation in the field of defence equipment. The Swedish Government acknowledges the need of foreign direct investment. It should be noted that around 25 per cent of all personnel in the private sector in Sweden are employed by foreign-owned companies. My government is working actively to attract foreign direct investments, including investment from Turkey, of course. The government agency responsible for attracting foreign investors to Sweden has had considerable success since it was established in 1996. However, when it comes to Turkey, we would like to see a lot more activity in this area, as Invest in Sweden Agency (ISA) has had limited experience of cooperating with Turkish counterparts up to now. Mr Prime Minister, as you know, a considerable number of Swedish citizens are of Turkish origin. It is my intention to make the best possible use of the experience and business knowledge of Swedish citizens born abroad. They are an important asset contribution to growth and prosperity here in Sweden. Sweden also has a great deal to offer when it comes to strategic project development. The Sustainable development of cities has become an area in which Sweden stands particularly strong. The concept of SymbioCity, a more holistic planning and governance process for urban development can be an important field for bilateral cooperation in the years ahead. Another area is that of energy and environment. Not only do we have many consulting and manufacturing companies with the capacity for and experience of carrying out strategic projects all over the world. We have also created a special mechanism at the Ministry for Foreign Affairs to support the development of strategic projects from vision/idea to bankable projects. Sweden was one of the first countries to structure and deregulate its energy market. We are looking forward to sharing the expertise and long experience that our industry, consultancy sector and institutions have developed, for the benefit of similar infrastructure projects in Turkey. One of these projects is the Black Sea submarine cable connecting the Turkish and Romanian electrical energy markets. The Turkish and Romanian application for Swedish bilateral co-financing of the study for developing a bankable project is now under evaluation and a decision will be taken in the near future. This kind of cooperation will support the ongoing EU process. I am looking forward to listening to your strategic project proposals for further possible bilateral co-operation. Trade and investment promotion is an important part of the Swedish Government's policy to create more jobs, sustainable growth and a strong and competitive Swedish industry, and to strengthen Sweden's international competitiveness. The Swedish Trade Council created in 1972 and owned jointly by the Swedish Government and the Swedish business sector, is committed to helping small and medium-sized Swedish companies to do business abroad. I hope that the activities of the Swedish Trade Council in Istanbul, which has a profound knowledge of different markets, will act as a catalyst for contacts between enterprises. This office was established in the early 1990's and has a strong team of ten consultants who are doing a great job in supporting Swedish companies with tailor made business development strategies in the region. It offers a broad range of services to Swedish companies and also acts as a hub for business aimed at the regions of Central Asia and the Israel. It is the Council's office in Istanbul that has arranged this seminar, in cooperation with the head office and let me take this opportunity to thank them for their good work in putting this programme together. In 2006 the Swedish Trade Council, in association with the Swedish Embassy in Ankara organised a programme on the topic of "Good Corporate Governance and Sustainable Growth", to create awareness and understanding of "good corporate governance principles". Such principles are very important long-term assets for progress towards the EU by Turkey, and for its status as one of the most attractive countries for foreign investment. This programme will continue in 2008, incorporating the Central Asia countries in the set up. Ladies and Gentlemen, I am confident that Turkish-Swedish trade relations will increase and when Turkey joins the EU's internal market, as a full member, this will be to our mutual advantage. It is excellent that our governments look upon this challenge in the same way. But the real work is not done at the top of the pyramid. Concrete work has to be carried out in the field. This is the task of companies. It is companies that invest for the future. Thank you!

Speech Hotel Hyatt, Kiev, Ukraine 30 January 2008 Ewa Björling, Minister for Trade Speech by Dr. Ewa Björling, Minister for Trade "Sweden-Ukraine - Partners in Business"

Your Excellency, Mr. Minister, Ladies and Gentlemen, It is a great honour for me to open this seminar, entitled "Sweden-Ukraine, partners in business" together with my Ukrainian colleague, His Excellency the Minister for Economy of Ukraine, Mr. Bohdan Danylyshyn. Ukraine and Sweden share a long common history, not least regarding trade relations. In the 11th century, Ingegerd, nowadays honoured as Saint Anna of Novgorod, daughter of the Swedish King Olof Skötkonung, married Yaroslav the Wise, Grand Prince of Novgorod and Kiev. Together they had three daughters who became queens of France, Hungary and Norway, respectively.

The intermingling of people contribute to a better understanding of our societies and to a far greater respect of our cultures. This is also a solid ground for our economic relations. With such a starting point, it is no wonder that relations between our countries are good. Trade relations between Ukraine and Sweden are constantly growing. During this decade, Swedish exports to Ukraine have grown by an average of 37 per cent annually, and we hope to see Ukrainian export increase to Sweden as well. We have every reason to believe that this trend will continue. Sweden is now among the top ten investors in Ukraine. One of the most important investors is of course the main corporate sponsor for this seminar, Swedbank, which last summer acquired TAS-Kommerzbank. Swedbank has over 3,000 employees in Ukraine and provides service to more than 150,000 private customers in almost 200 branches throughout the country. As an advocate of free trade, I welcome Ukrainian exports to Sweden, and encourage Ukrainian investments in our country. There is every reason for Ukrainian companies wishing to expand to new markets to do business in Sweden. The Swedish growth rate is in the EU's upper range, and there are few countries that can match Sweden's potential to benefit from the intensifying, technology-driven global competition and cooperation. Sweden already hosts one of the most internationally integrated economies in the world. The nation's competitiveness is manifested in large flows of trade and foreign investment. Low levels of corporate tax, the absence of withholding tax on dividends and a favourable holding company regime combine to make Sweden particularly attractive for doing business. We offer access to new products and technologies, skills and innovations, as well as an attractive location and gateway to Northern Europe and the Baltic Sea region. Free trade is a cornerstone of Swedish foreign and business policy. Sweden is vigorously pursuing open, simple and fair conditions for international trade and investment. This contributes to growth, employment and sustainable development. It is also the basis of our domestic economic policy. Swedish prosperity is built on international trade and the ability of our companies to compete in the global market. Promotion of exports and investments is important for Sweden's growth. I am therefore delighted that the road to Ukrainian membership in the World Trade Organisation, something that Sweden strongly supports, is now open. As soon as the membership has been finalised, negotiations can start for a free trade agreement with the European Union, which is the next important step towards greater Ukrainian integration with the economies of Europe. I am convinced that this will have a great positive impact on both Ukraine and the EU. Ukraine will set an example for other countries in the region. Concerning the WTO, I would also like to seize the opportunity and underline the importance of nearing a successful completion of the Doha Round. Sweden will persistently underscore that this is one of our most important trade priorities. I am also happy to see that, in the meantime, a Memorandum of Understanding to facilitate trade between our countries has been developed by the Ukrainian Chamber of Commerce and the Association of Swedish Chambers of Commerce and Industry, will be signed today. This Memorandum proves the intention and commitment on both sides to make the most of the enormous potential of Ukrainian-Swedish trade. We have a very impressive programme for this seminar. Today and tomorrow will be devoted to activities aiming to further strengthen our bilateral trade relations. More than 30 Swedish companies are represented here, all of them intending to make the most of this opportunity to build long standing relations with their Ukrainian partners. I would like to emphasize that one of my priorities as Minister for Trade is to support small and medium-sized companies in their endeavours to enhance their capabilities and to have access to international markets. Sweden's support for Ukraine's European aspirations is well known, and we will continue to advocate the openness of the European Union, not least during our upcoming chairmanship. We will stress the ambition to develop the next step of the partnership between EU and our neighbours. A new contractual relation between EU and Ukraine could be established in 2009. Free trade will be one of the most important priority areas, as well as an enhanced trade focus on Eastern Europe, including Ukraine. The EU internal market, is the core component of European cooperation. Complementary to the internal market, the EU is also making great efforts to facilitate more exchanges at an international level. Sweden is also deeply committed to development cooperation with Ukraine. Sweden is, in fact, the largest donor to Ukraine among EU member states. One of the most important goals of Swedish development cooperation with Ukraine is to encourage the country to move closer to the EU, as well as to develop deeper bilateral relations between Ukraine and Sweden. I am confident that Ukraine's intensified trade and political relations with the EU constitutes a very important step for Ukraine's economic development We are discussing with our Ukrainian friends a coming state visit by the Swedish royal couple to Ukraine later this year and this is yet another example of the importance that Sweden attaches to its relations with Ukraine. My visit to Kiev serves as part of the preparation for this event, which will provide further opportunities for Ukraine and Sweden to expand the trade between our countries. Finally, I would especially like to emphasize the high value and significance that strengthened trade relations can bring between our countries in the coming period. Ladies and Gentlemen, I look forward to a successful and interesting seminar and to the continued fruitful cooperation at all levels between our countries. Thank you.

Speech Nordic Embassies Felleshuset, Berlin 22 January 2008 Ewa Björling, Minister for Trade Speech by Ewa Björling "Sweden and German Foreign Trade in a Globalized World"

Let me first say that I am very pleased to be in Berlin. It is now less than a year since my predecessor, Sten Tolgfors, was here and our frequent visits are no coincidence. Germany's importance for Swedish foreign trade and trade policy cannot be underestimated. Germany is Sweden's most important trade partner. Swedish exports to Germany amount to 11 per cent of our total exports, while our imports from this country have risen to 18 per cent of total imports. It is practically impossible to talk about trade today without mentioning China and Asia. This is why it is worth noting that the level of Swedish exports to Germany is higher than our exports to all of the 50 Asian countries, including China. Moreover, and perhaps most important, Germany is a central political partner in our endeavours to enlarge and deepen our markets. I would like to underline that my concept of being Minister for Trade also is synonymous with being Minister for Free Trade. I have an opportunity to leave my own mark on Swedish trade policy. I would, however, like to reassure anyone who may be concerned that Sweden is about to change its basic approach, that Swedish efforts to promote trade that is freer and more open remain firm. This is also what I intend to devote the first part of my speech to. How can we ensure the further strengthening of German-Swedish and intra-European trade, and in line with this, also remove the barriers to global trade? I would like to devote the second part of my speech to a couple of questions that are of particular interest to me, and where I also believe that Germany and Sweden have much to gain from close cooperation. In conclusion, I would like to return to German-Swedish trade and why I believe that Sweden and Germany are in a good position to develop even closer ties in terms of investments and trade.

