FDI Report
O Sweet on Sweden
By: Patricia Cullen
n the lookout for a new location? Think Sweden. Sweden’s econ- omy improved much earlier from the global recession in compari-
son to other European countries, so a move to the Nordic region should be top of your busi- ness agenda. In 2010, the World Economic Forum identified Sweden as the second most competitive market and economy, out of 133 ex- amined, and the Central Bank estimates there will be a 2.3% increase in GDP for 2012. Read on to find out the reasons why an investment in Sweden would be a smart business move. More specifically, think the Gävleborg
County in Sweden - a region of excellence. Gävleborg is located on the Baltic Sea coast, providing great access to this vibrant region and also easy access to the EU and Russia. The county, with a population of 280,000, extends from Hudiksvall in the north, to Gävle in the south. Gävle is the capital of Gävleborg, and is located just 200 km north of Stockholm, offer- ing close transport and economic links to the Swedish capital. The Port of Gävle is a very ac- tive container port, with frequent freight routes to Finland, Germany, the Netherlands and the UK. Geographically, it is a prime location for business expansion. It profits hugely from this strategic location and incomparable road, rail and sea infrastructure that makes commuting ef- fortless. Your business will be close to the thriv- ing domestic and Scandinavian industry, but also the world’s largest free-trade market – the EU – with 27 countries on your doorstep. Whatever your business motivation, Gävle-
borg has a varied, wide-ranging economy that is ripe for investment. This incorporates both highly motivated trades that are customary to Gävleborg, such as steel, forestry, engineering and paper, and contemporary industries, such as Cleantech and Information and Communication
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Technologies (ICT.) Sweden is at the forefront of the ICT industry and has been a leader in this industry for years. The region also has an im- pressive record of timber production, forestry and tourism companies, and a strong cultural heritage. It plays host to both international com- panies and small independent businesses. Don’t lose out on this great opportunity.
Innovation is hugely encouraged in Gävle-
borg and advice and financial support is actively granted. Numerous regional industry-specific innovation and Research & Development clus- ters such as Fiber Optic Valley and Future Posi- tion X are already established. Movexum, a business incubator, can help turn your innova- tive business ideas into a reality. It offers access to expertise; business connections and financial support for your company. Furthermore, busi- ness parks in Gävle, Sandviken and Söderhamn allow for meetings and get-togethers to encour- age innovation. However, the forestry and steel industries are the key economic sectors in this region, with a strong history of these trades in Gävleborg. Stora Enso has reaped huge benefits from putting down business roots in Gävleborg. Stora Enso was the result of a merger of the Swedish min- ing and forestry products company Stora, and Finnish forestry products company Enso- Gutzeit Oy. It obtains much of its wood from Sweden, Finland, Europe and Russia. This in- ternational company’s success story is not a fluke. Other world-famous companies such as SolarWave AB, Ovako Steel, Korsnäs, Modo and Ericsson have also taken advantage of this region and its prime business opportunities. Make sure your company does not miss out. What financial support and government in-
centives are in place to entice Foreign Direct In- vestment into the Gävleborg region? Regional investment grants, employment support and a
New European Economy
Gävle has developed into a busy, modern and dynamic city by the sea with an estimated 92, 000 inhabitants. It offers a clear gateway to Stockholm, Arlanda Airport and the Baltic markets.
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