The Swedish Trade Council announces a plan to open its first trade office in Southeast Asia in Kuala Lumpur mid of next year to respond to the growing interest for Malaysia among Swedish companies. In conjunction with this, the Swedish Embassy will expand its commercial office with one new diplomat.
The new trade office, scheduled to be officially open in June 2005, will assist Swedish companies interested in the Malaysian market.
Malaysia is already Sweden’s second largest trading partner in Southeast Asia. About 90 Sweden-related companies have operations in Malaysia presently. A majority of these companies are within IT and engineering, which also are major components of Swedish export to Malaysia. Last year exports reached MYR 1.2 billion RM. A slight increase is expected for 2004 as the exports had already reached MYR 1 billion in September 2004.
Healthcare, environmental technology, IT and biotechnology in Malaysia are of specific potential for Swedish companies. To further increase awareness of these business opportunities, the Embassy plans, together with the Swedish Trade Council, to continue its promotional efforts.
Furthermore, a new direct flight between Kuala Lumpur and Stockholm with Malaysia Airlines will facilitate the exchange of tourists and business between Sweden and Malaysia.
Source: MASBA <http://www.masba.org>
