Diplomație economică
Moldova Invest in dialogue with H.E. Therese Hydén, Ambassador of Sweden to Romania
According to historical data, the first Romanian-Swedish relations on which archival documents exist date back to the sixteenth century.
The diplomatic relations between Romania and Sweden were established, at the rank of legation, on March 19, 1916 (the date of entry into operation of the Romanian Legation in Stockholm; The Swedish diplomatic representation in Bucharest was established in 1921) and were raised to embassy status on January 31, 1964. The new development of Romanian-Swedish relations after 1989 is reflected by an intense and substantial political dialogue, through frequent visits of Romanian and Swedish officials to Stockholm and Bucharest.
Sweden has consistently supported Romania’s goal of EU integration. It was the first Scandinavian country to ratify the Treaty of Accession of Romania and Bulgaria to the EU. It also liberalized the Swedish labor market for Romanian citizens as early as January 1, 2007.
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At the same time, Romania supported Sweden’s goal of joining NATO, being among the first countries to complete internal procedures, considering that this would enhance Europe’s security and stability.
Sweden is an important trading partner for Romania, constantly ranking among the main destination countries of Romanian products and as the origin of goods destined for the Romanian market.
You assumed the position of Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Ambassador of Sweden to Romania in September 2019, and during these 4 years, two major events have marked Europe: the pandemic and the war in Ukraine. Please provide us with a summary of how you perceived this period in your mission in Romania.
The pandemic years were difficult in all countries, both professionally and personally. As a diplomat and representative of Sweden in Romania, much of the interpersonal, external, and relationship-building work could not be carried out.
The Embassy in Bucharest remained open throughout the pandemic. Russia’s attack on Ukraine on February 24, 2022, and its continued war of aggression remain unjustified attacks on a sovereign country and the democratic values and security of Ukraine and the entire European Union and beyond.
“Swedish companies in Romania provide jobs for over 25,000 Romanians, directly or indirectly”
As a diplomat in Romania, it was impressive to see how the Romanian people, civil society, and institutions immediately supported Ukrainian refugees who crossed the border into Romania.
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Russia’s war of aggression against its neighbor Ukraine has made Romania a vital NATO and EU member state supporting Ukraine. Sweden recognizes Romania as an important and valuable partner supporting Ukraine against Russia and maintaining EU unity.
Your Excellency, please provide an overview of relations between our countries, defined by current geopolitical and economic realities
Sweden and Romania have been linked by over 100 years of official diplomatic relations. This year marks the 60th anniversary of the elevation of our diplomatic relations to Embassy status, which occurred on January 31, 1964.
Considering both countries have significant industrial bases, many large Swedish industrial companies have been present in Romania for decades. Our trade has steadily increased over the last decade, and investments in Romania are primarily in manufacturing, like the automotive industry. One example is the Swedish company Autoliv, which manufactures safety belts and safety solutions for cars and is one of the largest Swedish employers in Romania.
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Another example is the investment in manufacturing for IKEA, a company that continues to expand in Romania and has plans to open a store in Iași. Swedish companies in Romania offer jobs for over 25,000 Romanians, directly or indirectly. Committed to sustainable business models, these companies place human rights, accessibility, and equality at the center of their operations, ensuring that their activities, products, and services have a positive impact on society, the economy, and the environment.
The disruption in logistics, a consequence of the pandemic and the war of aggression in Ukraine, has placed Romania on the map as a safe and accessible country for investments. Swedish companies and investors share the same interest with other companies in operating in an environment where rules and markets are predictable and stable.
I would like to see more direct flights between Romania and Sweden. This would benefit our trade relations as well as tourism, in which sector I believe Romania could offer very interesting and lesser-known natural experiences for Swedish outdoor enthusiasts.
In the context of military events at Romania’s borders, how do you think the West should approach the preparation for the reconstruction of Ukraine?
Ukraine needs our continuous support politically, humanitarianly, militarily, and financially to counter the aggression from Russia and to build a modern Ukraine.
The decision of EU member states to open the door for Ukraine and the Republic of Moldova to become EU members was very important, in the context of extensive efforts to support Ukraine. The financial support provided to Ukraine by the EU, worth up to 50 billion euros in grants and loans, will contribute to covering Ukraine’s immediate needs and its reconstruction and modernization.
