SwedCham China Celebrates 75 Years of Sino-Swedish Friendship and Business Success

Press Release| 中国瑞典商会庆祝中瑞友谊与商业共赢 75 周年

 

 

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Press Release

 

SwedCham China Celebrates 75 Years of Sino-Swedish Friendship and Business Success

 

新闻稿中国瑞典商会庆祝中瑞友谊与商业共赢 75 周年

 

 

Shanghai, May 9th, 2025 — The Swedish Chamber of Commerce in China (SwedCham China) marked the 75th anniversary of Sino-Swedish diplomatic relations with a full-day celebration in Shanghai on May 9, featuring the Sino-Swedish Business Insights Forum and Gala Dinner and culminating in the SwedCham China 2025 Honorary Awards ceremony. The event brought together about 200 representatives from Swedish enterprises, Chinese partners, and friends to honor the longstanding partnership and explore future opportunities for collaboration.

 

2025 年 5 月 9 日,上海——中国瑞典商会(SwedCham China)在上海举办纪念中瑞建交 75 周年庆典,涵盖中瑞商业洞察论坛及晚宴,并以 2025 年中国瑞典商会荣誉奖 - 中瑞工商贸易杰出贡献奖颁奖典礼圆满结束。约 200 名来自瑞典企业、中国合作伙伴的代表及友人齐聚一堂,共同庆祝双方长期的伙伴关系,并探讨未来合作机遇。

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Sweden was the first Western country to establish diplomatic relations with the People’s Republic of China in 1950. Over the decades, Swedish companies have played a key role in building meaningful, long-term relationships with China. Today, a great number of Swedish enterprises operate across the country, contributing to a dynamic business environment shaped by joint efforts in innovation, sustainability, and mutual respect, which have been highlighted on a special history exhibition wall at the event, showcasing the remarkable journeys of leading Swedish companies in China. Visitors explored the company profiles, development histories, and key contributions of about 18 industry pioneers such as Volvo Cars, Ericsson, Stiga, AstraZeneca and Hilding Anders—each representing decades of commitment to Sino-Swedish business excellence. This visual timeline not only highlighted their achievements but also reflected the enduring bond between our two nations.

 

瑞典是 1950 年第一个与中国建立外交关系的西方国家。几十年来,瑞典企业在中瑞两国建立和保持长期关系方面发挥了关键作用。如今,众多瑞典企业在中国各地开展业务,为营造创新、可持续发展和相互尊重的商业环境做出了突出贡献。本次庆典的历史展览墙特别展示了这些杰出的瑞典企业在华的非凡历程。参观人员可以了解到沃尔沃汽车、爱立信、斯帝卡、阿斯利康和希丁安等约 18 家行业先驱企业的概况、发展历程和重要贡献,彰显着数十年来这些企业对中瑞卓越商业的不懈追求。这一视觉的呈现不仅突显了众多企业的成就,也反映了两国之间持久的强韧纽带。

 

Part 1: Sino-Swedish Business Insights Forum

第一部分:中瑞商业洞察论坛

 

Best Practices and Building Community

最佳实践与社区构建

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The day opened with a keynote speech from Mr. Peter Ling-Vannerus, Chairman of SwedCham China and Chief Representative of SEB in China. "SwedCham China has always been a home for Swedish companies, offering a platform to share knowledge, support each other, and grow together," he said. "Today, we celebrate our journey and the road ahead."

 

当天,中国瑞典商会主席兼瑞典北欧斯安银行驻中国首席代表凌万儒 (Peter Ling-Vannerus)做了主题演讲,拉开了庆典活动的帷幕。“中国瑞典商会始终是瑞典企业在华的家,既是知识共享的智库,更是互助共赢的成长平台,"他表示,"今天我们不仅致敬

75载辉煌历程,更将携手开拓更广阔的合作未来。"

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Following that, a panel discussion on “Opportunity for Swedish companies doing business in China” was moderated by Tony Wang, Partner at Nordic Match.  The panel invited the following representatives: Marco Zwinkels, President – Sales Area North Asia at Sandvik Coromant; Yufang (Amy) Wen, Director of Central Government Affairs at AstraZeneca China; Zhenhao (August) Wu, VP Strategy and Products at Volvo Car Asia Pacific; and Joakim Diamant, Business Development Director of Public Affairs at Scania China Strategic Office. Immediately following this, Cesar Lopes, Sustainable Business Manager for IKEA Supply Area East Asia, delivered a keynote speech on supply chain and sustainable development, adding new dimensions of thought to the event.

