Sweden-Ukraine Business Forum 2018 – sustainable growth for both countries

June 15, 2018 (KyivPost) The Sweden-Ukraine Business Forum is an annual meeting point for Swedish and Ukrainian entrepreneurs and decision makers. This year, it took place on 14 June, in Kyiv. The Forum’s main goal is to enhance trade in both directions between the two countries and to showcase Swedish solutions. The Forum discussions revolvde around the perspectives of bilateral trade in context of the EU-Ukraine Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Area and ongoing reforms and challenges. Particular focus was given to how improved public procurement and the decentralisation process create opportunities for business, how Ukrainian exports to Sweden can be further increased and why more gender equality is economically smart.

The trend in trade between Sweden and Ukraine is positive. Last year, Ukraine’s exports to Sweden increased by 8,9% to a new historic high. Swedish exports to Ukraine are now almost twice the level of 2014. The most commonly exported goods to Sweden include manufactured products of wood, furniture, machinery, equipment and steel, whereas Sweden mainly exports machines, chemicals, paper, motor vehicles. However, both export and import figures remain relatively low in absolute numbers, implying that there is an untapped potential for increased bilateral trade and direct investments.

Export procedures and the realization of a sustainable mutual economic growth were at the core of the Forum. One important step is a new agreement on cooperation between the Swedish National Board of Trade and the Export Promotion Office of Ukraine, which was presented at the Forum. Additionally, a special seminar was organized for companies interested in exporting to Sweden and other EU countries. This training went into the details of export requirements and regulations for specific categories of products.

Moreover, there was a special seminar on the latest developments in arbitration, specifically regarding contractual and investment treaty cases. The event is organized by the Arbitration Institute of the Stockholm Chamber of Commerce, which is the world’s second largest institution for settlement of investment disputes. This seminar concluded with a Kyiv premiere of the film “The Quiet Triumph. How Arbitration Changed the World”.