The EU internal market As I said, I intend to begin by giving my views on future efforts to achieve more open and freer trade, both from an internal European perspective and internationally. The EU internal market, with its principles of free movement, is at the core of European cooperation. These principles adopted more than fifty years ago are still fundamental to the European Union - and will be even more important in the future. Entrepreneurs, consumers, students, pensioners and employees are entitled to all of the rights of the internal market, rights that must be safeguarded and realised. In order to ensure that these rights are fully implemented, the internal market needs to be developed and continuously protected. Much of the legislation is in place but we see a growing need to ensure that its application is successful. I would like work on the internal market to be less about new legislation but rather about the correct, timely and efficient implementation and application of the existing rules. In this context, the recent Review of the Internal Market launched by the Commission last November provides an excellent opportunity to remove the weaknesses that remain and to harness the full potential of the internal market. We need to assess our current tools in preparation for our future needs. Improvements should focus on the day-to-day application; our agencies need to be better at cross-border cooperation; knowledge about the internal market needs to improve, and confidence in cross-border exchange needs to be strengthened so that the number of trade barriers can be reduced. The existing legislation can be improved. The 'Package on the Internal Market for Goods' and the Services Directive not only improve the movement of goods and services but also contain important regulatory reforms and measures to reduce bureaucracy. The internal market is the largest market in the world. Hence it is our strongest asset in an increasingly globalised world. It attracts companies from countries outside the EU and provides a springboard for European firms to expand globally. In addition, the internal market can inspire our trading partners around the world to move more in the direction of free trade. The internal market rules can be used as a model for other trading partners. One of the great strengths of EU membership lies in the common solutions - the Community legislation. If we don't succeed in reaching joint decisions in the EU, or respect agreements, it will be harder to integrate our economies and, in turn, to connect the internal market with countries outside the EU. From a global perspective the internal market is the EU's primary competitive advantage. Together we stand stronger in a global economy. The Swedish Government's ambition is for Sweden to belong to the core of the European Union and to cooperate actively and constructively. The basis for cooperation is the internal market. Sweden will hold the Presidency of the EU in autumn 2009. One of our main objectives, in the lead up to and during the Presidency, is to focus on the internal market and to give it a more coherent platform. The internal market needs to be more clearly defined in relation to other policy areas. Furthermore; it is important for the Swedish Government that the internal market continues to play a central role in growth and employment in the EU. Even after the Lisbon strategy comes to an end in 2010.

International trade If we now broaden our perspective to include the entire global economy, we can see the same pattern as within the EU; trade contributes to economic integration and also to integration in a broader sense. Trade facilitates the exchange of ideas, technology and know-how. Trade creates growth and trade can help lift people out of poverty. - It is therefore encouraging that in 2006, world merchandise exports grew in real terms (i.e. at constant prices) by 8.5 per cent compared to 6.5 per cent the preceding year. A large part of this trade acceleration can be attributed to the marked recovery in Europe's export and import growth. World commercial services rose by 11 per cent.

Doha Development Agenda (DDA) and the Free Trade Agreement (FTA) - The main forum for providing stability and predictability to the global economy is the World Trade Organisation. The ongoing multilateral trade negotiations - the Doha Round - is Sweden's single most important trade priority. Multilateral agreements guarantee that gains from trade are more equally distributed and that more countries can benefit from increased trade opportunities. - As many of you are aware, the negotiations in the Doha Round should have been completed some years ago, but have dragged on. A large number of issues, many of which are complex, are on the table, but it is still possible to conclude the Doha Round this year. If we don't, negotiations may be postponed for many years, pending a new US president and a new European Commission. - The Doha Round is a unique opportunity to enhance the prospects for global growth. If we fail, small and vulnerable countries will be the hardest hit. - As a complement to the WTO negotiations, the EU is currently involved in negotiations on bilateral and regional free trade agreements with several key strategic partners. These negotiations are in some cases well-advanced. Sweden is aiming for ambitious and comprehensive agreements. Such agreements can substantially boost trade and investment flows. The potential economic benefits are significant.

Trade Defence Instruments (TDI) and Anti-Dumping (AD) - Trade defence instruments are sometimes needed to balance the effects of unfair practices in the form of predatory pricing or other misuses of monopolistic production conditions. However, antidumping measures, as defined and allowed by the WTO and by the present EU regulations, are far from being solely a defence against anticompetitive practices. Rather, antidumping measures often tend to constitute a misplaced and discretionary form of protecting domestic industry from import competition. - Most European companies are today part of global production chains. A declining share of production is taking place within national borders. However, our own trade defence instruments make it more difficult for European firms to fully profit from the comparative advantages offered by globalisation. - The current EU rules on antidumping therefore need to be modernised. A lack of international openness, or a resort to protectionist external measures - as some voices in the debate now seem to be calling for - would have detrimental effects on Europe's future competitiveness and economic growth. The outcome of the TDI reform should result in a trade defence regime that measures up to the demands of today's global economy. - I have recently been informed from Brussels that the Commission might postpone its proposal for a TDI reform. This development is indeed very worrying and I hope we can soon get an agreement among the Member States to move forward with this important reform of EU's antidumping rules. - In my view, Germany has a key role to play in safeguarding continued economic development and prosperity in the EU.

Global Europe - We must ensure that we grasp all the opportunities offered by globalisation. The Lisbon agenda and its objective to transform the EU into the most competitive and dynamic knowledge-based economy in the world provides us with the relevant guidelines for our endeavours in the Union. Enhanced competition and openness, both within the EU and in relation to the rest of the world, should be seen as something desirable and necessary rather than perceived as a threat to European interests. - Competition should be welcomed as a key stimulus to promote productivity and encourage movement up the value-chain in our economies. Investments to this effect will be crucial for sustained economic growth and job creation in the EU. Only this way can European business stay dynamic in the global economy. Germany and Sweden are good examples of the positive effects, on business and on society as a whole, of a consistent policy of openness to competition at home and abroad.

Bali and environmental goods I will now move on to the second part of my speech, which I would like to devote to two issues in which I am particularly interested. The first is about trade and climate. International work to prevent climate change is an issue of utmost priority. These challenges need to be tackled effectively and urgently and all policy areas must contribute to this vital endeavour. Trade policy should complement and reinforce efforts to mitigate climate change. I hope that the recently initiated work on trade and climate, which was discussed at the Trade Ministers meeting at Bali in December, could deliver results by autumn 2009. Recognition that free trade can contribute to effectively combating climate change serves as a point of departure for the Swedish Government. In the environmental field, Germany and Sweden are long-standing partners in the work to promote a shift of our economy and society to sustainable development. I am sure that both German and Swedish business partners are positive towards fruitful cooperation in the development of environmental technology and exchange. Germany also held a successful and, not least, effective Presidency of the EU, where a number of important environment issues were negotiated. I would especially like to thank Germany for its contribution in Heiligendamm to bringing all the G8 countries on board in the climate change discussions prior to Bali. The worldwide agreement made in Bali would not have been possible had Germany not been able to get both the G8 and EU leaderships to agree on climate issues. Sweden is especially grateful for this, since we are to head the EU during the Climate Change Summit in Copenhagen in December 2009, where the final agreement on a post-Kyoto deal will be concluded. This inevitably leads me to the Swedish EU Presidency in autumn 2009, where climate change and environment will be a top priority for the Swedish Government. During our Presidency there will be a newly elected European Parliament and a new European Commission taking office, which will probably pose particular challenges to moving negotiations forward and contributing to a long-term approach within the EU. The energy and transport sectors are not the only ones to be involved in work to combat climate change. Patterns of consumption and production also need to be explored, with implications on both trade relations and internal markets, and I especially look forward to the contributions from business and civil society.

Export of small and medium-sized companies (SMEs) The other question that I am particularly interested in is small and medium-sized companies (SMEs). Sweden has traditionally conducted polices that have favoured large companies, but that have disfavoured the important small and medium-sized companies. The new Government wants to create better conditions for SMEs. My objective is politically to set the scene so this can be fulfilled and thereby enable Swedish companies to increase their competitiveness on the EU internal market as well as the international market. The export loan that was launched by the Swedish government in July 2007, is also one of many efforts done in order to enable small and medium sized companies to expand internationally. Another important governmental decision has been to support Swedish business owner with foreign background to expand their businesses by starting to export. As these business owners has particular linguistic and cultural skills, I would like to see that Sweden is making the best use of these skills in order to explore new market. Here Sweden has much to learn from Germany, with its strong tradition of SMEs. Swedish SMEs can also develop through greater ties with Germany. An important step in this direction was recently taken by the Swedish Government's decision to launch a strategic analysis of business opportunities for SMEs in different sectors in Germany. This analysis will be carried out by the Swedish Trade Council.

