söndag 29 april 2007
Interview with our vicepresident
Why have none done before yours? Tatiana Caldas Löttiger, vicepresident for the swedish-colombian handelskammaren, that on saturday pulls runs the the first latinamerikanska handelskammaren in Sweden. http://www.e24.se/dynamiskt/sverige/did_15251187.asp
CCCS Newsletter
Vol. 1 - April 2007-
Dear Founding Members:
This is our first Bulletin, which is meant to be a monthly review of events of our activities and what we are planning to make happen so you are kept current. In the future you will find our Bulletin in our brand new web-page:
http://www.svenskcolombianska.com/ that will be launched any moment.
The interest for our Chamber of Commerce has been overwhelming and we have been approached by several businesspeople both in Sweden and Colombia asking for help and advice. The Board is trying to speed up things so we can start to be productive and help our members,. So far, we have gotten the tax ID number (orgnummer), bank account, bankgiro and POBox, so the only logistic matter left is the web-page. As you know, we are funded solely by the membership fees, therefore paying your membership as soon as possible is vital for the operation of the Chamber.
Interested in volunteering? We are currently looking for volunteers that could help us with administrative work, such as,
coordination of seminars, social events, and other activities. We think good
candidates could be persons with a good acknowledge how things in Sweden and Colombia works and preferably speaks both languages plus English.
Contact Paola Apolinar at 08-510-61599 or paola.apolinar@svenskcolombianska.com for more information. Until now all the work with the Chamber has been done by the Board Members in their leisure time, but we need people that can devote more time to it. Additional to this, Ambassador Alzate has been kind enough to let us use the Embassy’s premises but I think is about time to rent an office so we can function independently. In this regard, I will appreciate any information of any office in between 50 to 80 m2 at a reasonable price.
On recent events, I can mention that very important was the Conference for Biofuels of the Americas held in Cartagena this past month. It was attended by various companies from North and South America, and among others, the main sponsors of the event where the Swedish company Chematur Engineering AB, Petrobras, and Ageratec AB. More details can be supplied by our Board Member, Jan Öhrvall at jan.ohrvall@svenskcolombianska.com.
On coming events, the 17th Session of the General Assembly of the World Tourism Organization will be in Cartagena on November. This and other events will also be published soon in our website.
I invite you to let us know your thoughts. Remember that as Founding Member you are an important part of the Chamber.
Best regards,
Alfred Svenson.
Dear Founding Members:
This is our first Bulletin, which is meant to be a monthly review of events of our activities and what we are planning to make happen so you are kept current. In the future you will find our Bulletin in our brand new web-page:
http://www.svenskcolombianska.com/ that will be launched any moment.
The interest for our Chamber of Commerce has been overwhelming and we have been approached by several businesspeople both in Sweden and Colombia asking for help and advice. The Board is trying to speed up things so we can start to be productive and help our members,. So far, we have gotten the tax ID number (orgnummer), bank account, bankgiro and POBox, so the only logistic matter left is the web-page. As you know, we are funded solely by the membership fees, therefore paying your membership as soon as possible is vital for the operation of the Chamber.
Interested in volunteering? We are currently looking for volunteers that could help us with administrative work, such as,
coordination of seminars, social events, and other activities. We think good
candidates could be persons with a good acknowledge how things in Sweden and Colombia works and preferably speaks both languages plus English.
Contact Paola Apolinar at 08-510-61599 or paola.apolinar@svenskcolombianska.com for more information. Until now all the work with the Chamber has been done by the Board Members in their leisure time, but we need people that can devote more time to it. Additional to this, Ambassador Alzate has been kind enough to let us use the Embassy’s premises but I think is about time to rent an office so we can function independently. In this regard, I will appreciate any information of any office in between 50 to 80 m2 at a reasonable price.
On recent events, I can mention that very important was the Conference for Biofuels of the Americas held in Cartagena this past month. It was attended by various companies from North and South America, and among others, the main sponsors of the event where the Swedish company Chematur Engineering AB, Petrobras, and Ageratec AB. More details can be supplied by our Board Member, Jan Öhrvall at jan.ohrvall@svenskcolombianska.com.
On coming events, the 17th Session of the General Assembly of the World Tourism Organization will be in Cartagena on November. This and other events will also be published soon in our website.
I invite you to let us know your thoughts. Remember that as Founding Member you are an important part of the Chamber.
Best regards,
Alfred Svenson.
About Us
The Colombian-Swedish Chamber of Commerce (CCCS) is a non-political and non-profit organization that has the mission to promote, study, extend, advance and protect commercial and industrial relations between Colombia and Sweden.
