Since 1989 SACC-DC has offered a platform for developing U.S. – Swedish lucrative commercial ventures and professional opportunities through our network and business and social events. The SACC-DC Newsletter will help you stay on top of what’s happening in the Swedish-American business community and find the perfect opportunity to create new business connections in the greater Washington D.C. area and Mid-Atlantic region. |
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From the Executive Director
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Dear members,
This month we saw the devastating effects of catastrophic proportions in Turkey and Syria from the earthquake. On President’s Day, an aftershock once again hit the region. Lots of emergency assistance is needed and Sweden has sent assistance and has so far contributed SEK 117 million (USD 11.14 million) in emergency assistance overall in the world.
We are also seeing that as the war in Ukraine enters its second year of conflict with their neighbor. The Russian invasion is relentless in its attempt to redraw the world map and incorporate Ukraine into an empire that has not existed for hundreds of years. Of course, it is worrying the neighboring countries including Finland and Sweden. As I read the Swedish foreign minister address to the parliament, it mentions how Sweden is re-configuring its defense on many levels. If you wish to read the entirety of the report, follow this link .
On our local Washington DC level, we are looking forward to hosting a few events this spring. We hope you join us for the International Women’s Day, on March 8 Webinar. We are co- hosting with SACC Georgia and SACC Carolinas. We will have a discussion panel following this year’s theme on Embracing Equity. We look forward to hearing from four high achieving women. Register via Teams, see the link below.
This month's member spotlight falls on Björn Arvidsson, Minister Counselor and Head of Trade and Economic Affairs, who has graciously agreed to speak on Sweden’s role as EU hosts in an online seminar on March 14th followed by Q&A.
The Nordic Innovation & Sustainability Forum, a collaboration between the Finnish, Norwegian and our Swedish American Chambers of Commerce. See the Save the Date below.
We are happy to introduce our two new interns, David Ragnesand and Hedvig Bergqvist. Their introductions and bios are below. Please welcome them to our DC chamber.
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Member Spotlight: Björn Arvidsson
Minister Counselor, Head of Trade and Economic Affairs
Embassy of Sweden, Washington DC
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Björn Arvidsson, Minister counselor, Head of Trade and Economic Affairs, is wrapping up his assignment here in Washington D.C in June. Our trainee Hedvig Bergqvist sat down with Björn to find out what his path to the Embassy in D.C. looked like, and what it is like working for the Swedish government in the Foreign Service. |
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Photo: Åsa Johansson Bagley |
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Tell us how you decided to pursue a career in foreign affairs, and what you did before coming to Washington, D.C?
I’ve always been interested in international issues. But I did not initially have any thoughts of pursuing a career in the Foreign Service. Instead, it was my interest in the intersection of economics and politics that laid the foundation for this career path. I started off with a traineeship working for the European Commission on trade issues in Brussels, before moving to Stockholm and the National Board of Trade (Kommerskollegium). Then, during the Swedish EU Presidency back in 2009, I was recruited to the Ministry for Foreign Affairs to offer my expertise on these issues. After a few years with the Ministry, I took over as Head of Trade issues at the Swedish Permanent Representation to the European Union. I spent five great years in Brussels but was excited when I was offered my next diplomatic posting here in Washington DC. It was a natural transition having already devoted a lot of time to strengthening the transatlantic economic relationship.
What is it like to represent your home country and the government’s agenda?
It is an intense job, but very satisfying since Sweden’s positions are generally easy to defend and promote. My team at the Embassy covers many important topics including trade, business promotion, energy, climate, transportation and health. In all these areas Sweden is a global actor and a respected partner to the U.S., meaning our views and interests are taken seriously.
What do you find most rewarding with your work, and what is the most difficult?
One of the most rewarding aspects of my current job is to travel across the United States to represent the Swedish government, meeting stakeholders and directly experiencing the Swedish economic footprint. Swedish-affiliated companies create a lot of jobs in all U.S. states, and many are leaders when it comes to sustainable and innovative product solutions. Another rewarding, but also challenging, task is to put together programs for incoming ministers and delegations from Sweden. We always manage to deliver, but there is often competition with other countries and actors for the attention of the U.S. leadership.
Some of our readers are young professionals, perhaps considering a career in foreign affairs. What traits do you think are important?
I think you must show passion for what you do as a diplomat, whether it is security policy, development issues or international trade. At the same time, you need to understand that you represent your government and the decisions made by the political leadership. You also must be open to experiencing new cultures and being flexible in addressing a wide variety of tasks and challenges.
From your perspective, how do Americans view Sweden and what Sweden stands for?
Americans generally view Sweden through a positive lens. The Swedish national brand is strong, and our values are well-perceived. Our two countries have deep and long-standing cultural and commercial connections. Having said that, at times people read or hear things about Sweden that they react to in negative ways. Our job as diplomats includes putting these perceptions in context and correcting any misunderstandings.
Finally, would you share some thoughts on what have you have learned from your time here in the US, professionally and/or personally, or both?
I’ve had a fantastic time both professionally and personally. I’ve been fortunate to work with terrific colleagues at the Embassy and in the Team Sweden network, including SACC of course! Personally, I’ve enjoyed my daily life in DC, but also traveling and exploring the country. The United States is a country with a lot of diversity, and many fantastic cities and places to visit. Meeting people across the country has widened my understanding of what America is and looks like.