The Baltic Sea region In conclusion I would like to discuss a couple of aspects that show the good conditions existing for Sweden and Germany to develop even closer ties with each other in terms of investments and trade. Germany and Sweden are both part of one of the world's most dynamic growth regions - the Baltic Sea region. This region, which represents approximately 100 million consumers, is outperforming the EU25 countries and even Central and Eastern Europe in terms of the growth of prosperity. It offers a wide range of business and investment opportunities, from low-cost production to leading technologies and research and development. The local diversity in cost structures, industrial specialisations and value chain positioning are some of the region's greatest strengths. Given its geographical position at the centre of the Northern European and Baltic Sea region, Sweden is a natural springboard for doing business in this part of Europe Following the expansion of the EU and the phasing out of transitional arrangements in the business sector, Nordic relations with Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania are entering a new phase of ever closer cooperation in a range of strategic areas. In this context, I would also like to point out that in 2008 Sweden is currently holding the Presidency of the Nordic Council of Ministers. During our Presidency, one of the issues we intend to prioritise is coordination with EU Member States and Nordic-Baltic cooperation in specific areas.

Research Given my background as a researcher at the Karolinska Institutet in Stockholm, I would also like to underline the importance of continuing the direct cooperation between scientific research and development and the business sector. Both Sweden and Germany have long been at the forefront of scientific research and development. This is key to strengthening the competitiveness and international credibility of both our countries. Further, I know that Germany is carrying out interesting work in strengthening the status of already strong universities in order to attract international researchers and I hope that this will also bring more Swedes to German academic institutions. I would also like here to point out the importance of continuing to encourage academic exchange at undergraduate level. I am delighted to see that (in 2006) almost 2 400 German students chose to come to Sweden to study. Hopefully in the long term, this will contribute to greater German business interests in Sweden.(The equivalent figure for Swedish students in Germany is 1335).

Final comments As I have tried to describe today, all the conditions are in place to further strengthen trade; this applies to trade between Germany and Sweden, within Europe and at the global level. Reducing trade barriers may require some difficult decisions, both nationally and internationally. It's not just a question of resisting short-term national interests and protectionism. It is also a matter of taking smart decisions, so that the design of trade systems puts us on a path towards lower carbon dioxide emissions and less environmental impact, thus decoupling the growth of trade from increased emissions once and for all. I believe that this is possible, and I believe that Germany and Sweden are in an unusually good position, side by side, to lead the way together towards this goal. Thank you for your attention!

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

Speech House of Sweden, Washington 09 January 2008 Ewa Björling, Minister for Trade Speech by Minister for Trade at the seminar "Leadership through innovation"

Ladies and Gentlemen, I am very honoured to be here representing the Swedish government at this inauguration seminar for the "Innovation and Technology" theme. Let me first of all express my gratitude to the Ambassador, Jonas Hafström, and Counsellor Magnus Härviden from ITPS, the Institute for Growth Policy Studies, for inviting me to the House of Sweden and organizing this very important seminar. I am looking forward to having an exciting discussion with you at this seminar on leadership, creativity, curiosity, innovation, enterprise, research and international trade. And, on top of that, to being able to do so in a building as fantastic as the House of Sweden! The theme "Innovation and Technology" opens today with this inauguration seminar and will be open until March the 16th. It is the fifth out of a total of six themes in a twenty-month long period since the inauguration of House of Sweden in October 2006. The theme consists not only of seminars on innovation, science and technology but also of various exhibitions and installations. I am very impressed with the programme for the theme "Innovation & Technology" and of course the very interesting seminar on "Leadership Through Innovation" that we have ahead of us. Leadership and management are crucial in a modern organisation to create a positive environment where new ideas can flourish. Globalisation has raised the bar for nations and companies to stay competitive, and innovation is often mentioned as the key to success. The world today is interlinked. Information, ideas, capital and people travel across borders at an unprecedented speed. This is something good that adds to prosperity and freedom. The only way to respond to the challenges and opportunities of globalisation is through openness. Globalisation requires sound domestic policies and the dismantling of barriers. This is one key to sustaining growth and development. But another very important key element is for government to create a stimulating environment where entrepreneurship and the spirit of innovations are rewarded. Society benefits from advances in science and technology. Innovation and technology enable nations to prosper, and are a driver for social well- being. Investing in innovation is a key to staying competitive and fostering economic growth. Advanced communication technologies give all of us easy access to global talent, capital and ideas, which in turn makes the world a safer place. I do think that curiosity and creativity are important driving forces. The leading "World Values Survey" shows that Sweden's values are unique in an international perspective. For instance, Swedes are considered to be very individualistic, even more than Americans. I find it particularly interesting that Swedes are seen as curious and eager to test new things. The inclination of Swedes to be early adopters of new technologies makes Sweden a useful test market for US companies for high-level software products. Apple, Google, Microsoft and other giant US IT-brands were introduced and appreciated early on in Sweden. American car manufactures have chosen Gothenburg to develop telematic solutions for the automotive industry and so forth. Sweden is placed at the top of several lists ranking competitiveness, research, development and creativity, as well as quality of life, equality and sustainability. For example, the American economist and urban studies theorist, professor Richard Florida, has put Sweden at the very top of his "global creativity index". Swedes are the most creative people in the world, according to Dr. Florida's "three Ts": Talent, Technology and Tolerance. The so-called Nation Brands Index, the first analytical ranking of the world's nation brands, gives Sweden a very high ranking. Thousands of consumers in thirty-five nations were surveyed on their perceptions of each nation's cultural, political, commercial and human assets, investment potential and tourist appeal. Sweden stands up to the test. A couple of month back in Sweden we launched new tools for promoting the Brand of Sweden. We want to put forward a clear, comprehensive and compelling image of Sweden. The core values are innovation, openness, caring and authenticity. A large part of Sweden's GDP consists of international trade and most of Sweden's exports are in various ways high tech, and thus dependent on research, innovation and technology. Skills and innovation are crucial concepts. Sweden is an OECD leader in terms of combined public and private R&D expenditure in relation to GDP. It is among the world's top R&D spenders. One of many reasons is the high investment in higher education and basic research, which has propelled Sweden to a prime position in terms of university enrolment, workforce skills and R&D outcomes. A high standard of basic infrastructure is also a key issue. The information and communication technologies infrastructure attracts particular attention abroad. It is one of the reasons for the rapid growth of the Swedish ICT sector. Sweden remains a leader in terms of per capita access to personal computers, the Internet, etc. Sweden's capability also rests on its citizens, who are prone to utilize and leverage ICT. For future competitiveness, prosperity and growth in the increasingly globalised world, knowledge is of fundamental importance, as is the ability to convert knowledge into revenue. Coherent policies for R&D, innovation and entrepreneurship are therefore vital. Sweden is not a large country, but is well known for academic R&D of high quality. And several global companies choose Sweden as their R&D headquarters. Examples of these are AstraZeneca, Ericsson, SAAB, Volvo, Scania, Tetra Pak, Sandvik, Gambro and SKF. Furthermore, we rank high, or highest, in international innovation performance indexes. In the EU we are number one, and globally we are ranked number two. And the Government is committed to continue strengthening Sweden's performance.

In total, Sweden invests almost four percent of GDP in R&D, which places us as number two in the world. Of these funds, around seventy-five percent comes from industry, which makes the public funding represent a bit less than one percent of GDP. Our Government's goal is to increase this to one percent in the forthcoming research and innovation bill next year. Most publicly funded R&D is performed at universities in Sweden, while the industrially oriented research institute sector is relatively small. Attention has been focused on the role of the institutes as an important link between the academic world and industry, and a strengthening of this sector is foreseen in the upcoming research and innovation bill. Investment in knowledge is important, but of course not enough. The transfer of knowledge between the academic world and enterprises is of fundamental importance for innovation and competitiveness. We need to create an environment that enhances the innovative capacity of industry. In recent years a series of Private-Public-Partnership (PPP) Programs focused on important industrial sectors have been launched. Also, a large number of long-term Excellence Centre initiatives in Triple Helix constellations have been launched, focusing on world-class competence. These are examples of initiatives aimed at creating innovative and strong research environments for effective knowledge transfer. The transference of knowledge is also an important factor for the creation of new enterprises. Recently the Innovation Bridges were created for this purpose. They use regional structures, coach new companies, and supply seed-financing to explore the knowledge created at our universities and research institutes, with the aim of creating new companies with high knowledge content. The Government has also launched other actions to increase the availability of venture capital for funding and the growth of start-up enterprises. A new foundation for further commercialization of research results will be an important aspect of the research and innovation bill to be presented next year. The Swedish Government is taking a number of steps to make it easier to become, to be, and to grow as an entrepreneur. Running a business has to be fun, simple and lucrative. This is a main policy headline. We have introduced measures to make it easier for small and middle-sized companies, SMEs, to go international. We have made export credits available for small companies. Of special interest in the global context are innovative SMEs. Innovation may be in the field of technology or in the field of services, or as a combination of both. A majority of total innovations are aimed at fine-tuning a product or service. SMEs have a special role in leading more radical innovations to the market. Such innovations have a substantial impact as they bring completely new concepts, rather than modifications of existing ones. The radical innovations are, of course, important for the start-up of new, potentially high-growth, SMEs. Furthermore, such SMEs have a role as suppliers of radical innovations to large enterprises, and thus help in renewing them, resulting in enhanced global competitiveness. We have also launched a completely ground-breaking initiative concerning how we can learn from our immigrants possessing special skills and competences regarding business-culture, religion and politics in the countries from which they origin. The initiative focuses on the creation of a network of companies managed by Swedish immigrants that want to begin to trade with their native countries. This will increase Sweden's exports. We have already seen a massive interest though we have not even started to promote this initiative. Global efforts are also needed to handle the environmental challenges we face. I see the development of new clean technologies as a link between innovation, competitiveness and fighting climate change. Small and medium-sized companies will have an important role in developing knowledge, including new technologies and services, and the synergies between them. The Swedish Government will present a dedicated strategy for environment friendly technology. There are few countries that can match Sweden's potential to benefit from the intensifying, technology-driven global competition. Sweden already hosts one of the most internationally integrated economies in the world. The nation's competitiveness is manifested in large flows of trade and foreign investment. Sweden offers access to new products and technologies, skills and innovations, as well as an attractive location and gateway to Northern Europe/the Baltic Sea region. Low levels of corporate tax, the absence of withholding tax on dividends and a favourable holding company regime combine to make Sweden particularly attractive for doing business. Sweden's growth rate is in the EU's upper range, trade is at record levels and there is international confidence in the Swedish economy. From our perspective the United States is a very important partner. The U. S. is a central and priority discussion partner for the Swedish Government, bilaterally and in international forums. It is important to have a close and trusting dialogue. And that applies especially to contacts between companies from out two countries. A seminar like this can also be seen as an expression of the close cooperation between our two countries. And at the same time I want to underline the very good working relation we do have in Stockholm with the U.S embassy. The common values and longstanding links between our countries are a cornerstone of our foreign policy. As Minister for Trade, I recognize that the U.S. is one of Sweden's three most important trading partners - Sweden exports more to the US than to the whole of Asia. The United States is one of Sweden's two most important investment markets. The US is the number one investor in our country. In the U.S, 200,000 Americans are employed in Swedish-owned companies. In Sweden, more than 100,000 Swedes work in American-owned industry. Sweden and the US have an extensive history of fruitful cooperation, ranging all the way through the innovation system, which has resulted in mutual strengthening the competitiveness of our countries. I hope we will continue to enhance our cooperation and exchange. Thank you!

