JEDDAH: It is necessary to improve and deepen the dialogue between the European Union (EU) and Muslim countries, Swedish Trade Minister Dr. Ewa Bjorling said here yesterday.
“The image created in Europe of the Muslim world as conflict filled and stagnating lacks nuance and often does not at all correspond to reality. Saudi Arabia is clearly a testimony of the opposite. We need more dialogue, not less. More exchange, not less. More cooperation, not less,” she told a meeting at the Jeddah Chamber of Commerce and Industry yesterday.
Earlier in the day, Ewa held talks with Minister of Trade Abdullah Zainal Alireza. They discussed matters related to bilateral trade and how best it could further be expanded. Right now, the trade balance stands in favor of Sweden.
Ewa is due to visit the new King Abdullah Economic City in Rabigh and meet Minister of Finance Ibrahim Al-Assaf today.
Within the EU, Sweden has been pushing hard to speed up the conclusion of the EU-GCC Free Trade Agreement. The agreement will cover the trade in goods and services, public procurement and market access for investments. “The negotiations have not been easy, but now, after many years, a deal seems to be within reach and I welcome this,” said Ewa, a member of Parliament for the last two years. She has done HIV research for 20 years.
“We must also enhance our efforts to bring the Doha Development Round to a successful conclusion. Economic growth and a more open international trading system are needed if we are all going to benefit from globalization. Sweden emphasizes the importance of the Doha Round and the possibility of reaching a successful conclusion,” she said.
Ewa said free trade was a cornerstone of Swedish foreign and business policy. “It is also the basis of our domestic economic policy. Our economy is small and open. Promotion of exports and investments is important for Sweden’s growth,” she added.
Economic exchange is made easier when trade barriers are reduced or removed. “Export promotion must, of course, be in harmony with trade policy and greater focus be given to the work to combat corruption,” she said. In this context, she touched upon the corporate social responsibility (CSR), which is a voluntary undertaking. “It is business-owned and business-driven,” she said.
On Saudi-Swedish ties, she said, “Both countries have for many years enjoyed strong trade relations. The Kingdom has traditionally been Sweden’s largest trading partner in the Middle East. Many Swedish businessmen, experts and advisers have been able to contribute to the tremendous economic development that we can witness here. I am convinced that we can do even more in the years to come.”
Referring to some specific trade issues, Ewa said that in the government’s declaration on trade in the Swedish Parliament she has specifically highlighted the Middle east and North Africa region as emerging markets “where we should be able to substantially increase our exchanges in trade and investment.” The potential is clearly huge. A country like Saudi Arabia has a key role in future global energy and climate decisions,” she added.
