On the morning of March 31, China-Sweden Trade and Investment Forum was held in Stockholm. Mr. Ling Ji, Vice Minister of Commerce and Deputy China International Trade Representative, Mr. Jan Larsson, CEO of Business Sweden, and Mr. Ulf Pehrsson, Chairman of Sweden-China Trade Council, attended the event and delivered speeches. Mr. Wan Degang, Chargé d’Affaires of the Chinese Embassy in Sweden, and Ms. Kang Wen, the Embassy’s counselor in charge of economic and commercial affairs, were also present. More than 200 representatives from Chinese and Swedish enterprises and business associations gathered together, creating a lively and enthusiastic atmosphere.

Minister Ling Ji stated that China and Sweden share a long-standing relationship, with the ancient Maritime Silk Road linking the two countries closely together. Over the past 75 years since the establishment of diplomatic ties between the two countries, bilateral economic and trade cooperation has yielded fruitful results. Both sides should adhere to the original aspirations of diplomatic ties featuring mutual respect, equality and mutual benefit, further explore the potential for cooperation in scientific and technological innovation, seize the opportunities in green transition, make green the defining feature of bilateral collaboration, and jointly write a new chapter in China-Sweden economic and trade relations.

Minister Ling Ji emphasized that China’s long-term economic growth prospects remain unchanged, and the Chinese government’s commitment to higher-standard opening up remains unwavering. In the face of an increasingly complex and challenging international landscape, with rising unilateralism and protectionism, China, Sweden, and Europe should firmly uphold multilateralism and free trade, and inject more positive energy into building an open world economy.

Mr. Jan Larsson, CEO of Business Sweden, and Mr. Ulf Pehrsson, Chairman of Sweden-China Trade Council, stated that Swedish enterprises have strong confidence in China’s economic development prospects. They regard China not only as one of their most important markets and production bases but also as an increasingly important research and development hub. Sweden will firmly support free trade, promote deeper cooperation between Swedish and Chinese enterprises, facilitate the implementation of Sweden’s sustainable development concepts, technologies, and innovations in China, and support Chinese enterprises in investing in Sweden, contributing to more practical outcomes in bilateral economic and trade cooperation.

Representatives from local commerce departments and industrial parks conducted on-site promotions. Chinese and Swedish enterprises engaged in industry-specific matchmaking discussions, focusing on areas such as the green economy, smart manufacturing, healthcare, and trade services.