2007

Press release 30 August 2007 Ministry for Foreign Affairs to India Minister for Foreign Trade Sten Tolgfors will visit India on 1-6 September. The first stop on his trip will be New Delhi, then he will travel to Mumbai. Among those Mr Tolgfors will meet are Minister of Commerce and Industry Kamal Nath, Minister of Finance P. Chidambaram and Deputy Chairman of the Planning Commission Dr Montek Singh Ahluwalia.

Mr Tolgfors will be accompanied by a business delegation comprised of a number of companies that manufacture machinery and material for construction projects. Globally, India is one of the countries where the most construction is currently being carried out. The business delegation's trip is being arranged by the Swedish Trade Council.

In New Delhi, Mr Tolgfors will also take part in a trade policy seminar with representatives of a number of prominent think tanks. In Mumbai, Mr Tolgfors will inaugurate a new Indian-Swedish chamber of commerce. He will also take part in an investment seminar with the Tata Group, India's largest business conglomerate, and meet representatives of the Swedish and Indian business sectors.

During his visit, Mr Tolgfors will also continue the dialogue on corporate social responsibility (CSR) with representatives of Swedish companies operating in India.

Contact Maria Pålsson Pressekreterare Fredrik Fexe Trade Commissioner Swedish Trade Council New Delhi +91 46 06 71 08 Cell: +91 98 100 36 120

Press release 17 August 2007 Ministry for Foreign Affairs Sten Tolgfors to visit Växjö

On Monday 20 August, Minister for Foreign Trade Sten Tolgfors is to visit Växjö to take part in the inauguration of the Swedish-American Entrepreneurial Days together with the Governor of Michigan, Jennifer Granholm, and the US Ambassador in , Michael Wood.

Together with representatives of the Swedish Export Credits Guarantee Board and others, Mr Tolgfors will also visit firms in Kronoberg County to discuss small companies' export opportunities.

"Creating conditions for small companies to export is very important for jobs, both in the County of Kronoberg and elsewhere in the country. I am very pleased that Kronoberg County has a long exporting tradition and many exporting companies. But even though total exports are large when seen as a share of GDP, they are limited in the sense that ten major companies account for 40 per cent of our country's exports. More companies active in more markets would make our exports less sensitive," says the Minister for Foreign Trade.

Programme points: 10.30 Speech at the Swedish-American Entrepreneurial Days, Växjö Concert Hall, Teaterparken.

14.45 Visit to the GypTech company, Norrgatan 15, Växjö.

The press is invited to take part in the visit to the GypTech company.

If you wish to take part in the visit to GypTech, please notify Stig Hesse, CEO, tel +46 470 705640, email: [email protected].

For more information about the visit to Växjö, ring Press Secretary Maria Pålsson.

Contact Maria Pålsson Pressekreterare

Press release 06 July 2007 Ministry for Foreign Affairs Swedish water initiative at UN summit

The UN Summit on corporate social responsibility - the Global Compact Leaders Summit - comes to an end in Geneva today. Related At the Summit important progress was made regarding cooperation on water use by companies. Statement by Minister for foreign trade Sten Tolgfors at Six large companies, including the Coca-Cola Company and the Läckeby Water Group, have on the Swedish Global Compact Leaders Government's initiative agreed on a new cooperation model for the responsible management of water Summit resources by companies. "The CEO Water Mandate" was launched and signed by these companies on Friday in Presentation: The CEO Water the presence of UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon. These companies have thus expressed their will to work Mandate - An Initiative by actively to help reduce water pollution and water consumption, and to find ways of making water available in business leaders in poor countries. partnership

"The Water Mandate is a concrete example of the voluntary responsibility companies take in society. The Mandate is based on voluntary participation and responsibility. The Government's role has been to facilitate cooperation between companies and to support them in their work," says Sten Tolgfors. "The Government's role is to show leadership and encourage responsibility, particularly in dialogue with countries facing major challenges with regard to issues such as human rights," says Mr Tolgfors. ------Minister for Foreign Trade Sten Tolgfors gave the opening address at a round-table discussion with the participating countries' ministers and delegation heads. The meeting was chaired by UN General Assembly President Sheikha Al Khalifa. Hosting the round-table discussion with Mr Tolgfors was Dr Maxwell Mkwezalamba, Commissioner for Economic Affairs for the African Union. ------Companies included in the CEO Water Mandate are: The Coca-Cola Company, Levi Strauss & Co, Läckeby Water Group, Nestlé S.A., SABMiller and SUEZ. These companies commit themselves, within the context of their operations, to take responsibility to ensure that water management in their companies has as little environmental impact as possible. This may be a matter of technology, reduced consumption, or better treatment of polluted water. Important aspects of the work are transparency on water management on the part of the company, and increasing awareness of water throughout the company. These companies see this initiative as part of their support to Global Compact.

Central cooperation partners in this new initiative are the International Water Institute, the Swedish Water House, Sida and the UN Global Compact.

Contact Maria Pålsson Pressekreterare

Press release 19 June 2007 Ministry for Foreign Affairs Sten Tolgfors inaugurates Swedish environmental technology initiative in Beijing This Tuesday, Minister for Foreign Trade Sten Tolgfors is inaugurating a Centre for Environmental Technology at the Swedish Embassy in Beijing. The purpose of the centre is to give Swedish environmental technology greater visibility and a broader presence in China.

The centre is funded by a grant of SEK 6 million from the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (Sida). Its activities are intended to make it easier for Swedish environmental technology companies to establish themselves in the Chinese market.

"During the recent Chinese State Visit, an agreement was signed to deepen cooperation between Sweden and China in the environmental area. The Centre for Environmental Technology is an example of what we are doing to develop cooperation in this area," says Mr Tolgfors.

"Managing the great environmental challenges facing China requires technology and expertise in many areas, such as building and housing, local transport and consultancy and educational services. This is vital to China's efforts to further reduce poverty and promote economic growth," Mr Tolgfors continues.

"During my visit to China I have noted that Sweden is seen as a good example in the environmental area. Sweden has managed to combine strict environmental requirements with strong economic development.

"I am convinced that we will be able to further strengthen Sweden's good standing in this area at the World Exhibition in Shanghai in 2010. The theme 'Better City - Better Life' fits well with the interest in Swedish environmental technology exports, such as the Sustainable City concept," says Mr Tolgfors.

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CENTEC - The Centre for Environmental Technology Sweden and Swedish companies have unique expertise in a large number of areas in which China is looking for support. Above all, this concerns a range of areas of technology bearing on sustainable urban development based on the Sustainable City concept, such as renewable energy, technology to reduce climate impact, energy management, air and water purification, water supply and waste and chemicals management.

The Centre will coordinate action by groups of companies and organise visits to ministries and other central and local actors. The goal is to identify at an early stage strategic projects with matching Swedish environmental expertise, to conduct seminars, workshops, exhibitions and missions, and, as far as possible, identify suitable demonstration projects and work out financial solutions. The Centre will also be able to provide limited start-up support for projects.

The Centre for Environmental Technology will operate under the Swedish Embassy in Beijing, in cooperation with other agencies and companies.

Contact Maria Pålsson Pressekreterare

Press release 07 June 2007 Ministry for Foreign Affairs Sten Tolgfors to visit China

Minister for Foreign Trade Sten Tolgfors is to visit China on 14-20 June. Mr Tolgfors will travel to Shanghai, Guangzhou and Beijing and will meet Minister of Commerce Bo Xilai, Shanghai Party Secretary Xi Jinping, the Governor of Guangdong and others. External links Web site: Embassy of Sweden In Shanghai and Guangzhou the Minister for Foreign Trade will also visit Swedish companies and their in Beijing subcontractors. In Beijing he will take part in a seminar on corporate social and environmental responsibility.

Mr Tolgfors will speak at a Swedish-Chinese conference organised by the Chinese Ministry of Commerce and the Swedish Embassy. The topic will be "Branding and innovation". In addition, he will attend the groundbreaking ceremony for the building of Sony Ericsson's factory in Beijing. The programme also includes inauguration of a centre for environmental technology linked to the Swedish Embassy and a lecture at Peking University.

