Chinese premier Wen Jiabao’s visit to Sweden expands business co-operation

Tuesday, 24 April 2012
Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao had an intense Tuesday during his visit to Sweden. In the morning he saw the car crash test process in the car crash lab in Volvo car corp., in Gothenburg and then in the afternoon he met King Carl Gustaf and Prime Minister Fredrik Reinfeldt.

It is the first time in 28 years that a Chinese Prime Minister has paid a visit to Sweden. China is a very attractive trading partner with major economic interests in Sweden - not least its investment in Volvo. But during the visit, the two countries signed eleven agreements - five between Sweden and China, and six between companies.

In Stockholm, Wen met with the King of Sweden, King Carl Gustaf before meeting the Prime Minister, Fredrik Reinfeldt for talks.

After their meeting, they held a brief press conference where Premier Wen said that “during my talks with the Prime Minister, I emphasized that we see Sweden as an important partner.” He continued that more Swedish companies were invited to invest in China.

In their discussions, as most would expect when a Chinese official visits a leading democracy, the question of human rights was mentioned.

The Swedish premier noted that he does not always agree with the Chinese leadership “even if our partnership is extensive, there are areas where we do not always agree. Issues of democracy and human rights are those areas,” said Reinfeldt.

Reinfeldt also said that he also expressed concern over the plight of Tibet and raised the EU's list of urgent cases.

Earlier in the day Wen visited Volvo Cars production unit and the company headquarter in Gothenborg. Volvo has a unique position as the only international brand owned by a Chinese company.

Visiting the crash lab, the laboratory, the prime minister saw two cars being crashed tested.
“The marriage between Geely and Volvo is a good example of cooperation between our two countries,” said Wen Jiabao before he went and mingled among Volvo workers and shook hands with them.

There was also the Volvo's leadership in the form of its chairman, Li Shufu, vice chairman Hans-Olov Olsson, President and CEO, Stefan Jacoby and Swedish Industry minister, Annie Loof (Centre party) as well as the Governor of the western Goteland province, Lars Bäckström, who received full of polite phrases.

“There is a clear political statement which proof that we are right,” said Stefan Jacoby.
Maybe it will speed up the process for Volvo to get the necessary factory conditions. Volvo has already begun to build assembly plants in Daqing and Chengdu.
By Scancomark.se Team

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