As the first Latin-American Chamber of Commerce in Sweden, the CCCS was created after an initiative proposed by the Embassy of Colombia in Sweden, which, was supported by a group of business people and enterprises, besides other organizations and Chambers of Commerce.
To know more www.svenskcolombianska.com
As the first Latin-American Chamber of Commerce in Sweden, the CCCS was created after an initiative proposed by the Embassy of Colombia in Sweden, which, was supported by a group of business people and enterprises, besides other organizations and Chambers of Commerce.
To know more www.svenskcolombianska.com
Board of Directors
Members of the Board of Directors:
Alfred Svenson.
Chairman
Tatiana Caldas-Löttiger
Vice-chairman
Jan Öhrvall
Executive Director
Doris Amparo Serrato
Secretary of the board
Anders Larsson
Consultant
Alejandra Palacios
Consultant
Alfred Svenson.
Chairman
Tatiana Caldas-Löttiger
Vice-chairman
Jan Öhrvall
Executive Director
Doris Amparo Serrato
Secretary of the board
Anders Larsson
Consultant
Alejandra Palacios
Consultant
Service
All general services are free of charge for the Members. Special research and investigations can be obtained for a fee. Members have special discounts on events and conferences.
The CCCS offers to its Members, Colombian and Swedish citizens the following services:
General Services:
Information and promotion of events.
Information of business opportunities and matters of general commercial interest between the two countries.
List of Members
List of Expert Consultants
Publishing of articles written by our members in our website and bulletins.
Marketing of products on our website
Advertising of special deals and offers
Quarterly Bulletin
Discount on seminars and conferences
Special Services and others: These services have a fee.
Data base with our Members’ contact information.
Research services of commercial contacts and suppliers.
Consulting and legal advice on taxes, commercial and labor law.
Analysis and market studies
OBS! All inquires must be sent via e-mail to: info@svenskcolombianska.com
The CCCS offers to its Members, Colombian and Swedish citizens the following services:
General Services:
Information and promotion of events.
Information of business opportunities and matters of general commercial interest between the two countries.
List of Members
List of Expert Consultants
Publishing of articles written by our members in our website and bulletins.
Marketing of products on our website
Advertising of special deals and offers
Quarterly Bulletin
Discount on seminars and conferences
Special Services and others: These services have a fee.
Data base with our Members’ contact information.
Research services of commercial contacts and suppliers.
Consulting and legal advice on taxes, commercial and labor law.
Analysis and market studies
OBS! All inquires must be sent via e-mail to: info@svenskcolombianska.com
About Colombia
Colombia is the fourth biggest country in South America, after Brazil, Argentina and Peru. It has a population of around 44 million inhabitants that live in an area of 1,141,748 Km2.
Colombia has a rich biological and cultural diversity. There are in Colombia 33 Natural Parks, 11 Fauna and Flora Sanctuaries and 2 Natural Reserves. Out if these, 24 areas are suitable for tourism.
Colombia produces and exports a wide variety of agricultural products like coffee, flowers, bananas and exotic fruits. The mining sector is also important in the economy. Colombia is the world’s first producer of high quality emeralds. Moreover there are in Colombia exploitation of gold, silver, platinum and coal mines.
Colombian main export markets are the U.S.A, Venezuela and Ecuador. Main exported products are oil, coal and coffee, clothes, flowers, plastic, chemicals and jewelry.
Through the Generalized System of Preferences, Colombian products benefit with preferential access to the European Union market; this means that most exports of industrial and agricultural products from Colombia are exempt or are granted reductions in their customs duties. In 2005 a new GSP entered into force for a period of 10 years. The EU imports from Colombia reached 3 256 millions of Euros in 2005. Under these, the main items were Mineral fuels and Lubricants, Food and Live Animals and Manufacturing Goods.
The figures on foreign investment in Colombia are quite positive. In 2005, foreign investment represented more than 8% of the country’s GDP (more than US $10 million of US). The main economic sectors that received foreign direct investment were: manufacturing (food, beverage and tobacco), mines, oil, transport and communications. The main foreign direct investors in the country are United Kingdom, USA, Mexico, Spain and Netherlands.
During the last years we have seen a stable economic growth of the country, improvement in the security and the development of a highly educated and qualified workforce. This combined with the competitive wages in the industrial and service sectors make Colombia a very attractive country for foreign investment.
Colombia has a rich biological and cultural diversity. There are in Colombia 33 Natural Parks, 11 Fauna and Flora Sanctuaries and 2 Natural Reserves. Out if these, 24 areas are suitable for tourism.
Colombia produces and exports a wide variety of agricultural products like coffee, flowers, bananas and exotic fruits. The mining sector is also important in the economy. Colombia is the world’s first producer of high quality emeralds. Moreover there are in Colombia exploitation of gold, silver, platinum and coal mines.