During his visit Mr Tolgfors will also discuss the human rights situation and bilateral cooperation in this area with relevant Chinese counterparts and with representatives of the Raoul Wallenberg Institute.

The Minister for Foreign Trade's visit to China is the first made by a representative of the new Swedish Government. The visit will follow the Chinese State Visit to Sweden on 8-10 June.

Contact Maria Pålsson Pressekreterare Johan Murray Embassy of Sweden in Beijing + 86 1391 138 11 73

Pressmeddelande 6 juni 2007 Utrikesdepartementet Sten Tolgfors to visit South Korea with health and medical care companies Minister for Foreign Trade Sten Tolgfors is to visit South Korea on 10-13 June.

The Minister will meet Welfare Minister Byun Jae-jin and Deputy Trade Minister Kim Han-soo, who is also South Korea's chief negotiator for the recently initiated negotiations on the free trade agreement with the EU. Accompanying Mr Tolgfors is a business delegation representing a number of Swedish companies in the health and medical care sector, under the leadership of Swecare.

Mr Tolgfors will be participating in a seminar for the medical technology sector, organised by the Swedish Trade Council and Swecare. His programme also includes a visit to a company in the vehicle industry, a lecture at Konkuk University and National Day celebrations in combination with a company exhibition arranged by the Embassy. The Minister for Foreign Trade will also visit the Swedish Neutral Nations Supervisory Commission (NNSC) delegation, which is stationed immediately south of the demarcation line between North and South Korea in the demilitarised zone.

"South Korea is a significant cooperation partner for Sweden and an increasingly important global actor. Trade between our two countries has great potential. There are many Swedish companies with a leading position in South Korea, and an increasing number of South Korean companies are establishing themselves in Sweden. I hope that trade relations between Sweden and South Korea can be further developed," says Mr Tolgfors.

"There is great interest in South Korea in Swedish welfare issues, such as health and medical care, including care of the elderly. Our countries have population structures that are somewhat similar. Sweden is also well-known as a competitive IT nation. The South Korean market for medical technology and e-health is particularly interesting for our Swedish companies," says Mr Tolgfors.

Mr Tolgfors led the Sweden-South Korea group at the Swedish for many years.

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Swecare is a foundation tasked with promoting the export of Swedish biomedicine, medical technology, pharmaceuticals and health and medical care.

Kontakt Maria Pålsson Pressekreterare

Press release 31 May 2007 Ministry for Foreign Affairs Creating a world market for biofuels Minister for Foreign Trade Sten Tolgfors is visiting Indonesia and Malaysia, both large potential biofuel producers, for talks on future production conditions.

Sweden is taking coherent action in international contexts to promote measures to combat global warming. At the recent OECD ministerial meeting in Paris, Sweden gained approval for an initiative for an intensive study on biofuels and the workings of the multilateral trade system. Related Press release: Sten Tolgfors to "International trade must be used to combat global warming. This necessitates the creation of a functioning visit South East Asia world market for biofuels. Tariffs must be removed, more producer countries need to be added, Press release: OECD environmental requirements in the production of biofuels must be met and standards harmonised. These Ministerial Council welcomes measures would be good for the environment and would open up new markets for initiative on biofuels developing countries," says Mr Tolgfors.

"In my discussions in Indonesia and Malaysia, I have discussed future biofuel production and how the potential of new producer countries can be encouraged. It is unreasonable to impose high tariffs on renewable External links fuels such as ethanol and not on fuels that cause climate change," says Sten Tolgfors. More on Indonesia visit at the Swedish Embassy's web site "It is important to take the environment into account even when biofuels are produced. Otherwise, there is a More on Singapore visit at the risk of a backlash in that consumer interest for green cars and renewable energy will decline. Account must Swedish Embassy's web site also be taken of ethical issues in several countries, such as the impact on food prices of greater biofuel More on Malaysia visit at the production," says Mr Tolgfors. Swedish Embassy's web site

On Thursday the Minister for Foreign Trade spoke about regional trade agreements and globalisation at a lunch seminar at the Bankers' Club. After that he met Malaysia's Deputy Trade Minister.

On Friday he will meet the Secretary-General of the "Roundtable on sustainable palm oil".

Contact Maria Pålsson Pressekreterare

Press release 28 May 2007 Ministry for Foreign Affairs Sten Tolgfors to visit South East Asia Minister for Foreign Trade Sten Tolgfors is to visit Indonesia, Singapore and Malaysia on 25 May - 3 June.

Among those he will be meeting are Indonesia's Minister of Trade Mari Elka Pangestu, Minister of Finance Sri Mulyani Indrawati, Minister of Communications Mohammad Nuh and the Secretary-General of ASEAN, Ong Keng Yong. The focus of the visit will be free trade agreements (negotiations between the EU and ASEAN and External links negotiations in the WTO), trade and investment promotion and the IT-telecom and biomedical sectors. Embassy of Sweden in Jakarta Embassy of Sweden in "The aim of a free trade agreement between the EU and ASEAN is to increase trade in both directions. Despite Singapore the fact that both world trade and trade with ASEAN have increased, the EU's share of trade with ASEAN is Embassy of Sweden in Kuala declining. A free trade agreement between the EU and ASEAN could break this trend. Bilateral trade Lumpur agreements can supplement multilateral ones. But they must never be allowed to interfere with or hamper multilateral efforts," says Mr Tolgfors.

"Profits deriving from greater trade will benefit both our regions; Swedish companies can increase their exports and Swedish consumers can gain access to a greater selection of goods at competitive prices," says Mr Tolgfors.

The Minister for Foreign Trade will also take part in a major Telecom seminar in Jakarta, where Swedish companies will tell of their experiences when introducing 3G telephony. Mr Tolgfors will also meet representatives from Swedish and local business.

In Singapore, he will participate in a trade policy seminar and also visit a biomedical research park.

Contact Maria Pålsson Pressekreterare

Press release 23 May 2007 Ministry for Foreign Affairs Russian companies can report technical barriers to trade to Swedish agency Participating finance and trade ministers at the Council of the Baltic Sea States today decided to give more attention to the work being done to remove trade barriers in the EU's internal market. In addition, Sweden now offers Russian companies the opportunity to report technical barriers to trade (TBT) to the Swedish National Board of Trade.

Minister for Foreign Trade Sten Tolgfors is hosting the meeting with Baltic Sea States' finance and trade ministers in Stockholm, which ends today. Related "The Baltic Sea region is relatively open in terms of trade, but significant barriers still remain. We therefore Swedish Presidency of the want to make the business sector and individuals more aware of SOLVIT - a network with the task of removing CBSS barriers in the internal market within 10 weeks," says Mr Tolgfors.

"In addition, I am pleased to be able to also offer Russian companies the opportunity to report technical barriers to trade to our national WTO contact point for these issues at the National Board of Trade. This will facilitate foreign investments and the establishment of new businesses in countries outside the EU/EEA as well. I would welcome it if Russia were to introduce a similar contact point for Swedish companies trying to enter the Russian market," says Mr Tolgfors.

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Background on SOLVIT Every EU/EEA country has a SOLVIT centre. This is a national contact point to which both companies and individuals can turn when they encounter barriers in the internal market. It can be a matter of barriers to products, services, people or capital. The National Board of Trade is Sweden's representative in the network. The network has been tasked by the governments to solve these kinds of problems within 10 weeks.

A large portion of reports by companies in Sweden are about problems with different product requirements, taxes or trade in services. Over half of all reports in 2006 were about problems with imports to Sweden and impeding measures by Swedish authorities. Other complaints were about barriers in Spain, Germany, Finland, Denmark, Lithuania, Poland and the UK.

Background on WTO contact points Under the agreement on technical barriers to trade, WTO member countries have contact points to assist other member countries and interested parties in other member countries with information about technical regulations, standards and so forth so as to prevent the emergence of unwarranted barriers to trade. The National Board of Trade is Sweden's contact point under the WTO/TBT Agreement.

