On June 21, 2022, the Swedish Chamber of Commerce Annual Review 2021 was published on the Swedish Chamber’s Website and was presented at the Swedish Chamber’s 62nd Annual General Meeting at the residence of the Swedish Ambassador, the Hague. Welcome to read the Words of the Chairman, Johan Uhlin, Scania Production Nederland.
“Dear Members,
In March 2022, we were all overwhelmed by the sad news that our beloved and unique Chairman, Ehsan Turabaz, fellow member, and friend had passed away. Working closely with him for the past two years as vice chairman of the Swedish Chamber of Commerce I am honored to address you in this Word of the Chairman reviewing the past Chamber year.
The COVID-19 pandemic continued to overshadow 2021 with lock-down, closed markets, travel restrictions and disruptions in supply and value chains. It has been a continued challenge for businesses where entire business models have been changed and working from home became the new normal. The Covid-19 crisis has still major effects on the world economy and Swedish trade is no exception. However, disruptive times also bring innovative solutions. By evaluating the lessons learned new approaches to move forward and to look ahead appear and digitalization continues moving on at a speed as never before. The Netherlands is Sweden’s seventh largest export market. The Dutch market is an attractive market for Swedish companies with its logistically strategic location and a high degree of digitalization, technology, innovation and sustainability.
The Swedish Chamber of Commerce in the Netherlands is built upon a strong business community and a unique Swedish–Dutch business relationship. Founded in 1960, by members for members, with more than 60 years of experience the Chamber is forming an extraordinary platform for Swedish-Dutch businesses coming together to share ideas, experiences and learning from each other. Being part of an active business network organization has, during the past years, proven to be more important than ever.
For the Swedish Chamber, 2021, has been a lesson in transformation and adaptation. We organized more than 40 business programs this year, most of them online, and we were able to welcome more participants both locally and internationally. In fact, the number of participants for the second year in the row past +2000. Our largest event though, our 60th Anniversary that we had all been looking forward to already since 2020, had to be closed down and postponed due to the heavy lockdown that hit us in November. We would like to thank all our members, partners, sponsors, relations and other stakeholders for your tremendous support. We are looking forward to celebrating the Swedish Chamber of Commerce Innovation & Sustainability Summit and Royal Gala Dinner on June 7, 2022, in the presence of HRH Crown Princess Victoria of Sweden.
We would like to thank our members for their confidence, collaboration, and contributions to our business community in 2021. Looking into 2022 we see both huge challenges and opportunities. We will continue supporting the Swedish – Dutch business community and play an active role for and by members to increase business relations and opportunities with impact and value and to grow stronger together.”
Johan Uhlin
Chairman
Swedish Chamber of Commerce
Welcome to read the Swedish Chamber Annual Review 2021 here.