Contact Jens Söderblom Political Adviser to Ewa Björling +46 8 405 27 44 +46 76 766 39 99 email to Jens Söderblom 2007

Speech Swedish Chamber of Commerce in Paris 03 December 2007 Ewa Björling, Minister for Trade Statement by Minister for Trade at the Prix d'Excellence prize-winning award ceremony

Ambassadors, Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen - Bonsoir It is a great honor for me on my first visit to France as Minister for Trade to attend this very special French-Swedish evening, organized by the Swedish Chamber of Commerce in France in cooperation with the Embassy of Sweden in France. As you know, this is an annual event where the Excellence Prize - awarded for exceptional success on the French market - is presented. I am very pleased to see so many business leaders and representatives of the Swedish-French business community present here this evening. As a Minister for Trade it is of great importance to me to have the opportunity to have a dialogue with you and I am looking forward to hearing about your experiences and the challenges that you face.

Trade and trading relations Free trade is a cornerstone of Swedish foreign and business policy. It is also the basis of our domestic economic policy. Swedish prosperity is built on international trade and the ability of our companies to compete in markets all over the world. During the last ten years, Swedish-French trade has more than doubled. Looking at the jobs created, Sweden is the fourth largest foreign investor in France. Over 450 Swedish companies are established in France with 270 French production sites, and there are about 300 French companies established in Sweden. Further on, a very successful and known Swedish-French merger is the one between Volvo and Renault. Exports and imports are balanced but have remained at the same level of 5 percent for several years, indicating that there is a large potential for Swedish companies that is still untapped. I would also like to announce that a governmental decision has been taken last week, in which the Swedish Trade Council has been commissioned to make a strategic analysis of business opportunities for small and medium enterprises in different sectors in France, Italy, Spain and Russia for 2007-2008. Since France is one of the major importing countries in the world and the second largest market in Europe, there ought to be at least twice as many Swedish companies here, in particular small and medium-sized company that wants to step into various French markets. One of my priorities as Minister for Trade is to support small and medium-sized companies in their endeavors to enhance their capabilities and to have access to the international market. We are therefore very grateful to the Swedish Chamber of Commerce in Paris for their recent decision to create a new business platform, where the image of Sweden is exposed and the Swedish trade is promoted. I made a personal visit there today and I was very impressed by the ongoing work undertaken by the staff. I hope that this platform will contribute to creating new business opportunities for our countries. I would also like to take this opportunity to mention that the business climate in Sweden is currently very favorable. Sweden's growth rate, which is in the EU's upper range and Sweden's role as the largest market in the Baltic Sea region has attracted many foreign investors. Thus, there is every reason for French companies wishing to expand in the EU to approach Sweden as an important country to invest in. The Swedish Trade Council and Invest in Sweden Agency (ISA), offer substantial services aiming at strengthening the capacity of small and middle-sized company to take the decisive step to export.

Research Given my background as a researcher at the Karolinska Institutet in Stockholm, I would like to point out the importance of continuing the direct cooperation between scientific research and development and the business sector. Sweden has for a long time been in the forefront in scientific research and development. This has strengthened Sweden's competitiveness and granted Sweden its international credibility. Nevertheless, we have to promote all efforts to transform world class research into entrepreneurship. I have already noticed that biomedicine and biotechnology, vehicle technology and safety and environmental technology are business sectors that are attracting more and more investments, working opportunities and growth. An important observation is that these sectors has not only attracted investments to Sweden, but also created research centers in Sweden where the most qualified international researchers can be found. Therefore, it is very important to continue to encourage our young students to pursue studies abroad. I am really delighted to see that (in 2006) almost 1 500 French students chose to come to Sweden to study. Hopefully in the long term, this will contribute to greater French business interests in Sweden. (the corresponding figure for Swedish students in France is 1750.)

Sweden's image One of my first tasks, as Minister for Trade, was to launch the common brand platform for Sweden. This will form the basis of a more up-to-date and vigorous presentation of our country abroad. A credible and attractive image of Sweden, and of the distinctive features of our country will undoubtedly serve as an advantage for a company trying to establish itself internationally. This image is also a crucial competitive instrument when it comes to attracting other countries to Sweden, whether this involves tourism, manpower, researchers, students or investments. Sweden is perceived as a dynamic country that in its endeavors to maintain a high level of development also is taking people and the environment into account. A progressive country, characterized by innovation, openness, caring and authenticity. I am convinced that the 'Prix d'Excellence' has contributed significantly to the good reputation Sweden enjoys in important circles in France and Paris. We are all grateful for the resourcefulness, commitment and energy shown by the Swedish Chamber of Commerce in France in arranging and maintaining an annual event such as this, at the absolutely highest level. Finally, I would like to thank you all for your commitment and efforts and wish you a very prosperous year in 2008. Merci beacoup et bonne chances a tous.

Speech Stockholm 29 November 2007 Ewa Björling, Minister for Trade Speech by Minister for Trade at the UN Global Compact Nordic Network Meeting Check by delivery.

Ladies and Gentlemen, First of all, let me say that I am very impressed by the size of the participation of Nordic businesses in this meeting. As you all know, we had planned to host the meeting at the Ministry for Foreign Affairs, but since so many companies wanted to attend, the venue had to be changed. This is a proof of the strong commitment of Nordic business to the Global Compact. As the Swedish minister in charge of Corporate Social Responsibility, also well known as CSR - especially to you, it is indeed a privilege to be able to meet this distinguished group of companies of the Nordic Network. CSR is a voluntary undertaking, and rightly so. It is business-owned and business-driven. Nordic companies are internationally well known for taking a social and environmental responsibility and to provide sustainable policies. I think that our Nordic companies' code of conducts and their way of doing responsible business in the world is of great competitive advantage. Taking CSR into account when doing business is a win-win situation for all partners involved - it creates wealth and sustainable economical growth and development, and thus it also contribute to combat poverty and corruption. Our Nordic companies contribute, through their moral and ethical responsibility in doing business, to the promotion and creation of long-term and sustainable relations built on confidence and respect. The Nordic companies' CSR-related business practices are of great importance and a corner stone of the Nordic brand. Good governance and zero tolerance regarding corruption has great and obvious impact in the Nordic private sector when doing business. CSR also stimulates and promotes Human rights. All this - is the core of Corporate Social Responsibility. Is there then any role to play for governments? I do think so. Apart from providing the necessary legal framework and making sure that laws are adhered to, governments can facilitate these processes by endorsing and recognising good practices, organise meetings between business and civil society stakeholders, form public-private partnerships, to mention a few of their tasks that were highlighted during the Leaders Summit this summer. The not least important task for the Government is to serve as an interface, and use our well-established channels of communication, between the business-world and large international organisations, such as UN with Global Compact and OECD, when so needed. As the UN Global Compact expresses it, we can see businesses as drivers and governments as enablers of corporate responsibility. Soft Power is the power exercised by means of best practices or so-called thought leadership and is used by governments all around the world today. For the Swedish Government, CSR is an important complementary tool for free and open trade policies. The UN Global Compact, firmly embedded in the UN system, offers important principles, based on conventions and agreements endorsed by almost all governments. Thus it provides a strong framework for pursuing responsible business practices. The local networks of the Compact, already more than 70, are of particular importance. They offer a unique opportunity for businesses, large and small, to share experiences, best practices and development of tools. Equally important are the OECD Guidelines, initiated more than 30 years ago. Today they are endorsed by 39 governments, a number that will hopefully increase. Since a long time, many companies looks upon business codes and practices as a long-term investment. It attracts skilled staff and makes it easier to sell products and services. Business is a part of the solution to many important issues. Climate change and access to water are just two examples of areas in which companies play a vital role as partners in the development of international policy. Businesses have found innovative ways of addressing many challenges in the field of CSR. One example of this is the development of tools for companies operating in conflict areas together with public entities and the civil society. Another tool concerns the integration of human rights practices in companies' policies. Yet another is the innovative ways in which companies, together with UN agencies, are providing electricity, communications and other services to communities that would not otherwise have had these in the foreseeable future. A sign of the importance of business in solving urgent global problems is the statement of the G8 in Heiligendamm this summer, where the UN Global Compact and the OECD Guidelines were explicitly referred to as important factors for change. Last week, I met with the Head of the Global Compact Office, Georg Kell, in New York. We discussed the rapid development of CSR. One major conclusion from that meeting was that responsible business practices are indeed an important contribution for achieving a globalisation that aligns market liberalisation and the extension of business opportunities with environmental security and reductions in poverty and inequality. Corporate social responsibility opens up more trade and investment opportunities under the pretext of social and environmental conditions. CSR is not a tool for protectionism, nor something that is relevant only to big multinationals. On the contrary, I think responsible business practices by all companies regardless of size can support free trade. We must make sure that the demands for CSR do not squeeze out small producers or serve as non-tariff barriers that exclude developing countries from global markets. Corporate Social Responsibility is also a good method regarding enhanced confidence in the business world. If business interests don't make a difference in regions where they are active, there is a risk that people will turn against globalisation, thus making it hard to defend free trade policies. However, it is not about applying the same standards as we have in Sweden to other parts of the world. Rules and salaries have to be adapted to local conditions in order to allow countries to grow and adapt into the world economy. Universal rights must be universally respected, by countries as well as by businesses. The right to organise, freedom of speech and the abolition of all forms of child labour should be necessary to attract foreign trade and investment. Responsible business practices are competitive advantages and an opportunity not just for today's global corporations and advanced economies. As businesses from emerging economies seek a greater role in world trade, they are recognising the imperative of demonstrating their alignment to universally accepted norms and principles. I prefer to see this less as a compliance burden and more as a spur to innovation. Our Government wants to see more developing countries participating in world trade. I see an ambitious outcome of the Doha Round as a key instrument for how governments can take their responsibility for an open and non-discriminatory multilateral trade system. Governments can furthermore include CSR as part of the political dialogue with other countries. This is particularly important in relation to countries that face challenges with human rights or labour rights, where the challenges may vary between countries. What is important is to see how responsible practices can actually serve as tools to strengthen the civic society and respect for human rights. The roadmap of doing business has changed and so has demand from business. Companies are asking for tools and other instruments and for forums in which they can exchange experience. We recognise and welcome this. In order to support the important voluntary undertakings by business, we have to adjust our work to meet the demand from our business sector. Let me outline the main elements of how we intend to work with CSR-related issues in the coming years. We attach great importance to the contribution of business in this field. We look forward to a much closer dialogue and will take steps to find new structures and methods for better and deeper cooperation on CSR with Swedish companies. This relates to how we would like to organise this cooperation at home but also when addressing these issues on the markets that offer the biggest challenges, such as China, and other emerging and developing economies. Next year it will be 60 years since the Universal Declaration on Human Rights was endorsed. During the recent visit by Mary Robinson to Sweden, the idea of having thematic months for business as part of the 60th anniversary celebration was raised. I look forward to working together with business on how to promote Human Rights issues in this context. In the international arena, we are committed to supporting the UN Global Compact and in particular the development of the local networks in emerging markets and developing countries. Sweden also attaches high importance to the work of the UN Special Representative for Business and Human Rights as well as to the processes led by Global Compact Board member, Mary Robinson. CSR is very much about transparency and accountability. It is about human dignity and about contributing in a positive way to the development of society. These are key words for most governments. Many companies, like you who are present here today, play an important role in promoting responsible business practices. It is important for governments to reflect on what we can do to support these processes, particularly in areas of the world where the challenges are the greatest. Our co-operation can make a difference. Thank you!