Contact Maria Pålsson Pressekreterare

Press release 22 May 2007 Ministry for Foreign Affairs Great potential for more Baltic Sea trade On 23 May, Minister for Foreign Trade Sten Tolgfors will be hosting a meeting of ministers responsible for trade and economics within the framework of the Council of the Baltic Sea States (CBSS).

Taking part in the meeting are ministers and other political representatives of the eleven member states and a number of observer countries. Related Estonia's newly installed Minister of Economy and Communications Juhan Parts, Latvia's Minister for Swedish Presidency of the Economics Jurijs Strods, Italy's EU Minister Emma Bonino, Ukraine's Minister of Economics Anatoliy Kinakh CBSS and Stanislav Kuznetsov, Russia's Deputy Minister of Economic Development and Trade, are among those attending the meeting.

At the meeting, the ministers will discuss, among other things, how the countries can work together to promote greater and more intensive trade in the Baltic Sea region, one of the world's most competitive regions.

In connection with the meeting, the National Board of Trade and the Stockholm Institute of Transition Economics have arranged a whole-day conference today, 22 May, on the theme of 'The Baltic Sea Region's Integration in the Global Economy'. A study undertaken by the National Board of Trade on Baltic Sea trade will be presented at the seminar.

"The Baltic Sea countries have much to gain from the elimination of trade barriers in the region. The study shows that the benefits of greater Baltic Sea trade could amount to SEK 200 billion," says Minister for Foreign Trade Sten Tolgfors, referring to the National Board of Trade study.

Given further elimination of trade barriers, the countries around the Baltic Sea could increase both their exports and their imports by 8 per cent. Total trade could increase by 10 per cent. The Baltic Sea region is already one of the regions in the world that has most trade liberalisation. This has created good conditions for a competitive business climate," says Mr Tolgfors.

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Conference held on 22 May at the Stockholm School of Economics on the Baltic Sea Region's Integration in the Global Economy.

Minister for Foreign Trade Sten Tolgfors to speak during the afternoon session at 14.10.

23 May CBSS meeting

The meeting will take place at Frösundavik in Stockholm. Minister for Foreign Trade Tolgfors and other participants at the meeting will be available to the media from 11.00 until 11.30.

Contact Maria Pålsson Pressekreterare Petra Hansson Press Officer +46 8 405 57 42 email to Petra Hansson

Press release 18 May 2007 Ministry for Foreign Affairs Sten Tolgfors to take part in Swedish ship Götheborg's voyage up the Thames Minister for Foreign Trade Sten Tolgfors will be on board when the Swedish ship Götheborg arrives in London, the final stop of its voyage round the world.

The Swedish ship Götheborg's expedition to China and back is nearing the end after a successful voyage where Swedish culture, business and society have been presented on five continents. As part of the preparations ahead of the Minister's trip to China in the beginning of June, Mr Tolgfors will take part in the East India merchantman's final stop before she returns to her home port of Göteborg.

On Saturday, 19 May at 11.00, the Swedish ship Götheborg will begin her voyage through London. Tower Bridge will open at 14.00, and the ship will sail into London Pool (near City Hall) to the accompaniment of orchestras and choirs on both quays. At 16.00 she will arrive at the West India Docks, the South Quay. Salutes will be fired and examples of Swedish culture will be displayed at both Tower Bridge and at the berth.

On Sunday, Mr Tolgfors, together with other organisers, will host a reception for specially invited guests in the presence of the King and Queen. The organisers are the Embassy of Sweden in London, the City of Göteborg, the region of Västra Götaland and SOIC (Svenska Ostindiska Companiet AB).

Contact Maria Pålsson Pressekreterare

Press release 16 May 2007 Ministry for Foreign Affairs OECD opens up to new members The OECD is to open discussions with Chile, Estonia, Israel, Russia and Slovenia on future membership of the organisation.

"I welcome this important decision. The Government has actively supported Estonias cause in particular at the OECD," says Minister for Foreign Trade Sten Tolgfors. Related Mr Tolgfors has been taking part in the OECD Ministerial Council Meeting that concludes in Paris today. The Press release: OECD meeting decided to instruct Secretary-General Angel Gurría to begin accession discussions with the five Ministerial Council welcomes countries. In addition, enhanced engagement will be offered to Brazil, India, Indonesia, China and South initiative on biofuels Africa.

"To remain relevant in a globalised world, it is necessary for the OECD both to enlarge and to begin deeper cooperation with more countries," says Mr Tolgfors. External links Web site: Delegation of "I will continue to work for OECD membership for all EU countries. Today I laid particular emphasis on the Sweden to the OECD importance of offering Latvia and Lithuania this opportunity.

"I furthermore welcome Russia's interest in membership and so its intentions to be further integrated into the international economic system. One important and necessary step on the way is WTO membership. Russia must also continue on the path of economic and political reform," says Mr Tolgfors.

Contact Maria Pålsson Pressekreterare

Press release 16 May 2007 Ministry for Foreign Affairs OECD Ministerial Council welcomes initiative on biofuels The OECD ministerial meeting decided today to intensify work on biofuels, after a proposal submitted by Sweden and the Netherlands.

According to the decision, the role of biofuels and the multilateral trading system will be analysed in a joint project between the OECD Secretariat and the International Energy Agency (IEA). The result will be presented at next year's OECD Ministerial Council Meeting. Related Press release: Minister for "The OECD is at the forefront as regards globalisation issues and is therefore well suited to studying future Foreign Trade Sten Tolgfors trade policy issues. The question of trade in biofuels is particularly important in light of the climate issue. So I to attend OECD Ministerial in am pleased about the response to our proposal. The OECD will intensify its work in this area during next Paris on 15-16 May year," says Minister for Foreign Trade Sten Tolgfors.

"I want the creation of a world market for biofuels. For this we need more producers, the elimination of trade barriers and to refrain from dividing up the world with various agreements that exclude some and include External links others," says Sten Tolgfors. Web site: Permanent Representation of Sweden to the OECD in Paris

Contact Maria Pålsson Pressekreterare

Press release 14 May 2007 Ministry for Foreign Affairs Sweden's line won on lowering import duty on unalloyed aluminium On Monday 7 May after many years of negotiations, the EU decided that the import duty on unwrought, unalloyed aluminium will be halved from 6 to 3 percent. The reduction in import duty enters into force today on Saturday 12 May 2007.

"Opposition to reducing the import duty in the EU has been tough for many years. Despite this, the Swedish free trade line has now gained support in the EU," says Minister for Foreign Trade Sten Tolgfors.

"The decision to lower the duty shows that it is possible to bring about a more liberal trade policy in the EU. As a result of this decision, many small and medium-sized enterprises that use aluminium in their manufacturing will now obtain better access to foreign aluminium, which will lead to increased competitiveness," says Mr Tolgfors.

There are two smelting plants in Sweden, in Sundsvall and Finspång, that import unalloyed aluminium, which is re-smelted and mixed with magnesium and other substances to be sold on to aluminium users. In 2006, Sweden imported almost 7000 tons of unalloyed aluminium, at a value of EUR 11 million (some SEK 100 million), from countries outside the EU. The same year, imports to the EU as a whole amounted to almost 3 million tons, equivalent to a value of EUR 5700 million.

Contact Maria Pålsson Pressekreterare

Press release 11 May 2007 Ministry for Foreign Affairs Sten Tolgfors to the OECD in Paris and meetings with Lamy and Amorim Minister for Foreign Trade Sten Tolgfors will participate in the OECD annual ministerial meeting in Paris on 15-16 May. On Tuesday, the Minister for Foreign Trade will also take part in a panel at the "OECD Forum 2007: Innovation, Growth and Equity".

In connection with the OECD meeting, Mr Tolgfors will hold bilateral talks with the Director-General of the WTO, Pascal Lamy, Brazil's Minister of External Relations, Celso Amorim and Holland's Minister for Foreign Trade Frank Heemskerk.

