SACCNY in Almedalen Anna Throne-Holst Joins a Swedish Summer Tradition
This year marked the first time SACCNY participated in the annual Almedalsveckan, July 2-9, in Visby, Gotland. President Anna Throne-Holst, along with Karin Berlin, and Johannes Jarl were the Chamber’s team on the ground during the storied, and increasingly popular Swedish summer event, which has become a meeting place for politicians, opinion makers, non-profits, industry, and media.
The week provided an excellent opportunity for the Chamber to network and stay abreast of current Swedish discourse on matters concerning business and trade, as well as to participate directly in seminars and impromptu debates, listen to what others had to say, and share the Chamber’s unique perspective. Noteworthy exchanges included Minister for EU Affairs and Trade Ann Linde and Minister for Enterprise and Innovation Mikael Damberg. Recurring themes were trade policy, export, innovation, sustainability, and competency provision—all issues of relevance to the Chamber and its members. Anna’s presence generated attention in Swedish media and led to invitations to participate in several radio and on-stage interviews. In addition, SACCNY’s team took part in a large variety of interesting events hosted by several of our members and partners, including the American Chamber of Commerce in Sweden, Swedbank, The Absolut Company, Scan, Serendipity, and more. A few of the highlights are featured below. Anna Throne-Holst’s own recent 2016 U.S. political campaign garnered interest and attention in Almedalen. She participated as a guest on Swedish Radio’s USA Podden where she shared her experience of running for election and participated with an analysis of the current political situation and President Donald Trump’s first six months in office.
Almi, Business Sweden, and The Swedish Export Credit Agency (EKN) arranged the thought-provoking seminar ”Do we still possess the key to successful export?” at which President of Boliden Mines Mikael Staffas, CEO of Business Sweden Ylva Berg, Minister for EU Affairs and Trade Ann Linde, and CEO of SEK Catrin Fransson, among others discussed Sweden’s export history and its future prospects. Linde felt the future is bright, based on Sweden’s strong showing when it comes to innovation, as well as the use of the cooperative triple helix model where government, academia, and business come together to develop common interests.
18
”Almedalen was all it had promised to be. Sweden is rightfully proud
of this unique networking and information sharing platform.”