Dear friends,
In almost all markets, locally in Sweden and internationally around the globe, companies join to form Chambers of Commerce. A Chamber of Commerce is a non-profit organization with the purpose of serving the common interest of business. Often a Chamber of Commerce is the common voice of business and industry in their markets.
The Swedish Chamber of Commerce in China was formed in 1998 and has today more than 230 member companies. In China, a country under constant and fast change the need for a Swedish Chamber of Commerce is very clear. Everyone active in China needs to be updated on the latest developments in society, in the economy and new laws and regulations. How do other Swedish companies act in this fast changing market? In China the Swedish Chamber of Commerce serves as a common platform where members easily can exchange such experiences and information.
The Chamber regularly organizes meetings, seminars, trainings and reference group meetings where currents topics are discussed and analyzed.
Annual social events such as the Cray Fish Party and the Christmas party serve as important occasions for socializing, but is also important for showing pieces of Swedish culture to local staff and customers here in China.
In China we have the additional challenge of foreign and local staff working together, which at first glance may appear to come from very different cultural backgrounds. The experience of the vast majority of foreigners and local staff is that cooperation under what might be labeled Swedish Management works quite well and that it is producing excellent results. One additional advantage is that Swedish companies in general have low staff turn-over in China. Many activities of the Chamber aim at explaining what Swedish Management means to both foreign and local staff. We arrange more and more events in the Chinese language, providing a platform for all local staff to discuss questions related to working for a Swedish employer.
Through Dragon News, a quarterly magazine issued in cooperation with the Swedish Chamber of Commerce in Hong Kong, we highlight current affairs from the eyes of our members. It has developed into a very informative magazine with a circulation of over 2000 copies.
The Swedish Chamber of Commerce is the common voice of Swedish business in China and in close cooperation with the Swedish Embassy in Beijing we engage in the bilateral dialogue between Sweden and China on trade and industry matters.
Finally, a correct image of China in Sweden and of Sweden in China makes it easier for our members to make business and to recruit staff. Therefore the Chamber is also active in the building of the Sweden brand in China and in the public discussion about China in Sweden.
I hope you have seen, that no matter if you are a foreign or local staff of a Swedish company, there are benefits to all of being member of the Swedish Chamber of Commerce in China. Most welcome to join as member and to get actively engaged in various activities of the Chamber!
Mats Harborn
Chairman
Swedish Chamber of Commerce in China