"We are going to launch a Swedish-Dutch initiative concerning the biofuel trade. We need better knowledge of the challenges facing the multilateral trade system in view of the climate change issue," says Mr Tolgfors.

"We want the creation of a world market for biofuels. For this we need trade barriers to be dismantled and more producers, and to refrain from dividing up the world with various agreements that exclude some and include others".

OECD meeting The OECD ministerial meeting will discuss current international economic issues, focusing on globalisation, growth, trade and the importance of encouraging innovation. It is hoped that the OECD ministers will also take a decision on enlarging the organisation by including new member states, and on strengthening cooperation with regions such as Southeast Asia and Latin America.

OECD Forum 2007: Innovation, Growth and Equity In parallel with the ministerial meeting, Mr Tolgfors will take part in a panel discussion with the Secretary-General of the WTO, Pascal Lamy, within the framework of the "OECD Forum 2007: Innovation, Growth and Equity" meeting.

At these OECD Forum meetings, employers and employees as well as representatives of trade organisations, governments and international organisations meet to discuss the issues that are subsequently raised at the OECD ministerial meetings.

The OECD Forum 2007 will be held at the Palais Brongniart, Place de la Bourse, Paris on 14-15 May.

Contact Maria Pålsson Pressekreterare Martin Rahm Deputy Director International Trade Policy Department +46 708 88 28 07

Press release 11 May 2007 Ministry for Foreign Affairs Support for Swedish companies in conflict areas Operating in countries and regions with weak governments is a challenge for many companies. The Ministry for Foreign Affairs is now distributing a set of much requested guidelines.

OECD member countries have produced a risk management tool for multinational enterprises operating in conflict areas. A Swedish version of the guidelines has now been published and will be distributed to companies, business Related organisations, trade union organisations and NGOs. OECD "The tool will provide support to companies that conduct sound business activities in countries where the authorities can't or won't take their responsibility," says Minister for Foreign Trade Sten Tolgfors.

"Globalisation has created new opportunities for companies to become more international, and along with these come new challenges. The tool will help companies meet these challenges," says Mr Tolgfors.

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The OECD already has Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises which were first agreed in 1976. These Guidelines are voluntary. Each country that has endorsed the Guidelines has a National Contact Point (NCP) whose responsibilities include following up any infringements of the Guidelines.

In Sweden, this consists of the Ministry for Foreign Affairs (chair), the Confederation of Swedish Enterprise, the Swedish Federation of Trade, trade union organisations and representatives of other ministries. The NCP is not a judicial body, but its recommendations are usually respected.

The new risk management tool for multinational enterprises is not part of the Guidelines but can be used when the NCP makes assessments.

Contact Maria Pålsson Pressekreterare Göran Lithell Political Adviser +46 8 405 2744 +46 70 348 27 58 email to Göran Lithell Lennart Killander Larsson Deputy Director International Trade Policy Department +46 8 405 32 46

Press release 10 May 2007 Ministry for Foreign Affairs Sweden increasingly attractive to foreign investors Sweden is successful in the increasingly tough competition for the interest of global investors, according to two new studies presented today.

A survey of Sweden as an investment country has been presented today by the Invest in Sweden Agency (ISA). According to the ranking in the study, all the Nordic countries are among the leading ten on the list, but Sweden dominates the Baltic Sea region. The USA tops the list.

In the IMD "World Competiveness Yearbook 2007" Sweden has climbed from 14th to 9th place on the list of the world's most competitive economies. The report makes it clear that confidence in Sweden's economic policy has increased since the change in government.

"Sweden's results in these studies are very gratifying. To be able to meet the demands of globalisation, a continual flow of foreign investments is needed, both in the form of capital and of knowledge. Foreign investments are extremely important for our prosperity," says Minister for Foreign Trade Sten Tolgfors.

"Sweden can meet globalisation with confidence. We are a small, but competitive economy," says Mr Tolgfors.

"Our strategy is clear. We are focusing on openness towards the rest of the world and continued efforts to strengthen our competitiveness. We must carry on working to improve the corporate climate and increase the number of jobs so as to ensure Swedish prosperity," says Mr Tolgfors.

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The Invest in Sweden Agency is a government agency. The "Invest in Sweden Report 2007/08 - Business and investment opportunities" contains a number of facts on Sweden and is primarily targeted at foreign investors and banks seeking a basis for their decisions. The ISA ranking of the most successful countries is based on nine international indices.

International Management Development (IMD) is a Swiss educational institution. The annual IMD ranking is partly based on statistics and partly on a questionnaire to corporate executives throughout the world.

Contact Maria Pålsson Pressekreterare Henrik Gorbow Deputy Director +46 8 405 28 16

Press release 08 May 2007 Ministry for Foreign Affairs Sten Tolgfors invites Spanish IT companies to Sweden Minister for Foreign Trade Sten Tolgfors has invited his Spanish counterpart and Spanish IT and telecom companies to Sweden. His aim is to create even better opportunities for cooperation between Swedish and Spanish companies.

Mr Tolgfors is in Spain in connection with a Swedish export event, the Iberian Telecom Business Opportunity (ITBO) - a cooperative project between the IT and telecom industries, Sweden's Ambassadors in Madrid and Lisbon and the Swedish Trade Council.

"Efforts in the field of information and telecommunications are increasing in Spain. I am inviting Spanish companies to Sweden to stimulate the bilateral exchange of knowledge." These comments were made by Mr Tolgfors during his visit to ITBO in Madrid today.

"Sweden has many interesting companies and research clusters that are at the cutting edge. Today I have personally invited my colleague, Spain's Minister of Industry, Tourism and Trade Joan Clos, to visit Sweden," said Mr Tolgfors.

After Spain, the Minister for Foreign Trade will travel on to Portugal, where ITBO is to continue.

Contact Maria Pålsson Pressekreterare

Press release 07 May 2007 Ministry for Foreign Affairs Export loans to lift small Swedish companies

Sweden's exports make up some 50 per cent of GDP. They are limited, however, by the fact that ten major companies account for 40 per cent of the country's exports. This makes Sweden sensitive to the success of individual companies. More internationally active companies would make our exports less vulnerable. Small and medium-sized companies (SMEs) play an important role in Swedish exports. But they also have considerable potential for greater export volumes. For smaller companies, however, financing may be a problem. This is why it is important that new supplementary forms of financing are developed alongside those already offered by the banking system.

The new export loan will be targeted at SMEs. It will make it possible for small companies to take on large business transactions and reduce their risks when exporting.

The export loan will be launched in June and will allow loans in other currencies. The new loan is a result of cooperation between ALMI Företagspartner, the Swedish Credit Export Corporation (SEK), the Swedish Export Credits Guarantee Board (EKN), the Swedish Trade Council and the Swedish Fund for Industrial Cooperation with Developing Countries (Swedfund). ALMI, which works close to small companies at the regional level, will process these loans.

The SEK and EKN will have joint responsibility for access to capital and risk management. The Swedish Trade Council and Swedfund will assist in marketing. A total of SEK 500 million has initially been allocated to the export loan.

"I am very pleased to be able to present the export loan. It will supplement the market and reduce the risks for SMEs when exporting," says Minister for Foreign Trade Sten Tolgfors.

"Swedish subcontractors and small companies are facing increasing competition. This new export loan will enable more companies to achieve success in the international market," says Göran Lundwall, ALMI's CEO.

Contact Göran Lithell Political Adviser +46 8 405 2744 +46 70 348 27 58 email to Göran Lithell

Press release 04 May 2007 Ministry for Foreign Affairs Baltic Sea ministers of trade and economy to meet in Stockholm For the first time in three years, ministers of trade and economy of the Council of the Baltic Sea States (CBSS) will be meeting on 23 May at the invitation of the Swedish Minister for Foreign Trade, Sten Tolgfors.

The meeting on 23 May, which forms part of the Swedish Presidency of the CBSS, will also be attended by the Russian Economic Development and Trade Minister, German Gref.