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EU webinar with Björn Arvidsson
March 14th
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Dear members,
You are cordially invited to attend an informative and engaging event featuring Björn Arvidsson, Head of Trade and Economic Affairs at the Embassy of Sweden, as the guest speaker.
Björn will be discussing priorities during the Swedish Presidency of the European Union, including Ukraine, green transition and competitiveness. Björn will provide insights into the workings of the EU and share updates on key meetings taking place during the Swedish EU presidency, including the next Trade and Technology Council meeting in May/June. This event will last for approximately 45 minutes, including a Q&A session.
Don't miss this opportunity to broaden your knowledge and gain a deeper understanding of the EU. We look forward to welcoming you to this exciting event. More information and registrations down below.
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Welcome to our new interns:
David Ragnesand & Hedvig Bergqvist
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David will be joining the SACC-DC team as a Business associate Intern for twelve months and Hedvig will be joining the SACC-DC team as a Business Development Intern for six months. |
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David Ragnesand
My name is David Ragnesand and I recently graduated from the University of Lund with a Bachelor’s degree in Business & Economics with a major in Finance.
Looking for ways to receive training in finance, as well as an opportunity to gain experience within a field I am deeply passionate about, international trade, I applied to SACC-DC. Having previously studied in the United States, I now seek to gain further knowledge about American culture in a professional setting. Outside of work, I am a passionate soccer supporter for the Stockholm-based team Djurgården, but also enjoy playing soccer, running and reading.
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Hedvig Bergqvist
My name is Hedvig Bergqvist and I recently completed my Bachelor’s degree in Political Science from the University of Lund, where I also earned a minor in European integration.
In pursuit of practical application of my academic studies, I applied for an internship at SACC-DC. I am interested in trade development, and hope to gain valuable knowledge in this field during my time here at SACC-DC. Additionally, I look forward to gaining a deeper understanding of American business culture during my time in Washington D.C. In my spare time, I enjoy reading, hiking and crocheting.
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Have you eaten your Semla yet? |
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The celebration of Fettisdagen or, also called semmeldagen, has its roots in the Christian tradition of properly observing a period of fasting in the lead up to Easter. This period of fasting, lasting 40 days, entailed abstaining from meat and other rich foods. Fettisdagen served as an opportunity to indulge in feasting before the start of this period of self-restraint. Today, the tradition is maintained by consuming pastries filled with whipped cream and almond paste. |
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Business Services Provided by SACC DC |
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SACC-DsemmeldagenC holds a unique position to provide members valuable connections with other member companies or small business, potentially resulting in new collaborations, clients, and partnerships. Read more about our B2B Matchmaking service and how to make a request here.
Your company has the opportunity to be assisted by a Business Associate or a trainee with short-term projects aiming to increase your knowledge about specific markets. Read more about our Trade Services and how to make a request here.
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March 8th - International Women's day, Webinar
March 14th - EU Webinar with Björn Arvidsson
April 19th - Nordic innovation & Sustainability Forum 2023
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Webinar- International Women's day, March 8th |
In honor of this year’s international women’s day,
SACC-DC are proud to announce that we are hosting a webinar together with SACC- Georgia and SACC- Carolinas.
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(If the link for registration does not work, try a different browser) |
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EU Webinar with Björn Arvidsson, March 14th |
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Dear members,
You are cordially invited to attend an informative and engaging event featuring Björn Arvidsson, Head of Trade and Economic Affairs at the Embassy of Sweden, as the guest speaker. Björn will be discussing priorities during the Swedish Presidency of the European Union, including Ukraine, green transition and competitiveness.
Björn will provide insights into the workings of the EU and share updates on key meetings taking place during the Swedish EU presidency, including the next Trade and Technology Council meeting in May/June. This event will last for approximately 45 minutes, including a Q&A session.
Don't miss this opportunity to broaden your knowledge and gain a deeper understanding of the EU. We look forward to welcoming you to this exciting event.
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Nordic Innovation & Sustainability Forum 2023 |
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Scandinavian Innovation Forum on April 26th at the Royal Embassy of Norway in Washington D.C. |
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We are so exited to host the 2023 Nordic Innovation and Sustainability Forum on April 19th, 2023, co-hosted with the Norwegian-American Chamber of Commerce Mid-Atlantic and the Finnish-American Chamber of Commerce, New York. We are currently in the early stages of planning this year's event, focusing on sustainable cities, architecture and building construction, transportation, and digitalization.
Last year, on April 26th the inagural Scandinavian Innovation Forum was hosted at the Royal Embassy of Norway in Washington, D.C. SACC-DC collaborated with the Norwegian-American Chamber of Commerce Mid-Atlantic, the Royal Embassy of Norway, and the Embassy of Sweden. Scandinavian Innovation Forum highlighted the latest insights into the U.S.demand for green solutions and Scandinavia's supply-driven innovations.
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Please join us for Business Networking After Work i.e. Happy Hour during this spring rotating locations between D.C., Maryland, and Virginia. Look for upcoming dates and locations for Happy Hour or After Work get-togethers! |
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Interested in joining the SACC DC community?
Become a member!
Visit our membership page to join as a new member, or renew your membership through the membership portal. SACC DC organizes many events throughout the year to give our members access to professional networking. We also tailor trade missions for Swedish companies interested in the Greater Washington, D.C. area. Whether an individual with a keen interest in or connection with Sweden living in D.C. or a company looking to establish new relationships, we can help you reach your next goal.
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