Contact Malin Werner Press Secretary, Political Adviser to Ewa Björling

Speech Rosenbad, Stockholm 08 November 2007 Ewa Björling, Minister for Trade Opening speech by the Minister for Trade at "Sacs Civil Security Conference" Check against delivery.

Ladies and Gentlemen, Dear Friends: I am glad to be able to join you all at the opening of this Conference, addressing a variety of issues linked to Civil Security - an area of growing importance. Globalization is the driving force that has made societies on both sides of the Atlantic successful. It is also providing tools for the developing world to transform and achieve higher standards of living for its populations. The four key channels of globalization are often described as trade in goods and services, movement of people, financial flows, and technological diffusion. However, there are challenges that come with globalization. Increased economic activity threatens to lead to environmental collapse, and movement of people may enhance the speed and spread of infectious diseases. Failed cross-border infrastructures and processes may cause unanticipated ripple effects within and between continents. Increased connectivity also enables networks, organized crime cartels, or terrorism movements to cause disorder. Political and security spheres need to catch up to globalized economics and technology. Looking at the risk and threat landscape, we will most probably see continued and varied challenges as globalization proceeds. Future global prosperity and continued development requires active and dedicated leadership. New approaches and strategies in the political and security sphere are necessary to deal with the dark sides of globalization. Furthermore, without engaged and bold leadership there may be a return to the disruptive and degrading policies of protectionism and nationalism. Prosperity and security for Europe is strongly tied to that of the U.S. and vice versa, even in the post-cold war period. At this point in time, the U.S and the EU together hold 10 per cent of the world population, but account for approximately 40 per cent of world trade, and 60 per cent of the world Gross Domestic Product (GDP). This is the most extensive bilateral trade and investment relationship in the world. There are also profound historical and human ties that bond us together. The transatlantic community shares core values, such as liberty, democracy, respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms, and the rule of law. These values, and strong market-based economies, have solidified the creation of a shared space between North America and Europe. For the future, we need more joint efforts to provide an increasingly open, prosperous, safe and secure environment. A strong transatlantic partnership increases the hope for a more secure and prosperous global environment. The challenge of today is to manage risks, threats and vulnerabilities that are different in character. We need different strategies for prevention, preparedness, response and recovery. The traditional goals of ensuring territorial integrity and national sovereignty must therefore be complemented with securing critical functions in society. Societies are dependent on safe, secure, and efficient flows of goods, services, capital, people, and electronic signals. If critical functions such as transportation, energy, health-care systems, agriculture, communications, and financial systems are debilitated - either by an intentional act, an accident, or through a natural disaster - it will have severe consequences for everyone in society. In a worst case scenario, the ability for legitimate and effective governance may be lost. It is crucial that a shared approach is taken by the transatlantic community, as societal vulnerabilities are amplified by globalization, interconnected technological systems, and an ever faster pace of innovation and evolution of science and technology. In an interconnected world, no nation can isolate itself from events, as consequences can easily spill over jurisdictional, sectoral and geographical borders. In essence, there is a merger of the domestic and the international arenas. Nations are moving towards regional and global webs of dependencies and interdependencies. While it still matters what a neighbouring nation does, increasingly, what happens on the other side of the globe may be just as consequential. The institutional design of government, however, is slow to adapt to a globalizing environment. There is an historical legacy of separating agencies and departments operating in either the domestic or the international sphere. We must remove jurisdictional, organizational, and even mental barriers for interagency cooperation. Otherwise organized crime and terrorists can be active or operate in the transborder sphere between our "old" organizational structures. In this area, we could take stock of the experiences gained by the multinational business community, thriving in a borderless globalized environment. Headquartered in one, with production in another, and research and development in a third country requires the ability to manage complex information and intelligence processes, to keep the business operating effectively. The Memorandum of Understanding on Cooperation in Science and Technology for Homeland Security Matters, which has been signed between the USA and Sweden earlier this year, aims at facilitating exchange of information and research results. As such it will strengthen our capabilities in the area of civil security. An on-going close dialogue with the USA in these and other matters of mutual interest and concern will also contribute to strengthening the transatlantic relationship and thereby meeting the global challenges common to us all. I believe that all of us strongly support increased security checks. We must do everything we can to avoid such terrible terrorist attacks that we have seen on both sides of the Atlantic. But we must do it in an effective way. This is where you, as representatives of the industry, have an important role to play. We need smart, cost-effective, solutions to meet the security challenges of today. Sweden is considered one of the most innovative nations in the world. Many well-known cutting-edge innovations and discoveries have Swedish origin. It is my belief that Swedish and American technology can be at the forefront in the security area. The Swedish Government is of course willing to assist and support your efforts. More than 2.3 million containers pass between the EU and the United States each year. As you probably know, the EU has reacted rather harsh to the US decision that all cargo containers exported to United States should be subject to 100 % scanning. We believe that this measure is unlikely to provide improved protection, but will create major disturbances in our trade relation, and threaten growth, investment and employment. Supply chain security is of utmost importance but must be combined with trade facilitation measures. Solutions must be agreed in order not to disturb trade flow. This, I believe, is an important challenge ahead of us. This afternoon, you will hear about meeting places and fora. You will also hear about what the Swedish government and institutions like VINNOVA and the Swedish Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) are doing to improve the interaction and cooperation across the Atlantic. Mr Ulf Berg, President of the Swedish Trade Council, will address you later and he has vast experience from many trade promotion activities involving the civil security industry. So let us further strengthen an already well established public-private partnership in this important sector. With these words I would like to wish you all success with this conference as well as with your respective endeavours in this field. Thank you!

Contact Malin Werner Press Secretary, Political Adviser to Ewa Björling

Speech Meeting Point Dubai, Dubai 05 November 2007 Ewa Björling, Minister for Trade Speech by Ewa Björling at the Meeting Point Dubai

Ladies and Gentlemen, - Welcome - Ahlan Wa Sahlan

It is indeed a great honor for me to be able to address you today in one of the worlds most vibrant and dynamic growth centers. One only has to look out the window in order to be completely taken aback by the ever increasing skyline of spectacular buildings and round-the-clock activity. Before becoming a Minister, I was a Member of Parliament, a Member of the Committee on Foreign Affairs and Deputy Member of the Advisory Council on Foreign Affairs 2006-2007. Before that I was appointed as an Associate Professor at Karolinska Institute. My visit to the United Arab Emirates has mainly two objectives: Apart from being able to meet with you and to discuss with you the potentials for Swedish export industries in the wider Gulf region; I am also having official meetings with representatives of the United Arab Emirates Government and other decision makers in the United Arab Emirates. It is the first visit to this country by a Swedish trade minister and thus a very timely one: Our bilateral relations are growing fast, and not only in trade terms. For example, who would have imagined that the Symphony Orchestra of the Swedish Radio will be performing on the United Arab Emirates National Day in December this year? It goes without saying that trade and investment will be at the very top of my busy agenda for this visit. However, as our own society and the societies of the Gulf countries change and globalization deepens, the economic dimension needs to be supplemented by political and cultural dimensions. This is essential to maintain and strengthen the trademark "Sweden" in the midst of intensifying competition, not least from Asian countries. ********** Let me now turn to some general aspects of my visit. I am fully aware of the rapid growth of the Swedish business community here in the United Arab Emirates, as well as the ever increasing numbers of Swedes - from all walks of life - choosing to live here. Over 200 Swedish companies represented here and more than 2 500 Swedes residing here are very impressive numbers. Yet I feel we can do even better, in this region as well as in other emerging markets around the world.