At the meeting the ministers of trade and economy will discuss, among other things, how regional cooperation can promote greater trade and investment in the Baltic region, one of the world's most competitive regions. The ministerial meeting will be preceded by a conference on the Baltic Sea Region's integration in the global economy at the Stockholm School of Economics on 22 May.

Contact Göran Lithell Political Adviser +46 8 405 2744 +46 70 348 27 58 email to Göran Lithell

Press release 26 April 2007 Ministry for Foreign Affairs Positive outlook for Swedish companies in the Barents region "Sweden wants to strengthen cooperation with and other countries in the Barents region. The potential of the region can only be understood when viewed as a whole. Increased cooperation can contribute to growth and opportunities for new jobs." These comments were made by Minister for Foreign Trade Sten Tolgfors during a visit in Oslo today.

To Sweden, developments in what the Norwegians term as 'the High North' are of major interest since the region has considerable energy resources, and major investments are being made throughout the entire region. Related "There is the potential for major development in the entire region - northern Norway, Sweden, Finland and north-western Russia," Mr Tolgfors said. Speech "The Barents Region and Swedish Opportunities" "In Sweden, basic industries are experiencing powerful expansion and investment due to global demand. In addition, new industries are being developed, such as the space industry, tourism and the experience industry. The great potential and growth lead to companies such as IKEA investing and, through new start-ups, serving the entire northern part of the Nordic countries in a new way." ______

Minister for Foreign Trade Sten Tolgfors spoke at the Oil and Gas Seminar 2007 at Voksenåsen in Oslo on the theme of 'The Barents Region and the Swedish Opportunities'.

Contact Maria Pålsson Pressekreterare

Press release 18 April 2007 Ministry for Foreign Affairs Swedish-Russian space cooperation Today, Minister for Trade Sten Tolgfors met the Russian Minister of Health and Social Development Michail Zurabov in Moscow. As Chair of the Swedish-Russian Steering Committee, Mr Zurabov has special responsibility for developing bilateral relations with Sweden. During the meeting, the first steps were taken towards a bilateral agreement between Sweden and Russia in the field of space.

"The Government agreement that we are about to draw up will give the Swedish Space Corporation (Rymdbolaget) an opportunity to fly test balloons over Russian territory and to collect and bring back the ones that land on Russian soil," says Sten Tolgfors.

"The lack of an agreement has limited Swedish space activities. It has also affected business opportunities at, for example, the Swedish Space Corporations' facility Esrange in Kiruna.

"We are looking forward to the next stage of the process and are expecting the first draft of an agreement from the Russians," says Sten Tolgfors.

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The Swedish-Russian Steering Committee is a bilateral forum where Swedish and Russian government representatives meet and discuss current trade issues. In connection with the Steering Committee meeting in Moscow, a business seminar on health and medical care was also held, attended by some ten Swedish companies.

Contact Maria Pålsson Pressekreterare

Press release 16 April 2007 Ministry for Foreign Affairs Sten Tolgfors to Moscow Minister for Foreign Trade Sten Tolgfors will travel to Moscow on 17-18 April.

Mr Tolgfors will visit Russia for a meeting of the Swedish-Russian steering committee. It presents an important opportunity to develop trade relations between the countries, and also take up some problematic issues.

The Russian representative will be Minister of Health and Social Development Mikhail Zurabov.

In connection with the steering committee meeting, a business seminar on health and medical care will also be held, attended by some ten Swedish companies. The outcome of the seminar will be reported to the ministers at a joint final working lunch.

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The Swedish-Russian steering committee is a bilateral forum where Swedish and Russian government representatives meet and discuss current trade issues. The committee last met in Uppsala in the spring of 2005.

Contact Maria Pålsson Pressekreterare

Press release 05 April 2007 Ministry for Foreign Affairs Swedish-German cooperation to cut car prices On Wednesday Minister for Foreign Trade Sten Tolgfors had discussions with German Federal Minister of Economics and Technology Michael Glos in Berlin. One matter of importance to both countries touched on in the talks was the transatlantic market for motor vehicles.

Trade between the EU and the United States and investments in the sector on both sides of the Atlantic mean a lot for employment and welfare. "Studies show that price of passenger cars could be reduced by up to 7 per cent if regulations in the EU and the United States could be harmonised. This could then contribute to increased trade and more jobs," says Sten Tolgfors. "Sweden and Germany have coinciding interests, This is why we have agreed to start close cooperation in the form of an informal expert group to take a closer look at this. I welcome Germany's decision as the holder of the EU Presidency to make the automotive sector an important priority in cooperation with the United States ahead of the summit at the end of the month."

Press release 04 April 2007 Ministry for Foreign Affairs Trade minister Tolgfors to Germany

Minister for Foreign Trade Sten Tolgfors will travel to Berlin on Wednesday 4 April for talks with German Federal Minister of Economics and Technology Michael Glos.

Mr Tolgfors will also meet Swedish-German companies and representatives of the Swedish Chamber of Commerce, the Swedish Trade Council, the Invest in Sweden Agency, VisitSweden and the Swedish Consulate-General in Hamburg.

The day will conclude with a speech at the Konrad Adenauer Stiftung on challenges facing Swedish and German foreign trade in a globalised world.

Contact Maria Pålsson Pressekreterare

Press release 28 March 2007 Ministry for Foreign Affairs Good news on tariffs on Russian birch pulpwood Minister for Foreign Trade Sten Tolgfors was informed today that the Russian government plans to postpone raising export tariffs on birch pulpwood until 2011.

He received this information during today's talks with Ilja Klebanov, the President's representative for Northwest Russia, who is in Stockholm. Related "This information is very good news and is very important for the Swedish forestry industry. I am now Press release: Visit by looking forward to the formal government decision confirming Mr Klebanov's information," says Sten Klebanov - the President's Tolgfors. representative in Northwest Russia "The news gives us time and scope to continue the dialogue with the Russian government on the tariffs that Press release: New reply on Sweden naturally wants to avoid completely," says Mr Tolgfors. Russian birch pulpwood ---- Russia recently decided to introduce export tariffs on birch pulpwood and other goods. The decision would mean that the price of Russian birch pulpwood would double in a couple of years. This would have a major negative impact on the Swedish forestry industry, which today has imports from Russia as an important raw materials base.

Contact Maria Pålsson Pressekreterare

Press release 27 March 2007 Ministry for Foreign Affairs Visit by Klebanov - the President's representative in Northwest Russia Ilja Klebanov, the President's representative for the Northwestern Federal District in Russia is to visit Sweden on 27-29 March.

The visit is a working visit and will consist of talks with Deputy Prime Minister , Minister for Foreign Trade Sten Tolgfors, Minister for EU Affairs Cecilia Malmström, State Secretary Nicola Clase, the Riksdag Committee on Foreign Affairs, County Governor Per Unckel, the Stockholm Chamber of Commerce and Scania in Södertälje.

Issues that will be discussed include cooperation for greater trade exchange and improved environmental protection in the Baltic Sea region. As Sweden has strong business interests in Northwest Russia, extending from northern Siberia down to Kaliningrad, investment issues will also be discussed.

"Ilja Klebanov represents the area in Russia that is part of the Baltic Sea region and which has the potential to become Europe's strongest region of growth. Many Swedish companies are active in this part of Russia and I am looking forward to meeting Mr Klebanov to discuss how our relations can be further deepened," says Minister for Foreign Trade Sten Tolgfors, who will be hosting a working lunch on Wednesday.

Contact Maria Pålsson Pressekreterare

Press release 21 March 2007 Ministry for Foreign Affairs Press briefing: Minister for Foreign Trade and US Ambassador to visit biofuel plant On Monday, 26 March, Minister for Foreign Trade Sten Tolgfors and the US Ambassador in Stockholm Michael Wood will visit Karlskoga Biofuel AB and Morphic Technologies AB in Karlskoga.

The visit is part of cooperation that includes making it easier to match Swedish environmental technology with American risk capital.