Sweden’s support for Ukraine is long-term and covers multiple areas. Besides governmental support, investments from private actors are also necessary to build a strong Ukraine. The role of the business sector is crucial for Ukraine’s recovery, and we see that many companies want to get involved. Improving transport infrastructure in Romania towards the border with Ukraine and the Republic of Moldova, as well as improving border crossings, will also be very beneficial for trade and for supporting Ukraine’s recovery.
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According to the National Office of the Trade Register (ONRC), Swedish companies are among the most important investors in Romania. In this regard, what are the main areas or sectors that attract the interest of Swedish companies?
Indeed, Sweden ranks 18th among the largest foreign investors in Romania. Many Swedish companies, from very large to small enterprises, are present here with their goods, services, and production lines, meeting the needs of Romanian society and contributing to the Romanian economy. Swedish companies cover a wide range of key industries, from furniture, clothing, food products, appliances, personal care and lifestyle products, to renewable energy solutions, electric vehicles and electric charging technologies, advanced medical diagnostic services, and innovative solutions in health, connectivity, construction, and many others.
This variety of sectors shows that there is a good match between the interests of Swedish investors and the potential of the Romanian market. Swedish companies are also well distributed geographically. Hundreds of Swedish companies are spread throughout Romania, including in the Moldova region. A significant investment by Sweden in this region is the Holmbergs factory in Pașcani. Holmbergs is a global manufacturer of supplementary restraint systems, with over 85 years of experience.
The safety textile business acquired in Romania serves clients in the field of child car seats, as well as other transport equipment/devices, special military projects, and personalized textile products in other segments. The factory has about 500 workers and produces around 140,000 covers for child car seats monthly. A recent Swedish company established in Iași is Sigma Connectivity, a high-tech engineering company. This example reflects the increased number of Swedish IT and technology companies on the Romanian market.
“The fact that Romania is addressing shortcomings in the medical field, investing more in hospital infrastructure and healthcare services, represents an opportunity for Swedish companies to bring cutting-edge medical solutions here”
Do you consider that there are economic areas where there is untapped potential for bilateral investments?
The area of life sciences is definitely one in which there is room for more Swedish companies and investments. As Romania is addressing shortcomings in the medical field with more investments in hospital infrastructure and healthcare services, this is an opportunity for Swedish companies to bring cutting-edge medical solutions here to meet the immediate and long-term healthcare needs of Romanians, as well as to develop med-tech.
Sweden has the ambition to be a leading life science nation. The factors contributing to Sweden’s rapid growth in the life science industry are digitalization, leading research universities, and a combined public and private effort to create innovations in life sciences. These elements make Sweden home to some of the world’s leading companies in the medical field, diagnostics, preventive medicine, and precision medicine for treating complex medical needs. Several of these companies are already active in Romania, including in the Moldova region: Synevo, Medicover, Diaverum, AstraZeneca, Elekta.
What recommendations do you have for Romanian companies that would like to enter the Swedish market?
Sweden is a modern, open, and enterprise-friendly economy that welcomes foreign direct investments. Romanian companies looking to invest in Sweden will discover that my country ranks high in international rankings on innovation and skilled workforce.
Sweden is renowned for its R&D performance, entrepreneurial spirit, teamwork, engineering, and automation expertise. At the same time, sustainability is at the forefront of doing business. These attributes are behind the success of companies in Sweden, including foreign ones, and they are what make the Swedish market attractive to foreign investors.
What’s more, rules and regulations about setting up a business in Sweden are accessible online in English. The business procedures are generally smooth because the goal is to facilitate the establishment of new enterprises, allowing companies to expand and grow internationally. Where additional support is needed, organizations such as Business Sweden can help Romanian companies explore opportunities in Sweden, providing information about the market and giving advice and practical support.
In the summer of 2024, the Center for Analysis and Regional Development Planning, together with the Suceava County Council and the North-East Regional Development Agency, will organize the second edition of the Moldova Regional Economic Forum – 2024. The meeting format will be targeted towards regions in Southeast Europe. Partner state ambassadors with whom Romania has consolidated economic relations outside the EU will also be invited.
To what extent is your country interested in developing specific relations with regions in Southeast Europe and implicitly in participating in FERM 2024?
The Swedish Embassy will be happy to continue to support companies that are already present in the Moldova region and will support new initiatives and investments.