Globalization Globalization is here to stay and is affecting our lives in many different kinds of ways. More and more countries take advantage of the opportunities and benefits that globalization entails. Countries that used to be viewed only as recipients of Foreign Direct Investment are now themselves becoming important investors abroad. One example is the United Arab Emirates that on an early stage realized the importance of embracing all the advantages of globalization. This country is through investment bodies such as the Abu Dhabi Investment Authority - ADIA - a major investor on the Swedish stock exchange. The acquisition of Sturegallerian as well as Borse Dubai's ongoing attempts to acquire OMX have served as an eye-opener to more and more people in Sweden with an increased interest in our country. We welcome these investments. Other countries in the region are also following this pattern. Saudi Arabia's Sheik Al Amoudi's decision to invest substantially in our petrochemical sector, as well as recently in our automotive sector, springs to mind. There are Kuwaiti direct investments as well. Your region, with its large number of emerging economies is of particular interest to Sweden. Thus, we need to speed up and improve our market positions here, as well as in other potentially rewarding regions. And we know that Sweden is a very attractive partner in trade as well as in investment:

Swedish competitive advantages There are few countries that can match Sweden's potential to benefit from the intensifying, technology-driven global competition. Sweden already hosts one of the most internationally integrated economies in the world. Our nation's competitiveness is manifested by large flows of trade and foreign investment. We form the largest market in the Baltic Sea region, with a major share of both consumer and economic trends. Add to this a growth rate in the EU's upper range, trade at record levels and a very sound macroeconomic position, and we have every reason to be confident when looking to the future. I would also like to point out how scientific research and development is conducted in Sweden, often in direct cooperation with the business sector. This research is fundamental to our relations and integration with the surrounding world. In a number of areas, Swedish research is absolutely world class - biomedicine and biotechnology, vehicle technology and safety. Yet we cannot afford to be complacent. Many of you here today represent Swedish companies exporting to other countries. While Sweden's export performance in recent years have been very impressive in relative terms - total export value last year surpassed 50 per cent of GDP, up from roughly 40 per cent ten years ago, the outlook is more complex than one might imagine. ********* Free trade is a cornerstone of Swedish foreign and business policy. It is also the basis of our domestic economic policy. Swedish prosperity is built on international trade and the ability of our companies to compete in markets all over the world. Promotion of exports and investments is important for Sweden's growth. Both the Swedish Trade Council and Invest in Sweden Agency (ISA) have very important roles in this process. The Swedish Trade Council offers a whole variety of services aimed at strengthening the capacity of the Small and Middle Enterprises to take the decisive step to export. Export promotion must of course be in harmony with trade policy and a greater focus is given to the work to combat corruption. I am delighted to see that the Swedish Trade Council opened a regional office here in Dubai at the beginning of this year, furthermore that the office has proven a success. This supplements the activities of the Abu Dhabi Embassy and Trade Council Office in Riyadh and the Embassy in Teheran, as well as other embassies in the region.

EU and the co operation with the Gulf States I now would like to say a few words on the relationship between the EU and this region. Let me first point out that one of my top priorities as Minister for Trade is to deepen the cooperation within the internal market of the EU. This market now encompasses 20 million companies and half a billion consumers. Yet we need to take the broader view, and this lies behind the policies that are now leading the EU to seek to conclude a broad free trade agreement with the Gulf Cooperation Council - GCC - countries this coming winter. The agreement will cover the trade in goods and services, public procurement and market access for investments. The negotiations have not been easy, but now, after many years, a deal is actually in sight. As Minister for Trade, I am naturally pleased about tariff reductions and improved market access, which will give a further boost to the already expanding trade, leading to economic gains for both sides. In the EU, the Swedish Government is pushing for completion of the negotiations. There are good reasons for this. Engineering products account for more than two thirds of Swedish exports to the Gulf States. The elimination of tariffs on industrial products will therefore have particularly favorable consequences for Swedish companies by improving their competitive position relative to exporters outside the EU, quite apart from opening up the prospects of even greater increases in the volume of trade. There is also potential for expansion in the trade in services. The negotiations are conducted with the Gulf Cooperation Council countries collectively. Their economic integration is improving. Just as we in the EU profit from a working internal market, we are pleased if the Gulf States can do the same. Together we have much to gain from the increasing integration of the global economy.

Doha round We must double our efforts to bring the Doha Development Round to a successful conclusion. Economic growth and a more open international trading system is needed if we are all going to benefit from globalization. Sweden's role is to emphasize the importance of the Doha Round and the possibility of reaching a successful conclusion. The response to globalization cannot be that the world disintegrates into regional trade blocs. The response to globalization must be multilateral, i.e. the WTO.

Development aid and sustainability A well-functioning local economy and industry together with access to the foreign markets are necessary pre-requisites for long-term and sustainable economic growth. Within the framework of the Swedish development policy we are now enhancing the trade related aid. We are also taking action in enhancing closer cooperation between Swedish industry and businesses and our global development cooperation work. It is important to make better use of synergies from such closer cooperation. Sweden has well-known and world wide leading experience, competence and know-how in providing sustainable policies and solutions that comply with the needs and demands of many developing countries as well as emerging economies. So, let us make the best use of that global comparative advantage.

Intercultural dialogue There is another very important dimension in addition to trade and investment in this region. I believe that it is necessary to improve and deepen the dialogue between the EU and Muslim countries. The need to enhance cooperation and deepen understanding between peoples, cultures and faiths has never been more important. Politicians have a vital role to play in this. We must be encouraging exchanges at every level- civil society, the media and public institutions. Mutual respect and understanding should be our watchwords. What we are facing today is not a clash of civilization but a clash of ignorance. It is crucial in our relations with the Muslim world, that we seek enough knowledge about points of departure to be able to treat each other with respect and understanding. Therefore, we should explore various ways to increase understanding and build bridges betweens our cultures by considering the importance of cultural and religious dialogue in this context. In the light of the intercultural dialogue and good trade relations between our countries, I would once again like to welcome you to this Meeting Point. In conclusion, I believe that the Meeting Point Dubai serves as an excellent opportunity to meet and exchange information and ideas in a region that is full of potential. I am then not only referring to our traditional sectors of trade but also to new and exciting areas as architecture, culture, entertainment and tourism. There is a desire here to learn more about Swedish know-how. This may apply to good governance, urban planning, communications, environmental problems, health and medical care. My wish is that such cooperation will be for the benefit of all parties. I look forward to a successful two days conference and to get on with my official visit to this exciting country. Thank you - Shukran La Jammi'q

Contact Malin Werner Press Secretary, Political Adviser to Ewa Björling

Speech Lisbon, EuroMed Ministerial 21 October 2007 Ewa Björling, Minister for Trade Euro-Mediterranean Ministerial Conference on Trade, October 21, 2007

Mr. President, Your Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen: Let me first thank the Portuguese Presidency for its kind hospitality and for the excellent conference arrangements. I also thank the Presidency and the Commission for preparing this important meeting. More than six years ago, the Swedish EU Presidency took the initiative to hold the first Trade Ministerial Conference in Brussels in May 2001. Since then, much progress has been made towards the objective of establishing a Euro-Mediterranean Free Trade Area by 2010. Naturally, much remains to be done, but we are encouraged by what has been achieved and optimistic about future developments. We note with great interest the recent proposal by Egypt to establish a working group at Senior Officials level to draw a road map of next steps in the trade field till 2010 and beyond. We think this is an excellent way to reach agreement on common priorities.

We welcome that all Association Agreements - with one exception - have now entered into force. This is one of the most important achievements of our Partnership. We hope that it will be possible to sign the remaining Association Agreement, thus completing the necessary legal basis for the future Euro-Mediterranean Free Trade Area. At present, intra-regional trade accounts for only a small part of the total trade flows of the Mediterranean partners. Free trade agreements between partner countries would bring considerable economic gains, not only in terms of trade. It would also attract necessary global investors and contribute to economic growth in the partner countries. Furthermore, trade should also be seen as a constructive tool to achieve peace and stability in regions where confidence must be rebuilt. In this context, we welcome the entry into force earlier this year of the Agadir Agreement on a regional free trade area between Egypt, Jordan, Morocco and Tunisia and look forward to the full implementation of this important initiative. We also welcome the increasing number of bilateral free trade agreements between Mediterranean Partners, and encourage further steps towards deeper regional economic integration. The figures for import from the Euro-Med region show that the import has increased with 15 per cent between 2005-2006 for Sweden and with 12 per cent for the EU for the same period. This indication confirms the positive effects of increased trade between the EU and the partner countries. Mr. President, We welcome that an increased number of Mediterranean partners have now adopted the Protocol on Pan-Euro-Med Cumulation of Origin, agreed at the 3rd Euro-Mediterranean Trade Ministerial in Palermo. This will allow for better use of complementarities, division of labour and economics of scale, thereby contributing to increased trade and economic growth. It is also crucial in establishing a large South-South market and thus attracting inward investment. We also agree that the Western Balkans should be included into the Pan-Euro-Mediterranean system of cumulation of origin. A major result of the 4th Trade Ministerial in Istanbul in 2004 was the adoption of the Framework Protocol on the liberalisation of services and right of establishment. We welcome the progress made in the regional phase of the negotiations, which started at the 5th Trade Ministerial in Marrakesh and hope that bilateral negotiations will start shortly. We note with satisfaction the progress achieved recently in the implementation of the Palermo Action Plan on regulatory convergence on industrial products. We agree with the European Commission that the next steps should lead to the opening of negotiations of Agreement on conformity assessment with a first wave of Mediterranean countries as soon as possible. Sweden has for a long time maintained that cooperation on standards and technical regulations should be given special attention in the Euro-Med Partnership. As an example of our interest, let me mention that Sweden, in cooperation with the Arab Industrial Development and Mining Organization, AIDMO, has provided training courses on Conformity Assessment, Accreditation and Standardisation for participants from 16 Arab countries. Sweden has also supported AIDMO in developing regional co-operation in Accreditation in 22 Arab Countries. The input of these appreciated courses has been of great significance for the participating countries. The countries have been able to develop already existing know how and to establish a platform of focal points and network. Sweden is looking forward to prolonging this fruitful cooperation.