The Karlskoga Biofuel project is based on the idea of integrating the production of ethanol and biogas so as to extract maximum energy from the raw material, in this case grain. Morphic Technologies AB works with energy systems within renewable electricity production and with resource- conserving production technology.

Time and venue 12.00 Press briefing at the district heating power plant, Björkborn industrial area, Karlskoga

If you wish to take part, please notify: [email protected]

Contact Maria Pålsson Pressekreterare Sofia Karlberg Press Officer +46 8 405 58 80 +46 70 100779 email to Sofia Karlberg

Press release 19 March 2007 Ministry for Foreign Affairs Trade minister Tolgfors to Bulgaria

On Tuesday 20 March, Minister for Foreign Trade Sten Tolgfors will travel to Sofia in Bulgaria for talks with Minister of Economy and Energy Rumen Ovcharov and others. The day will conclude with a speech at the newly established Swedish-Bulgarian Chamber of Commerce.

"Bulgaria's membership of the EU is important for the country's continued development, not least its economic development. There is significant potential for development as the country step by step obtains access to the internal market. I have hopes that Swedish and Bulgarian companies will find many opportunities to do business. The newly established chamber of commerce is an instrument for this," says Mr Tolgfors.

Contact Maria Pålsson Pressekreterare Sofia Karlberg Press Officer +46 8 405 58 80 +46 70 100779 email to Sofia Karlberg

Press release 28 February 2007 Ministry for Foreign Affairs UN procurement - an opportunity for Swedish companies Minister for Foreign Trade Sten Tolgfors met leading UN officials for discussions on procurement and other matters in New York on Tuesday.

In order to offer the UN system quality Swedish goods and services a group of Swedish companies have jointly formed the Swedish Association for UN Business (SWEUNB) in cooperation with the Ministry for Foreign Affairs and the Swedish Trade Council. Related Press Release: Sten Tolgfors The Swedish Trade Council will shortly launch a website designed for companies that want to increase their to the USA cooperation with the UN. Speech: Sten Tolgfors at the Swedish-American Chamber "Many Swedish companies are unaware that the UN and its agencies may be in great need of their goods and of Commerce - New York 26 services. This is why the Ministry for Foreign Affairs and the Swedish Trade Council want to encourage February 2007 Swedish companies in a position to do so to export more to the UN system,'" says Sten Tolgfors.

"I know that Swedish companies have a good reputation in the UN," says Sten Tolgfors.

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The UN's total annual procurement volume is of the order of USD 8 billion, a large part of which goes to peace-keeping operations and humanitarian assistance. The share that Swedish companies take of this procurement volume is only around 0.3 per cent.

Most major donors to the UN have a much large order volume than Sweden. For instance, Danish companies sell 10 times more to the UN than Swedish companies.

Contact Maria Pålsson Pressekreterare Bo Jerlström Ambassador Government Offices' Projects Export Secretariat, Ministry for Foreign Affairs Tel: +46 8 405 56 17 Lena Rooth Senior Advisor, Public Affairs Swedish Trade Council +46 8 588 660 87 Aslam Khan MD, Biab International Chairman of the Swedish Association for UN Business, SWEUNB +46 31 700 11 50

Press release 23 February 2007 Ministry for Foreign Affairs Sten Tolgfors to the USA - will meet Susan Schwab and George Soros

On Sunday, 25 February Minister for Foreign Trade Sten Tolgfors is to travel to the USA for visits to New York and Washington DC. For the first time in five years, a Swedish Minister for Foreign Trade will meet his US counterpart.

In addition to the US Trade Representative and chief negotiator at the World Trade Organisation (WTO) Susan Schwab, the Minister for Foreign Trade will also meet economist Jagdish Bhagwati, businessman George Soros and business sector and political representatives. In Washington, a seminar on the theme of "Challenging times for free trade" will be held at House of Sweden, where Deputy US Trade Representative John Veroneau will participate.

"The meeting with Susan Schwab is taking place at an important stage of the negotiations in the WTO Doha Round. I will be focusing on our countries' offensive interests in industrial goods and services and the global welfare gains of successful negotiations. Gains that, for example, will be worth around SEK 2 500-3 000 per household per year for Swedish households. At the same time, I will be emphasising that the welfare losses if the negotiations break down, risk being significant," says Sten Tolgfors.

In New York Minister for Foreign Trade Tolgfors will visit the New York Stock Exchange and the United Nations and will hold an address at the Swedish American Chamber of Commerce.

"When I visit the UN I shall be particularly interested in looking at how Swedish companies can improve their ability to win public procurement contracts in the UN system," says Sten Tolgfors.

Contact Maria Pålsson Pressekreterare

Press release 15 February 2007 Ministry for Foreign Affairs Sweden welcomes new EU proposal to enhance free movement of goods On Tuesday, the EU Commission presented its proposal to enhance free movement of goods. The proposal consists of a revision of the New Approach (a method for harmonising requirements on goods) and a legal act for the application of the principle of mutual recognition. The purpose of the review is to lead to more uniform rules and to promote national agencies trust in test results conducted in other countries.

"Getting the internal market to function effectively is of fundamental interest for Sweden. It will give Swedish companies a domestic market with 500 million consumers. We welcome every step to dismantle barriers and support the EU Commission's proposal," says Minister for Foreign Trade Sten Tolgfors. External links Press Release by the EU "2007 will be the 'year of goods' in the EU, when several EU initiatives will be presented. The first is this Commission proposal for a review of the new harmonisation method and simpler application of the principle of mutual Read the decision on Mutual recognition. The Commission's proposal is well in line with the Swedish system, Swedish priorities and Recognition Swedish interests. Read the decision on the New Approach "The review is important for the business sector because companies need simple, effective rules. It is also important that rules are applied in the same way in all EU member countries, so that no unnecessary barriers arise. Complicated regulations and procedures weaken the competitiveness of the EU and Sweden, and lead to financial losses for companies," says the Minister for Foreign Trade.

"A product that is approved in one EU country must be accepted in other EU countries as well, and test and control costs must be reduced. At the same time, it is important that the general public can rely on goods sold being safe. Without consumer confidence, trade will not work as it should," says Mr Tolgfors.

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'The 'New Method' There are at present some 25 areas that are regulated through the 'New Method', such as standards for toys and machines. The method has been used in the field of goods since the 1980s, and is an effective way of increasing movement in the EU internal market.

The review will meet the present need for more uniform rules, which will both make it easier for companies to comply with directives, and facilitate the work of assessing goods or ensuring that dangerous products are removed from the market. The idea is also to enable national agencies to put greater reliance on other countries' test results.

The proposal now up for negotiation means that an entrepreneur manufacturing, for example, mechanical valves, will only need to comply with one directive with common definitions, instead of several directives, as the case could be now.

Mutual recognition In the field of goods where there are no harmonised rules, what is known as the principle of mutual recognition applies. This means, in principle, that it is impossible to prevent the sale of goods that have been legally approved in one country from being sold in other member states. The proposed legal instrument will ensure uniform application of this principle in all member states, thus facilitating trade.

Contact Maria Pålsson Pressekreterare

Pressmeddelande 13 februari 2007 Utrikesdepartementet Press briefing: Ministry for Foreign Affairs' ministers on the Statement of Foreign Policy

The media are welcome to a press briefing with Minister for Foreign Affairs , Minister for International Development Cooperation and Minister for Foreign Trade Sten Tolgfors in connection with the debate on foreign policy in the Riksdag on Wednesday, 14 February. Externa länkar The website of the Riksdag

Time and place: Wednesday 14 February 12:30

Press conference room Chamber Foyer, fifth floor, west wing The Riksdag

Please bring your press credentials.

Kontakt Christian Carlsson Mikael Östlund Maria Pålsson Pressekreterare

Press release 09 February 2007 Prime Minister's Office Ministry for Foreign Affairs Carl Bildt, Cecilia Malmström and Sten Tolgfors to EU meeting in Brussels Minister for Foreign Affairs Carl Bildt, Minister for EU Affairs Cecilia Malmström and Minister for Foreign Trade Sten Tolgfors will take part in the EU General Affairs and External Relations Council meeting on Monday 12 February.

