China Development Bank (CDB) has established a group in Sweden in order to develop business opportunities, investment and jobs on the Swedish market. Eventually, the goal is to open up an office in Sweden.

A number of Chinese companies are now about to invest in development centers with a focus on the automotive industry which plays a major role on the Chinese market. There will be a focus on security and IT communications within the automotive industry. The Chinese believe that Sweden is a stable and well-developed market in many areas and can offer special resources such as health care and high level skills.

Today, China is the world's third largest economy and there is no indication that it will get worse in the current situation. The production is what attracts companies worldwide. In addition, the wages differ tremendously. In 2008, a factory worker earned only 17,000 SEK per year while a Swedish factory worker earned 241,000 SEK.

In the current situation, where companies are fighting for their survival, these figures mean too much not to take advantage of opportunities to reduce costs. About a quarter of Swedish companies that establish themselves on the market today focus on the Chinese middle class and its needs.

Sweden is not the only country for the upcoming investments. The country's trade with Africa is exclusive and iron ore, wood raw material, oil and diamonds account for 80 percent of Africa's exports to China. The countries where China has made its largest investment are Zambia, Algeria, Nigeria and South Africa.


                                                                                        Cecilia Helland