 

随后,由诺迈合伙人王羽嘉(Tony Wang)主持了一场关于“瑞典企业在华发展机遇”的圆桌讨论,以下代表出席讨论:山特维克可乐满北亚区总经理 Marco Zwinkels;阿斯利康中国中央政府事务总监Yufang (Amy) Wen;沃尔沃汽车亚太区战略与产品副总裁 吴震皓;以及斯堪尼亚中国策略办公室公共事务负责人Joakim Diamant。紧接着,宜家东亚供应区可持续业务经理Cesar Lopes带来了关于供应链与可持续发展的专题演讲,为活动注入了新的思考维度。

 

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The forward-looking theme was further explored during the "Swedish and Chinese Innovation" panel discussion, moderated by Michael Thurow, Senior Advisor at InterChina Consulting. The distinguished panel featured Willa Mo, Head of Business Consulting for Northeast Asia at Ericsson; Tomas Camén, CEO and Country Manager at AFRY China; Peter Ren, Senior Strategy Account Management Director at JD Logistics; and Jiao Mo, Associate Professor at Tongji University's College of Design and Innovation and Director of Material Application and Design Lab (MAandD). Throughout the day, the Business Forum provided a platform for dialogue on the development journey of Swedish enterprises in China.

 

由 InterChina 咨询公司高级顾问Michael Thurow主持的圆桌讨论则进一步探讨了“瑞典与中国的创新”这一前瞻性的主题,参与讨论的嘉宾包括:爱立信东北亚区咨询服务部总经理莫文莉、AFRY 中国区首席执行官兼总经理Tomas Camén、京东物流高级战略客户管理总监任东Peter Ren以及同济大学设计创意学院副教授、材料应用与设计实验室(MAandD)主任莫娇。持续进行的中瑞商业洞察论坛为瑞典企业在华发展之路提供了良好的对话平台。

 

Part 2: Gala Dinner

第二部分:晚宴

 

Highlighting Historical Development and Business Success

彰显历史发展与商业成就

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As the sun set over Shanghai, the discussions transitioned into an elegant Gala Dinner, where business leaders and dignitaries gathered to celebrate 75 years of Sino-Swedish partnership.

 

当夕阳为上海的天际线镀上金辉,中瑞商业洞察论坛也迎来了其华彩篇章——一场融合东西方精髓的高雅晚宴,政要和商界领袖们齐聚一堂,共同庆祝中瑞两国建交 75 周年。

 

Mr. Peter Ling-Vannerus reflected on the chamber's pivotal role in fostering bilateral trade: "During the 75 years, Swedish innovation has connected with China's dynamic market - facilitating partnerships, navigating challenges, and creating value that benefits both economies. As Swedish Business in China grew, Swedish Companies established SwedCham in 1998. Today, as we celebrate this legacy, we recommit to being the trusted platform where business and friendship grow together."

 

凌万儒 (Peter Ling-Vannerus)回顾了商会促进双边贸易的关键作用:“75年来,瑞典的创新精神与中国蓬勃发展的市场紧密相连——我们携手开拓合作机遇,共克发展挑战,持续为中瑞两国经济创造共赢价值。随着在华瑞典企业的蓬勃发展,中国瑞典商会应运而生(1998年)。今天,我们不仅庆祝这一辉煌历程,更郑重承诺:将继续担当商业合作与文化交流的桥梁,推动中瑞伙伴关系迈向新高度。”

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The Ambassador of Sweden to the People’s Republic of China Mr. Per Augustsson gave an address, in which he highlighted how the 75-year relationship has contributed to growth and prosperity in both countries. "Sweden remains a committed proponent of free and fair global trade", he said. "We continue to work towards this goal, in China and around the world". The Ambassador further highlighted the positive contribution of the Chamber and its members to the bilateral relationship.

 

瑞典驻华大使欧思诚(Per Augustsson)阁下在致辞中高度评价了中瑞建交75年来取得的丰硕成果。他表示:"作为自由贸易的坚定倡导者,瑞典始终致力于推动建立开放、公平的全球贸易体系,这一理念在中国及全球市场都得到了积极践行。"大使特别指出:"中国瑞典商会及其会员企业长期以来为促进双边经贸合作做出了重要贡献,是中瑞友好关系的重要见证者和推动者。"

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A video message from H.E. Ambassador Cui Aimin of the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in Sweden highlighted the deepening ties between the two countries: "Our partnership will continue to expand in areas such as smart manufacturing, green development, and innovation."

 

中国驻瑞典大使崔爱民阁下的视频致辞强调了两国关系的不断深化,他表示:“中瑞两国在智能制造、绿色发展和创新科技等战略性领域的合作空间广阔,双边伙伴关系必将迈向更高水平。”

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Mr. Mats Harborn, Head of TRATON China Office, delivered a keynote reflecting on Sweden's long-standing exploration of the Chinese market. "Curiosity and entrepreneurship have defined the relationship between Sweden and China since the start," he said. "The achievements we celebrate today are built on centuries of mutual respect and ambition."

 

传拓集团中国办公室负责人何墨池(Mats Harborn)在主题演讲中,回顾了瑞典企业开拓中国市场的历史征程。“从最初接触至今,开拓精神与创新基因始终是中瑞关系的核心特质,”他特别强调,“今天我们共同庆祝的丰硕成果,正是建立在数百年相互尊重、互利共赢的坚实基础之上。”

 

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In his remarks at the gala, Mr. Xiaolin Yuan, Senior Vice President of Volvo Car Group and President & CEO of Volvo Car Asia Pacific, emphasized the importance of maintaining openness and cooperation amid current global economic challenges. "As a proud Swedish Brand, we would like to take this milestone moment to reaffirm Volvo Cars’ long-term commitment to China market. We firmly believe that openness and collaboration brings opportunities, drives progress, and delivers a better future for people and the planet."

