The return of the 18th century Swedish merchant ship
Gotheborg to China will mark the beginning of a "golden
period" between the two countries, according to business circles of
both sides.
A replica of Gotheborg arrived in Guangzhou, capital of
south China's Guangdong Province, on July 18, after a
nine-and-a-half month voyage.
The legendary Gotheborg made three voyages from
Gothenburg to Guangzhou between 1743 and 1745, pioneering trade
between Sweden and China.
On its last return trip to Sweden in 1745, tragedy struck when
it smashed into rocks about 900 meters from its destination after a
30-month voyage to China. It sunk with its entire cargo, including
tea, china and silk, outside the port of Gothenburg.
Swedish King Carl XVI Gustaf and Queen Silvia, who arrived in
China on July 17 on a six-day state visit, made a symbolic exit
from Gotheborg III's cabin, to the applause of thousands of
local officials and residents.
The king's entourage includes chief executives of renowned
Swedish firms like ABB, Volvo, SAS and SAAB, who held business
discussions with their Chinese counterparts at a trade seminar.
Eddie Chen, chief representative of the Invest in Sweden Agency,
said: "Small and medium-sized Swedish companies involved in
communications, vehicles, pharmacy, precision manufacturing and
design will gain more business information by visiting China and it
will become easier for them to enter the Chinese market."
Economic ties have developed smoothly since the two countries
established diplomatic ties in 1950. Swedish investment in China
has increased greatly since the 1990s.
China has become Sweden's largest market in Asia since 2004 and
Sweden is China's largest trade partner in North Europe.
Sources with the Swedish Embassy in Beijing said about 300
Swedish companies have set up business operations in China,
bringing a total investment of US$2.8 billion.
The brands of Ericsson, Volvo, Tetra Pak, SKF and Ikea have
become popular among Chinese people.
In recent years, Swedish companies in China have put more funds
into research and development. Ericsson will invest US$1 billion in
this field between 2006 and 2010.
Meanwhile, many Chinese businesses have invested in Sweden.
Big-name IT and telecommunications giants including Huawei and
Zhongxing have established research and development centers in
Sweden.
During the ship's one-month stay in Guangzhou, the two countries
will hold activities to promote exchanges in culture, tourism,
economy and trade, said Wang Xiaoling, vice mayor of Guangzhou.
In 2005, trade volume between the two countries reached US$5.7
billion, China's Ministry of Commerce said, of which US$1.8 billion
was Swedish investment. At present, about 250 Swedish companies
have invested in China.
China's exports and imports with Sweden reached US$501.761
million in May 2006, and the trade in January-May period reached
US$2.589 billion, up 16.1 percent on the previous year.
Bosse Ringholm, deputy prime minister of Sweden, said China and
Sweden contributed to economic globalization about 300 years ago
and Gotheborg marks the friendly ties between the two
countries and their common commitment.
As China's economy develops fast, Ringholm said he hopes the two
countries can enlarge trade exchanges and cooperation.
Wang Xiaoling said the government will introduce business
policies to Swedish business people and provide convenience for
them.
Ulf Sormark, Swedish consul general in Guangzhou, said he
believes the return of Gotheborg shows economic ties between
the two countries have entered a new "golden period."
(Xinhua News Agency July 24, 2006)