Colombian main export markets are the U.S.A, Venezuela and Ecuador. Main exported products are oil, coal and coffee, clothes, flowers, plastic, chemicals and jewelry.
Through the Generalized System of Preferences, Colombian products benefit with preferential access to the European Union market; this means that most exports of industrial and agricultural products from Colombia are exempt or are granted reductions in their customs duties. In 2005 a new GSP entered into force for a period of 10 years. The EU imports from Colombia reached 3 256 millions of Euros in 2005. Under these, the main items were Mineral fuels and Lubricants, Food and Live Animals and Manufacturing Goods.
The figures on foreign investment in Colombia are quite positive. In 2005, foreign investment represented more than 8% of the country’s GDP (more than US $10 million of US). The main economic sectors that received foreign direct investment were: manufacturing (food, beverage and tobacco), mines, oil, transport and communications. The main foreign direct investors in the country are United Kingdom, USA, Mexico, Spain and Netherlands.
During the last years we have seen a stable economic growth of the country, improvement in the security and the development of a highly educated and qualified workforce. This combined with the competitive wages in the industrial and service sectors make Colombia a very attractive country for foreign investment.
Tourism in Colombia
Here you can find more information about positve things happening in Colombia, as well as oportunities to invest and travel. http://www.proexport.com.co/vbecontent/NewsDetail.asp?ID=5825&IDCompany=20
About Sweden
Sweden is today one of the richest and prosperous countries in the world. It has developed a solid, specialized and highly diversified economy, combined with an efficient and rational use of its natural resources. Nevertheless this was not always like that; during many centuries Sweden was poor, agricultural and had an illiterate population. The country that shines today lived many decades in hunger, darkness and isolation. Despite this past, Sweden breaks all forecasts and even its history.
The development of the Swedish industry takes place in the 19th century, when in some regions of the country a process of industrialization started encouraged by the wood industry and, later on, by the production of cellulose for paper manufacturing. However, it was in the middle of the 20th century, and after the Second World War, when the Swedish industry achieved it highest level of development and expansion. Recognized companies of today like Volvo, Alfa Laval and Ericsson, that initially were small and local, were able to transform in multinationals that compete globally with advanced, trustable and sophisticated products, technical solutions and services.
This Swedish miracle can be ascribed to the combination of various factors, among which we can highlight: the human resources, the capital and the active and efficient participation of the Government. These three factors allowed the transition from an undeveloped country to a modern and rich society.
Sweden offers its citizens a high quality of life, welfare and a clean environment. In Colombian terms, it is a good “vividero”. There are around 9 million Swedes, including the immigrant citizens and those with immigrant origins. Many Swedes are highly skilled, productive and bilingual or with some knowledge in other languages such as English, German and, recently, Spanish. Many Swedes have developed skills for practical tasks, design and technology. Swedes have a great interest and curiosity for the world, travel and different cultures. Moreover, they share a great passion for nature and sports.
Swedes are demanding consumers. They are used to read, compare, check and analyze the products they buy. In some cases their economic decisions are influenced by ethical criteria, like for instance the care and protection of the environment, the justice and social equity in the production, or the fair salary levels. These values go beyond the cost-benefit traditional logic, and make more challenging, but at the same time intelligent and profitable, the competition in this market.
From any angle that you want to see it, Sweden offers interesting opportunities for Colombians. From the commercial point of view, this country has ports strategically located on the west coast, like Gothenburg, which can be potentially used for the entrance and distribution of Colombian products to the Nordic market. Technologically, the country is a clear example of development, application and constant innovation of IT solutions, telecommunications and other modern technologies. Concerning education, most universities and institutes are subsidized and compete in an international level. Regarding ethical criteria and values, base and guidance of the Swedish society, Sweden has not only preached but practiced values like solidarity, equity, respect, dignity and freedom of expression, among others.
To be able to have an active participation in this market, full with great opportunities, it is necessary to know more about Sweden and the Nordic market, its business culture, rules, etc. To contribute on this task, the CCCS, established in Stockholm, have available other documents and analysis that without any doubt will be of great help to your future commercial projects and business meetings between both countries.
By Alejandra Palacios
alejandra.palacios@svenskcolombianska.com
The development of the Swedish industry takes place in the 19th century, when in some regions of the country a process of industrialization started encouraged by the wood industry and, later on, by the production of cellulose for paper manufacturing. However, it was in the middle of the 20th century, and after the Second World War, when the Swedish industry achieved it highest level of development and expansion. Recognized companies of today like Volvo, Alfa Laval and Ericsson, that initially were small and local, were able to transform in multinationals that compete globally with advanced, trustable and sophisticated products, technical solutions and services.
