Meeting of top 100 foreign-owned companies and the City of Stockholm

Sten Nordin (M), Mayor, City of Stockholm, began with a welcome speech during which he shared about the importance of the presence of foreign-owned companies for Stockholm's growth, as well as a short presentation on the city's vision to meet the current needs of companies to expand in the region.

Ulla Hamilton, Vice Mayor of Stockholm; the panelists representing the top Nordic management of five major international companies in Sweden and Moderator David Ibison, Partner at Kreab Gavin Anderson.

This was followed by a panel discussion between Ulla Hamilton (m), Labour, Vice Mayor, City of Stockholm, and the Nordic management of five major international companies; Bosch, Renault, American Express, RIM / BlackBerry and Royal Bank of Scotland. Questions raised were, what does Stockholm have to do to become even more attractive? What are companies satisfied with and what is missing? Some comments from the panel and audience participants included the importance of ongoing infrastructure projects in the region, even in times of crisis, and also problems with when they slow down accessibility. A strong plus for Stockholm was the availability of skills and talent, as well as the city's image, which makes it easier for companies to attract foreign experts.


Participants mingle.

Ulla Hamilton and Sten Nordin responded to comments by promising continuation of infrastructure projects as the need exists and, as the city grows by 20,000 inhabitants / year and the region with 40,000 inhabitants / year. The focus will be to work on the city's vision that Stockholm not only be a world-class city in 2030, but also Europe's most sustainable growth region in 2020, that is to densify the city's infrastructure with sustainable solutions. Ulla Hamilton also promised proactive measures to sustain and develop the education system and to make it easier for foreign, skilled personnel, to move to and live in Stockholm.

The whole event ended with an opportunity for businesses and municipalities to network.  Wine and canapés were on offer in the Prince's Gallery. The event was highly appreciated and many valuable contacts were made.

The event was part of the City of Stockholm's work to continue to strengthen Stockholm's position as a magnet for foreign companies. Half of all multinational companies with operations in Scandinavia are based in Stockholm. Stockholm is currently the eighth largest city with the highest office in the world according to the Sound Institute's report "Location of Nordic and Global HQ 2010." Some of the latest examples of companies that have chosen to set up in Stockholm, with the city as its Nordic base are LinkedIn, Fitch Ratings and Criteo.


Participants mingle.

The event was organized for the 3rd consecutive year and is jointly arranged by the Stockholm Business Region Development and American Chamber of Commerce, German Swedish Chamber of Commerce, British Swedish Chamber of Commerce, French Chamber of Commerce, Italian Chamber of Commerce in Sweden and the Embassy of Canada in Sweden.