The Swedish trademark, in terms of technical cooperation with the EuroMed region, can therefore be seen as a catalyst to strengthen the trade capacity of the EuroMed region.

A true free-trade area without agriculture is difficult to imagine. Since the establishment of the Barcelona Process in 1995, Sweden has maintained that agriculture must be included in the Euro-Med free-trade zone. We note with satisfaction the progress achieved in the negotiations on further liberalisation of agricultural, processed agricultural and fisheries products which are on-going with Egypt, Israel and Morocco. We hope that negotiations with the rest of Mediterranean partners can soon be initiated in this important field.

Speech Swedish-Bulgarian Seminar, Stockholm 10 October 2007 Ewa Björling, Minister for Trade Speech by State Secretary for Trade, H G Wessberg at Swedish-Bulgarian Seminar Check against delivery.

Ladies and Gentlemen, I am here on behalf of the Minister for Trade, Ewa Björling, that unfortunately is unable to attend today's seminar. It is a pleasure for me as incoming State Secretary to welcome my Bulgarian colleague, Minister of Economy and Energy, Mr Dimitrov, to Sweden and to this seminar entitled 'Bulgaria New EU Member! Seminar on Business Opportunities for our Two Countries'. I would also like to welcome all the representatives of Swedish and Bulgarian enterprises. The three-day Bulgarian State Visit that is now taking place must be seen as an expression of our common desire to broaden the links between Sweden and Bulgaria at all levels. Minister Dimitrov and I, in other words, share the desire to deepen trade and economic cooperation between our two countries. Today's seminar is part of this joint ambition. And I hope that it will spur you, economic actors from both countries, to build further on this in your business activities. Trade between our two countries has grown significantly over the years. But there should be considerable, unexploited potential for increased volumes of trade. In the light of this, two very important institutions have been set up in Bulgaria this year; a Bulgarian-Swedish chamber of commerce has been established, and the Swedish Trade Council has opened its own office in Sofia. Both these events are promising signs for the future. Each, in its own way, can provide assistance to companies. Through their respective activities, they will encourage economic cooperation between our countries. Sweden is one of the twenty largest investors in Bulgaria, according to statistics from the InvestBulgaria Agency. There are a number of plants for production, service and logistics in Bulgaria, with Swedish companies as owners. The impression we have is that these Swedish companies are successful and that their initial investments are often followed by new initiatives.

Future Challenges Sweden is a free trade country and we have everything to gain from open and free trade. An important objective of the Government is to remove various kinds of trade barriers, both for goods and services, and to create conditions that are as easy to understand and as fair as possible. At a global level, we are doing this via the World Trade Organisation. In the European Union, we are continually working together with you to promote, for example, full implementation of the internal market. Common norms and standards are factors that make foreign trade considerably easier and expand the available market. If a product is approved in one EU country, it is automatically approved in another. When, at the beginning of the year, Bulgaria became a member of the EU, it meant that we acquired the same trade rules. The Swedish agency, the National Board of Trade, helps companies solve concrete problems confronting them in export markets, including the EU SOLVIT network . This is a service that we should not hesitate to use if we feel that we are encountering trade barriers, whether in Sweden or in Bulgaria. Enterprises want to avoid uncertainty. We know that the Bulgarian government is in the process of strengthening the legal system in the country. The measures that Bulgaria is now taking will be important to further promote investment interest and encourage businesses to invest in Bulgaria. We are aware that the Bulgarian government is working on a long-term programme to modernise its defence. The Swedish defence industry has had a long and sound tradition. The Swedish Government takes a positive view of closer cooperation between defence industries in Europe. Sweden also possesses extensive knowledge and great experience of industrial cooperation in connection with exports of defence equipment, which the Government supports and actively contributes to. I would also like to take this opportunity to mention that the business climate in Sweden is very favourable so there is every reason for Bulgarian companies wishing to expand in the EU to look more closely at Sweden as an important country in which to invest.

Project Exports Sweden has much to offer with regard to large infrastructure projects. We have many consultancy and manufacturing companies with great experience of undertaking complex international projects all over the world. Within the Ministry for Foreign Affairs, there is a special body, the Projects Export Secretariat (PES), tasked with promoting Swedish project exports. The PES has developed interesting methods for developing projects from the vision stage to financing only projects in which both countries' abilities can be combined in successful bilateral business operations. The Swedish Trade Council comprises cooperation groups consisting of companies that can take joint responsibility for large infrastructure projects, such as railway projects. Many Swedish companies themselves are international by nature and they often have the ability and expertise within the firm to implement major infrastructure projects. We also have many prominent knowledge-based enterprises, such as consultancy at manufacturing companies in water and energy technology. The Swedish state can contribute to these areas, such as in co-financing pilot studies for project development.

Research I would also like to point out how scientific research and development is conducted in Sweden, often in direct cooperation with the business sector. This research is fundamental to our relations and integration with the surrounding world. In a number of areas, Swedish research is absolutely world class - biomedicine and biotechnology, vehicle technology and safety and environmental technology are some of them. At the same time, we need to become better at moving from research to entrepreneurship. Environmental Technology The environment will require continued political action internationally, nationally and locally, but will also require considerable investment. In Sweden, the Government and municipalities were early to stipulate tough environmental requirements for industry and the agriculture, trade and transport sectors, etc. One result is that in this country today, we have considerably better environmental standards than we would have had otherwise. Another important result is that many Swedish companies are leading in a number of environment-related sectors. We have acquired sound knowledge and efficient technology. We are putting a great deal of effort into improved energy efficiency, into the development of alternative, renewable energy sources. We are able to make use of household waste as a raw material for energy, something that may interest many cities with waste and electricity supply problems. We have a good example of this in a residential area in Stockholm, Hammarby Sjöstad, where an ecocycle model is being used to deal with energy, waste and water for residents and businesses. At this very moment, His Majesty The King and President Parvanov are on their way there for a study visit.

Conclusion To conclude, let me say that I hope you, as representatives of the Swedish and Bulgarian business sectors, feel encouraged by this seminar to go forward and develop contacts with potential partners from the other country. Do not hesitate to contact the network of institutions whose role it is to assist you in this, such as the embassies, the Swedish Trade Council and the chambers of commerce. The development of our countries' prosperity is based to a high degree on well-ordered and active trade. We, the governments, can participate by creating favourable conditions. But in the final analysis, it is you, the companies, that will realise this goal through reliable business relations and investments. Thank you.

Contact Malin Werner Press Secretary, Political Adviser to Ewa Björling

Speech Brussels, ECIPE Seminar on European Competitiveness and antidumping policy 02 October 2007 Ewa Björling, Minister for Trade Upgrading European Competitiveness

Ladies and Gentlemen, First, I would like to thank ECIPE and The National Board of Trade for arranging a seminar about European competitiveness. It is indeed an issue of great relevance to Sweden and to the European Union of today and I am glad to be here to share with you some of my reflections on the relationship between competitiveness and anti-dumping policy in a globalised world.

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Every day we can read in the newspapers how European industry is becoming more and more global, with supply chains stretching far beyond our borders. This dynamic is nothing new in itself. The European economy is not, and has never been, static. Modern history of Europe is, on the contrary, an outward-looking history of innovation, creativity, discovery and exploitation of commercial opportunities worldwide. This has resulted in the EU today being the world's largest trader with a share of global exports of about 19 percent. In comparison, the US global export share is about 10 percent. ***** We must make sure to grasp all the opportunities that globalisation offers. The Lisbon agenda and its objective to transform the EU to the most competitive and dynamic knowledge-based economy in the world gives us the relevant guidance for our internal endeavours. If implemented wisely, the Global Europe initiative promises to lead us in the right direction when it comes to the external dimension of the Lisbon process.

