Tribune News Network
Doha
The Embassy of Sweden in Qatar announced the launch of Swedish Chamber of Commerce in Qatar (SCCQ) to build upon what it described as steadily growing business and investment ties between Qatar and Sweden.
"I have been glad to chair our 'Team Sweden' here in Doha, but we missed one important component: a Swedish Chamber of Commerce — and now we have launched it," said Swedish Ambassador to Qatar HE Ewa Polano.
"We know that Qatar stands stronger today than before the (Saudi-led) blockade started one year ago, and now Qatar will put in an extra gear for all the infrastructure projects which shall be finalised for FIFA 2022," she added.
The chamber was formally established on June 5 and was inaugurated on June 6, the National Day of Sweden.
Giving representation to a good selection of the strong Swedish companies active in Qatar, the Swedish Chamber of Commerce has chosen seven individuals to serve on the board of directors for the Swedish Chamber.
They include ABB Qatar Managing Director Gus Abboud, Swedish Embassy Commercial Officer Mattias Nordfeldt, Ericsson Country Director for Qatar Shadi Sayed, Gulf Agency Company General Manager Daniel Nordberg, SAAB Country Director for Qatar Johan Ahlberg, QTIC Chairman Abdulla Albinali (representing SSAB) and Domasco Managing Director Faisal Sharif (representing Volvo Cars, Volvo Trucks and Buses).
"In 2015, the new government in Sweden presented for the first time an export strategy. The government also announced thereby that 26 countries shall be given extra focus and attention from the government in order to nurture trade and investment relations with these countries during the period between 2015 and 2020. I was very glad to see that our newly opened embassy in Doha had led my government to include Qatar in these 26 countries," Polano said.
The export strategy, she said, urged Swedish ambassadors around the world to establish in each country a 'Team Sweden' that will actively promote Swedish organisations.
"The Swedish Chamber of Commerce will, of course, include as many members as possible from the Swedish business community.
"We are planning a Team Sweden in Qatar Kick-off for the Swedish Chamber of Commerce in Qatar, after the summer. We are planning for a matchmaking event, welcoming our Qatari partners from Qatar Chamber of Commerce and, of course, Qatari Businessmen Association and other relevant stakeholders in Qatar," Polano added.