 

在晚宴致辞中,沃尔沃汽车集团全球高级副总裁、沃尔沃汽车亚太区总裁兼CEO 袁小林强调了在全球经贸面临挑战的当下,坚持开放与合作的重要性。“作为来自瑞典的品牌,我们想借此里程碑时刻表达沃尔沃汽车对中国市场的坚定承诺。我们相信只有开放与合作才能带来更多的机遇和发展,才能为所有人和大家共同生活的家园带来更美好、更可持续的未来。”  

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A highlight of the evening was the SwedCham China 2025 Honorary Awards ceremony, recognizing companies who have made outstanding contributions to Sino-Swedish business cooperation. This year's honoree, ABB, was celebrated for its exemplary leadership in sustainable industrial transformation. The global technology leader has become a gold standard for responsible business in China, combining Swedish industrial heritage with cutting-edge solutions in electrification, automation and digitalization. "ABB exemplifies Swedish values through its commitment to innovation and responsible leadership," said Peter Ling-Vannerus, Chairman of SwedCham China, during the presentation. "Their work demonstrates how Swedish companies can be true partners in China's sustainable transition."

 

当晚盛典的重要环节——2025 年中国瑞典商会荣誉奖 - 中瑞工商贸易杰出贡献奖颁奖典礼隆重举行,旨在表彰推动中瑞经贸合作取得突破性成就的标杆企业。本年度殊荣由全球工业技术领导者ABB摘得,该企业以其在可持续工业转型领域的卓越贡献获得评委会一致认可。ABB成功将瑞典百年工业精髓与电气化、自动化及数字化创新完美融合,在中国市场树立了负责任企业的行业典范。中国瑞典商会主席凌万儒 (Peter Ling-Vannerus)在颁奖致辞中高度评价道:“ABB以其创新实践和负责任的企业精神,完美诠释了瑞典核心价值观。其在中国市场的深耕,充分展现了瑞典企业作为中国可持续发展进程中值得信赖的战略伙伴的重要价值。”

 

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Following the awards ceremony, the evening continued with captivating cultural performances that bridged Swedish and Chinese traditions. The highlight came in an unexpected musical interlude, as H.E. Per Augustsson, Sweden's Ambassador to China, took to the stage for a special piano performance. The performance added a memorable personal touch to the gala, underscoring the deep cultural connections that strengthen Sino-Swedish relations.

 

随着颁奖典礼的圆满落幕,晚宴迎来了精彩纷呈的文化盛宴。东西方艺术在此刻完美交融——瑞典驻华大使欧思诚(Per Augustsson)阁下惊喜献奏的钢琴独奏将晚会推向高潮。这一演出以其独特的文化感染力,为整场活动增添了难忘的人文色彩,生动诠释了中瑞两国源远流长的文化交流与深厚友谊。

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As guests moved into the evening celebrations, the gala dinner featured Nordic cuisine as well as Chinese Flavors. Congratulations to those lucky draw winners for winning special prizes -  A Table tennis bat with a written signature by Sweden’s rising table tennis star Truls Möregårdh provided by Stiga and a unique and stylish earphone provided by RÖtt KRÖN.  

 

随着庆典活动的进行,晚宴精心准备的北欧风味与中国美食交相辉映。之后在激动人心的抽奖环节,更有幸运嘉宾收获了别具意义的奖品:由斯帝卡提供的瑞典乒乓球新星Truls Möregårdh亲笔签名球拍,以及RÖtt KRÖN品牌的时尚耳机。这些奖品不仅体现了瑞典设计与运动精神的完美结合,更为晚会增添了难忘的惊喜时刻。

 

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Looking Ahead

展望未来

The evening concluded with a joyful and harmonious atmosphere capturing the unity of the Swedish and Chinese business communities as they look to the future.

晚宴在欢乐祥和的气氛中圆满落幕,中瑞商界人士齐聚一堂,共绘合作新篇。

 

As Ambassador Cui Aimin expressed during the celebrations, "The path of cooperation between our two countries will continue to widen, and the bridge of friendship will grow even stronger." True to its vision as the "Home for Swedish Business Community in China," SwedCham China and its member companies remain committed to deepening this journey—exploring new opportunities for collaboration and building an even stronger foundation for the next years of partnership.

 

正如中国驻瑞典大使崔爱民在庆典致辞中强调:"中瑞两国合作之路必将日益宽广,友谊之桥必将愈加坚固。"作为瑞典在华企业之家,中国瑞典商会将携手会员企业,持续深化双边合作,开拓创新机遇,共同构筑更加坚实、持久的中瑞经贸合作关系。

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