Enhanced competition, both within the EU and in relation to the rest of the world, is desirable and should be perceived as a necessity rather than a threat to European interests. I welcome competition as a key stimulus to promote productivity and encourage movement up the value-chain in our economies. Investments to this effect will be crucial for sustained economic growth and job creation in the EU. Only this way can European business stay dynamic in the global economy. It is my firm conviction that openness to trade and investments is the way forward to secure continued prosperity in Europe. Lacking internal openness, or resort to protectionist external measures - as some voices in the debate now seem to support - would have detrimental effects on our future competitiveness and economic growth. The outcome of this debate is indeed decisive for the future of the EU. Sweden is a good example of the positive effects on business and the society as a whole of a consistent policy of openness to competition at home and abroad. ***** Admittedly, trade defence instruments are sometimes needed to balance the effects of unfair practices in the form of predatory pricing or other misuse of monopolistic production conditions. However, antidumping measures, as defined and allowed by the WTO and by the present EU regulations, are quite far away from being solely a defence against such anticompetitive practices. Antidumping measures very seldom, if ever, specifically target predatory pricing by firms that enjoy a dominant position in the exporting country. Rather, antidumping measures often tend to constitute a misplaced and discretionary form of protecting domestic industry from import competition. Most European companies are today part of global production chains. At the same time, the current EU antidumping regime is still to a large extent based on the obsolete idea that national markets are solely home to national firms. In today's globalised world, domestic production is increasingly relying on foreign inputs. As a result of closer linkages between countries, a decreasing share of production takes place within only one nation's borders. This fragmentation of the production process gives rise to considerable restructuring of companies both in the EU and elsewhere. Our own trade defence instruments risk become barriers to European trade and growth, when they are used to defend national production and limit import competition on the EU market. They are anachronistic in that they make it more difficult for European firms to fully profit from the comparative advantages offered by globalization. If used too light-heartedly they risk to compromise the merits of the changes in the international division of labour. A too extensive use of trade defence instruments would also send wrong signals to developing countries that have managed to develop an export industry with some success on the global market. Another important aspect is that we tend to overlook that manufacturing is most often only a limited part of the entire production process, which contains important elements involving services such as research, development, design, logistics and marketing. The study which the Swedish National Board of Trade will present here today tells us that these other parts normally add more value than manufacturing, and they are, when it comes to European companies, mostly carried out in Europe. The current rules on anti-dumping must be modernised. Companies seizing the opportunities of globalisation, for instance through delocalising parts of their production to emerging and developing economies, must no be penalized. Most research suggests that, at present, the cost to society of antidumping measures often outweigh the benefits. Much needs to be done to ensure that trade defence measures are not imposed when their cost to consumers, users and traders outweighs the potential benefits of such measures. The aim should be to apply the same competition considerations on imports as when it comes to economic exchange on the EU internal market. ***** In 2006, the EU and India were at the top of the chart of new anti-dumping cases. This is not in the interest of European business and industry as a whole. Instead, the EU should take the lead in trying to reverse the trend of increased use of anti dumping measures. It is satisfactory that there has been a considerable reduction in the number of new EU anti-dumping cases opened so far in 2007. This should be welcomed as a step in the right direction. We must also bear in mind the growing number of new players in trade defence among the WTO members. An extensive use of the anti-dumping instrument by the EU could result in an increased risk for the EU industry of being targeted by new users' retaliatory anti-dumping measures. ***** Sweden has welcomed Commissioner Peter Mandelson's Green Paper initiative to stimulate reflection among interested parties on the current use of TDI. The Commission and Member States now need to find a common ground for reforming and modernising the EU anti-dumping regulations. The aim should be rules that better reflect the realities of European companies in a globalised and integrated world economy. The EU should also continue to push for stricter disciplines on anti-dumping in the on-going WTO negotiations in the Doha round. We need to rapidly overcome the present polarization within the EU on the direction of the reform of the TDI. I hope that a seminar like the one we are attending today can contribute with some new insights and move the reform process forward. It is with great expectation we are awaiting the Commission proposal for a modified EU antidumping policy later this year. Thank you very much.

Speech Stocholm, Sheraton 26 September 2007 Ewa Björling, Minister for Trade Speech: Ewa Björling at the Stockholm Pledging Conference on Enhanced Integrated Framework Check against delivery!

Your Excellencies, Honourable Guests, Ladies and Gentlemen, Let me start out by welcoming you all to this pledging conference for Enhanced Integrated Framework - where Related we are further implementing our visions in terms of Aid for Trade to combat poverty. Stockholm Pledging I would like to extend a special welcome to Ambassador Don Stephenson, chair of the Enhanced Integrated Conference on Enhanced Framework Transition Team. Thank you for your tremendous work in realizing the visions for an Enhanced Integrated Framework, 25 September 2007 Integrated Framework. I would also like to thank the members of the Interim Board, not the least Ambassador Dr Mothae Maruting of Lesotho. The Governments of Canada and the UK have been instrumental in the preparations of this conference. Thank you for the work you have put into this process, as well as to the work on the Enhanced Integrated Framework in general. As Minister for Trade, I am particularly delighted to take part in this Conference. I am enthusiastic to learn from your experiences and ideas on how we can further use trade as an instrument to combat poverty. A key mission of mine is to contribute to making the advantages of globalisation accessible to all - and this in a way that supports sustainable development. In short, using trade as an instrument to combat poverty and to achieve the Millennium Development Goals. Economic growth and a more open and fair international trading system, is needed if we are to achieve the goals we have set for eradicating poverty in the world. The developing countries in the world represent a far too small share of world trade. Behind the bleak statistics are the realities of poverty. I want to make sure that we - on the trade side, do our part in the global efforts to remedy this. History has proven that trade can be a very powerful tool in combating poverty. My own country is one good example. And closer in history are several countries in East and South East Asia. Governments play an important role in laying the foundations for development - through strong democratic systems, and by ensuring a healthy and sustainable macro-economic climate, including openness to trade and investment. But first and foremost, development is driven by individuals, women and men who come up with ideas for business and trade in their countries, regions and internationally. And we must do what we can to support these efforts. A well-functioning local economy and industry together with access to the foreign markets are necessary pre- requisites for long-term and sustainable economical growth and to combat poverty. Local businesses must have access to the world market in order to develop and contribute to the economical development. I am happy to see an increasing, interest in several countries to take a more active part in international trade - in all sorts of ways. This is a very welcome development. So what can we do together to further support the integration of more countries into the world trading system? First and foremost we need to listen to each other and have a straightforward dialogue. It is necessary to understand the needs and interests of our trading partners. In this regard, I would like to extend a special welcome to the representatives of the Least Developed Countries. Your participation here today is proof of the importance you attach to the issues concerning trade and development. As we all know, active participation in international trade contributes to economic growth and is an important prerequisite for sustainable poverty reduction. It is of vast importance that countries open their markets to further promote international trade. Sweden continually argues within the EU for such market openings. One important step was taken in 2001, when the EU, on a Swedish initiative, abolished tariffs and quotas on imports from the Least Developed Countries. A couple of years ago in Hong Kong, the WTO members agreed to do the same. This quest for liberalising trade for developing countries is reflected in the Swedish positions across the board in the negotiations in the WTO - the Doha Round. We are fully committed to the objective of making Doha a development round in the true sense. We have a small window of opportunity to conclude the Doha round this year. It is an opportunity that we cannot afford to miss. What is needed now is political courage, willingness and action. We must focus on the bigger picture. Those that stand to gain the most from a successful round - are the developing countries. It is of great importance that all countries take a more active part in international trade negotiations, and that we, as trading partners, support each other. It is a question of mutual benefit. One concrete example taken by the Swedish Government is the launch of a trade policy institute in Arusha in Tanzania. In Arusha African Government officials have the opportunity to increase their knowledge of, for example, the WTO system and international trade law. The abolition of tariffs and quotas is important, we must also look into the more specific details of international trade. One example is Rules of Origin, which stipulate the possibilities of actually making use of lower tariffs and quotas. There are restrictions and requirements to be met for importing to our countries - on safety, health and environmental standards. Exporters in other countries need knowledge to meet these requirements. Further, we need to work on facilitating trade - reforming burdensome administrative procedures. And there must be easy access to information on opportunities to trade with each other. In this context, standardisation organisations and certification bodies play a key role. Sweden gives extensive support to organisations such as the African Organisation for Standardisation. A prerequisite for trade is adequate physical infrastructure. Poor road networks and costly transport constitute central internal barriers for trade in any country. Other forms of infrastructure are also crucial. Many entrepreneurs cannot realise their business ideas due to lack of access to financing. In this context, I would very much like to welcome the work of Muhammad Yunus, Nobel laureate, whose groundbreaking work has demonstrated the enormous power for change that people possess. Steps have been taken in the right direction to form an international trading system where comparative advantages and opportunities can be more fully realized. But we know that this is not enough. Opportunities still remain available. Development assistance is required if the world's developing countries are to benefit more fully from opportunities inherent in international trade. That is what Aid for Trade is all about - making sure that there are no more missed opportunities. We have made commitments in responding to needs and interests within the work of Aid for Trade. Enhancing the Integrated Framework is a stepping-stone towards these efforts. I am proud of the strong response the Swedish Government has given to Aid for Trade from the beginning. I am very pleased to have the former WTO-Ambassador Mia Horn af Rantzien here with us today - many of you know her. She has done a tremendous work in realising the ambitions of Aid for Trade. Thank you, Mia, for joining us today. Nationally, Sweden has over the last few years significantly increased the budget for trade-related assistance. The Swedish international development cooperation agency, Sida, has been instrumental in translating these priorities and ambitions into action. Let me point out a few more examples. Through Swedish assistance, exporters in East Africa have increased their capacity to meet technical, health and other requirements for exporting to the EU. Our customs agency is working with their counterparts in a number of Asian countries to cut red tape - and thereby the costs - of customs procedures. In Ethiopia, the Swedish Chamber of Commerce is supporting women micro- entrepreneurs to exploit market opportunities. We are also using trade-related assistance to strengthen our support to other sectors. By ensuring high standards in the production of condoms in Africa, trade-related measures contribute to the work in HIV/AIDS prevention. I believe these examples illustrate how seemingly relatively limited projects can have a direct impact and contribute to the development process. However, much more is to be accomplished. And that is why the Integrated Framework is being strengthened. The Enhanced Integrated Framework is unique in that it brings together all parties that can contribute and cooperate. The developing countries' responsibility is to identify the needs - as partners we have made a commitment to respond to these needs and interests. These interests coincide, since all countries taking part in increased international trade, actually benefits from it. And again, that is why we are here today. To make sure that the world's developing countries get the tools they need to take full advantage of existing and future opportunities for development through trade. Thank You!