This Swedish miracle can be ascribed to the combination of various factors, among which we can highlight: the human resources, the capital and the active and efficient participation of the Government. These three factors allowed the transition from an undeveloped country to a modern and rich society.
Sweden offers its citizens a high quality of life, welfare and a clean environment. In Colombian terms, it is a good “vividero”. There are around 9 million Swedes, including the immigrant citizens and those with immigrant origins. Many Swedes are highly skilled, productive and bilingual or with some knowledge in other languages such as English, German and, recently, Spanish. Many Swedes have developed skills for practical tasks, design and technology. Swedes have a great interest and curiosity for the world, travel and different cultures. Moreover, they share a great passion for nature and sports.
Swedes are demanding consumers. They are used to read, compare, check and analyze the products they buy. In some cases their economic decisions are influenced by ethical criteria, like for instance the care and protection of the environment, the justice and social equity in the production, or the fair salary levels. These values go beyond the cost-benefit traditional logic, and make more challenging, but at the same time intelligent and profitable, the competition in this market.
From any angle that you want to see it, Sweden offers interesting opportunities for Colombians. From the commercial point of view, this country has ports strategically located on the west coast, like Gothenburg, which can be potentially used for the entrance and distribution of Colombian products to the Nordic market. Technologically, the country is a clear example of development, application and constant innovation of IT solutions, telecommunications and other modern technologies. Concerning education, most universities and institutes are subsidized and compete in an international level. Regarding ethical criteria and values, base and guidance of the Swedish society, Sweden has not only preached but practiced values like solidarity, equity, respect, dignity and freedom of expression, among others.
To be able to have an active participation in this market, full with great opportunities, it is necessary to know more about Sweden and the Nordic market, its business culture, rules, etc. To contribute on this task, the CCCS, established in Stockholm, have available other documents and analysis that without any doubt will be of great help to your future commercial projects and business meetings between both countries.
By Alejandra Palacios
alejandra.palacios@svenskcolombianska.com
Business Relations Between Sweden and Colombia
Swedish trade with Colombia is still minimal. Swedish exports in 2006 to Colombia were 90 millions Euros; main Swedish exports to Colombia are telecommunication equipment, electronic equipment, manufacturing products, paper and chemicals. Swedish imports from Colombia in 2006 were only 47 million Euros, represented mainly in coffee, flowers and fruits
There are around 17 Swedish companies that have established daughter companies in Colombia. Some of these are: Oriflame, Swedtel, Ericsson, ABB, Alfa Laval, Atlas Copco, Astra Zeneca, Electrolux, Skandia and Tetra Pak, among others.
Moreover, there are more than 25 Swedish companies that have local agents in Colombia. Some of these companies are Thule, Tarkett, Scania and Volvo.
Other useful data:
- Sweden, along with Finland and Israel, are the countries with the highest levels of expenditure on R&D.
- Swedish companies in the business sector are 870.000. Out of these, 65% are in the service sector, 20% in agriculture, and only 15% in the manufacturing sector.
- ¾ of all Swedish companies have no employees, making the average size of a Swedish company: 17 employees.
- Main exports of Sweden are engineering industry products (machinery, transportation and telecommunication equipment), forestry products, iron, steel and nonferrous metals, and pharmaceuticals. Swedish exports go mainly to North America, Germany, Norway, UK and Denmark.
- Swedish imports are mainly electronic and communication equipment, industrial machinery, vehicles, crude petroleum oils, iron, steel, food and beverages. These come from Germany, Denmark, Norway, Netherlands and UK.
There are around 17 Swedish companies that have established daughter companies in Colombia. Some of these are: Oriflame, Swedtel, Ericsson, ABB, Alfa Laval, Atlas Copco, Astra Zeneca, Electrolux, Skandia and Tetra Pak, among others.
Moreover, there are more than 25 Swedish companies that have local agents in Colombia. Some of these companies are Thule, Tarkett, Scania and Volvo.
Other useful data:
- Sweden, along with Finland and Israel, are the countries with the highest levels of expenditure on R&D.
- Swedish companies in the business sector are 870.000. Out of these, 65% are in the service sector, 20% in agriculture, and only 15% in the manufacturing sector.
- ¾ of all Swedish companies have no employees, making the average size of a Swedish company: 17 employees.
- Main exports of Sweden are engineering industry products (machinery, transportation and telecommunication equipment), forestry products, iron, steel and nonferrous metals, and pharmaceuticals. Swedish exports go mainly to North America, Germany, Norway, UK and Denmark.
- Swedish imports are mainly electronic and communication equipment, industrial machinery, vehicles, crude petroleum oils, iron, steel, food and beverages. These come from Germany, Denmark, Norway, Netherlands and UK.
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