The agenda includes discussions on the Western Balkans, Afghanistan, the Middle East and the peace efforts in Sudan and Somalia. The meeting will also consider the Doha Round in the World Trade Organisation (WTO) and preparations ahead of the European Council meeting on 8-9 March.

The media are invited to attend the press meetings that Carl Bildt, Cecilia Malmström and Sten Tolgfors will be holding separately in the Swedish press briefing room in the Council's Justus Lipsius building. The times for these meetings will be announced later.

Contact Elin Gunnarsson Press Secretary to Cecilia Malmström +46 8 405 10 00 Maria Pålsson Pressekreterare Christian Carlsson

Press release 05 February 2007 Ministry for Foreign Affairs EU Commissioner Mandelson and Minister for Foreign Trade Tolgfors to visit Stockholm School of Economics

On Thursday 8 February, EU Commissioner for External Trade Peter Mandelson will visit Stockholm for talks with Minister for Foreign Trade Sten Tolgfors and Minister for Foreign Affairs Carl Bildt. During his visit Mr Mandelson will also meet representatives of the Swedish business sector. External links Peter Mandelson, In the afternoon, Mr Mandelson will speak on the topic Global Europe, the external dimension of the Lisbon Commissioner for External Strategy, at the Stockholm School of Economics. The seminar is organised jointly by the Ministry for Foreign Trade Affairs and the Stockholm School of Economics. The event will be attended by the school's partner companies, researchers and students.

Minister for Foreign Trade Tolgfors will introduce Mr Mandelson, and the subsequent discussion will be led by Professor Örjan Sölvell of the Stockholm School of Economics.

After the event, Mr Mandelson and Mr Tolgfors will be available to speak with journalists.

Date and venue Programme: Thursday 8 February 2007

14.00-15.00 Addresses by Minister for Foreign Trade Sten Tolgfors and EU Commissioner for External Trade Peter Mandelson and subsequent discussion. Venue: Stockholm School of Economics, Sveavägen 65, "Torsten" lecture hall.

15.00-15.20 Press meeting Venue: Stockholm School of Economics, Sveavägen 65, "Torsten" lecture hall.

Please bring your press credentials.

Please RSVP to [email protected] or +46 8 736 90 15 no later than 7 February.

Contact Maria Pålsson Pressekreterare Ingela Spongh Communications and Marketing Officer, Stockholm School of Economics 08-736 90 15

Press release 01 February 2007 Ministry for Foreign Affairs New Director-General of Swedish Export Credits Guarantee Board The Government has today appointed Finance Director Karin Apelman as the new Director-General of the Swedish Export Credits Guarantee Board.

Karin Apelman is currently Finance Director at the Swedish Civil Aviation Administration and member of its Management Group. Ms Apelman has previously worked in finance positions at SAAB Aircraft Leasing, SAS and Sven Hagströmer AB.

The Swedish Export Credits Guarantee Board is a government agency whose overall objective is to promote Swedish exports by offering competitive export credit guarantees. It has about 100 employees and its clients include large Swedish enterprises as well as small and medium- sized enterprises.

Contact Maria Pålsson Pressekreterare

Press release 23 January 2007 Ministry for Foreign Affairs Competition locally and globally: Sten Tolgfors to Hindersmässan trade fair in Örebro On 24 January, Sten Tolgfors will participate in two events in Örebro.

Time and place Wednesday 24 January

At 11.00 Sten Tolgfors will be speaking at the Small Enterprises Days Venue: Hjalmar Bergman Theatre, Conventum, Olof Palmes Torg 1, Örebro

At 13.00 Sten Tolgfors will be speaking at the Industry and Trade Day. Venue: Örebro Castle

The Minister for Foreign Trade will first hold an address at the Small Enterprises Days on the theme "The importance of globalisation for entrepreneurship and growth". He will subsequently participate in the Industry and Trade Day, organised by Örebro municipality, speaking on the theme "Competition: Locally and internationally".

"If there's anything that globalisation requires of us, it is that we must improve conditions for entrepreneurship at home. Companies that are strong at home manage better when abroad, which in turn strengthens jobs at home. In this way, trade policy and the domestic business climate are closely related.

"The Government's overall policies will mean that Swedish companies will have a much stronger capacity to grow here at home and to meet international competition in Sweden and in the world market," says Minister for Foreign Trade Sten Tolgfors.

In addition to Mr Tolgfors, Minister for Enterprise and Energy Maud Olofsson and Minister for Employment Sven-Otto Littorin will also take part in the Small Enterprises Days.

Contact Maria Pålsson Pressekreterare

Press release 19 January 2007 Ministry for Foreign Affairs Review of trade and investment promotion activities

The Government took a decision today on the review of trade and investment promotion activities that was presented in the Budget Bill for 2007. This was announced by Minister for Foreign Trade Sten Tolgfors during today's interpellation debate in the Riksdag.

"The review will analyse the results of export promotion activities compared with the expectations that the state, as the contracting party, expresses in connection with budget appropriations, and in agreements and instructions. It will also examine how the use of funds for export promotion activities in Sweden and in markets abroad corresponds with the needs of the business community, in particular with those of small and medium-sized enterprises.

"Another important issue that will be studied is the potential for cooperation and synergy effects between the foreign organisations of the Swedish Trade Council and the Invest in Sweden Agency, as well as between their operations in general.

"The basis for Swedish export success is a good business climate and increased market access for enterprises. Then there is export promotion, which contributes to the internationalisation of small and medium-sized enterprises in particular," says Minister for Foreign Trade Sten Tolgfors.

Contact Jakob Kiefer

Press release 17 January 2007 Ministry for Foreign Affairs Ola Håkansson receives the Government's anniversary prize for Swedish music export

Today Ola Håkansson was awarded a special anniversary prize for his long-standing contribution to Swedish music export. Minister for Foreign Trade Sten Tolgfors presented the prize, which has been created to mark the tenth anniversary of the Music Export Prize.

"Swedish music is an important part of Sweden's image abroad. Sweden as a brand is shaped by all of us together -Swedish companies, sportsmen and sportswomen, carriers of Swedish culture and Swedish performers. Ola Håkansson is special because over many years he has contributed strongly to Swedish music successes both as a performer and as a record company representative. So I am pleased about the jury's choice," says Sten Tolgfors.

The jury chair Michael Treschow, Chairman of the Confederation of Swedish Enterprise, also took part in the prize ceremony and presented the jury's four candidates for the 2006 Music Export Prize. They are Jörgen Elofsson, José González, Anders Hillborg and The Knife.

The winner will be announced at the Swedish Grammy Awards (Grammisgalan) at Hovet, in Stockholm, on 30 January.

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Sweden is the world's third largest music country per capita after the United States and the United Kingdom. Swedish music and Swedish music successes at international level have a positive impact on Sweden's image abroad. Music exports also have a positive impact on the domestic labour market in Sweden. Music is an important part of the Swedish experience industry, which accounts for around 5 per cent of GDP and employs some 280 000 people.

Contact Fredrik Wetterqvist Deputy Director +46 8 405 32 51 Göran Lithell Counsellor +46 8 405 27 44

Press release 12 January 2007 Ministry for Foreign Affairs Press invitation: Tenth anniversary of the Government's Music Export Prize

Time and place Ministry for Foreign Affairs Press Centre, Fredsgatan 4, Tuesday 16 January at 14.00.

This year marks the tenth year of the Swedish Government's Music Export Prize. To mark this occasion, Minister for Foreign Trade Sten Tolgfors will be awarding a special anniversary prize for long-standing contribution to Swedish music export.

The anniversary prize winner will be presented by the chairman of the jury, Michael Treschow. The four nominees for this year's Music Export Prize will also be announced. This prize will be awarded at the Swedish Grammy Awards (Grammisgalan) at Hovet, in Stockholm, on 30 January.

The anniversary event will end with light refreshments and mingle. Music: Ana Johnsson

Contact Please register by sending both your name and the name of your organisation to Ritva Wahlgren, [email protected] latest by Friday 12 January. 2006

Press release 19 December 2006 Ministry for Foreign Affairs Sten Tolgfors to Oslo Minister for Foreign Trade Sten Tolgfors is to travel to Norway on Tuesday 19 December for talks with Minister of Trade and Industry Dag Terje Anderson, Minister of Foreign Affairs Jonas Gahr Støre, Minister of Agriculture and Food Terje Riis-Johansen and the Storting Standing Committee on Business and Industry.

"A strong will exists for further deepening economic cooperation between our two countries, particularly between specially concerned corridors such as Göteborg-Oslo, Oslo--Stockholm, Sundsvall-Östersund-Trondheim and the northern areas (northernmost Norway, Sweden and Finland and the Kola region in Russia)," says Sten Tolgfors.

"In particular, we should turn our eyes northward, where interesting perspectives are opening up. One of our important political tasks is to remove barriers to trade and economic cooperation between Sweden and Norway to enable deeper regional integration. Our economies are already closely intertwined and mutually dependent. Norway, for example, is Sweden's third largest export market and in terms of the number of companies, Norway is the most important country of origin for foreign investment in Sweden."

Contact Maria Pålsson Pressekreterare

Press release 12 December 2006 Ministry for Foreign Affairs New reply on Russian birch pulpwood On Tuesday, Minister for Foreign Trade Sten Tolgfors met Russia's Minister of Economic Development and Trade German Gref in Moscow. An important issue discussed was Russia's intention to raise export duties on pulpwood. "I have had a good discussion with my Russian colleague", says Mr Tolgfors.

Russia's intention to gradually raise customs duties on pulpwood until 2010 has given rise to concern in the Swedish forestry industry. Mr Gref stated that the planned increases do not at present affect birch pulpwood that is exported to Sweden, Finland and other countries. "This was very pleasing news, which I told Mr Gref. We intend to monitor developments on a continuous basis", says Sten Tolgfors.

Other issues discussed included the Baltic Sea region as one of the most dynamic regions for growth in the world, and the WTO. "Sweden welcomes the earliest possible membership of Russia in the WTO", says Sten Tolgfors.

The Minister for Foreign Trade will conclude his visit to Moscow today at the IKEA/MEGA head office in Russia. He will then travel directly from Moscow to Geneva, where he will meet Pascal Lamy, Director-General of the WTO.

Contact Maria Pålsson Pressekreterare Göran Lithell Counsellor +46 70 348 27 58

Press release 01 December 2006 Ministry for Foreign Affairs Sten Tolgfors to Brussels

On Monday 4 December Minister for Foreign Trade Sten Tolgfors will take part in the EU Competitiveness Council meeting in Brussels. The meeting will include discussion of a proposal to modernise the Customs Code. During his visit to Brussels, Mr Tolgfors will also meet Commissioner for Trade Peter Mandelson and Commissioner for the Internal Market and Services Charlie McCreevy.

"An important element of the Government's job creation policy is for Sweden to be an active proponent of free trade both in the EU and in the World Trade Organisation (WTO). Our welfare is built on trade, and our future prosperity will depend on successful exporting and importing," says Mr Tolgfors.

"Sweden supports the efforts of the Commission to constructively press for the most ambitious possible outcome in the WTO negotiations. When the European Council meets in December, I would like the EU to send a forceful signal of support for an early restart of the Doha Round. It is very important both for Sweden's welfare and for the future growth of the EU countries that this happens," says Mr Tolgfors.

"Developing the EU's internal market is fundamental to European cooperation and a condition for increased employment, better growth and greater competitiveness for both Sweden and the EU as a whole. I will inform Commissioner McCreevy of our clear ambition to help make the internal market more effective and that we will take an active part in developing the instruments that make this possible," says Mr Tolgfors.

Contact Maria Pålsson Pressekreterare

Press release 15 November 2006 Ministry for Foreign Affairs Turkey's Finance Minister and EU Negotiator Ali Babacan to visit Sweden

Turkey's Minister of State in charge of Economy and Head of the country's EU negotiations Ali Babacan is to visit Stockholm on Wednesday 15 November 2006. Mr Babacan is to take part in talks with Prime Minister , Minister for International Development Cooperation Gunilla Carlsson, Minister for EU Affairs Cecilia Malmström and Minister for Trade Sten Tolgfors.

Points for discussion will include bilateral relations, the Turkish reform process and the ongoing EU negotiations.

Mr Babacan will also meet representatives of the Riksdag and the Swedish business sector.

Press meeting After the talks with Minister for International Development Cooperation Gunilla Carlsson, a press meeting will be held.

Time and place: Wednesday 15 November at 11.50 Ministry for Foreign Affairs, Gustav Adolfs Torg 1, Stockholm

Assembly at the entrance at 11.40 Please bring your press credentials

Contact Peder Spångberg Desk Officer UD-EU + 46 708 87 57 71

Press release 01 November 2006 Ministry for Foreign Affairs Closer Nordic cooperation on trade issues The Nordic ministers for trade decided today to increase cooperation on trade issues. The initiative for this decision came from Swedish Minister for Foreign Trade Sten Tolgfors at a meeting of the Nordic Council of Ministers in Copenhagen.

"There are currently many trade issues where the Nordic countries have a part to play. The most important global issue is how to breathe life into the Doha Round of the WTO. Some Nordic countries are members of the EU and others aren't. This means we have an exciting combination of freedom of action and insight, which we should make the most of," says Sten Tolgfors.

"But also with regard to the EU Services Directive and the Lisbon strategy for strengthening Europe's competitiveness, there is good reason for close cooperation. All the Nordic countries are affected by these issues, whether as EU members or through the EEA agreement. We have many common interests in this area too. We can learn from one another and we can exert joint influence," adds Mr Tolgfors.

The first step towards closer cooperation will be a meeting of senior trade policy officials in the Nordic countries. Close contact between the countries trade ministers will also continue.

Contact Maria Pålsson Pressekreterare Press Service +46 8 405 57 30 Anders Elofson Minister, Department for EU Affairs +46 70 515 06 67

Press release 24 October 2006 Prime Minister's Office Ministry for Foreign Affairs Ministry of Education and Research Sten Tolgfors appointed new Minister for Foreign Trade and new Minister for Culture On Tuesday 24 October, Prime Minister Fredrik Reinfeldt held a press conference to announce the appointments of a new Minister for Foreign Trade and a new Minister for Culture.

Sten Tolgfors appointed new Minister for Foreign Trade Sten Tolgfors was born in 1966, is a Member of the Riksdag for the from Örebro and Chair of the Riksdag Committee on Foreign Affairs. He has been a Member of the Riksdag since 1994.

Sten Tolgfors worked with Minister for Industry and Trade Per Westerberg during the last period of centre-right government. During the period 1994-1998, Sten Tolgfors was a member of the Riksdag Committee on Industry and Trade and in 1998-2002, he was a member of the Committee on Foreign Affairs. In 2003-2006, he was the Moderate Party spokesman on schools and educational issues.

Lena Adelsohn Liljeroth appointed new Minister for Culture Lena Adelsohn Liljeroth was born in 1955. She has been a Member of the Riksdag since 2002. During this period she has been a member of the Riksdag Committee on Culture. At the same time Lena Adelsohn Liljeroth has also been a Member of the Boards of Nordiska museet, the University College of Film, Radio, Television and Theatre, and the Swedish Institute.

Lena Adelsohn Liljeroth is a journalist who trained at the Stockholm School of Journalism and has worked mainly as a free-lance journalist for twenty years. She has also long been involved in the activities of Fryshuset, a youth centre in Stockholm, and chaired this organisation between 1994 and 2004. Until quite recently, Lena has also been active in women's shelters in Stockholm and she is a Member of the Board of Anorexia/Bulimia Contact.

Contact Roberta Alenius Carl Johan Swanson Political Adviser +46 8 405 17 65 +46 70 280 91 38 email to Carl Johan Swanson