Stockholm School of Economics in Russia took part in the joint meeting of the Russian Chamber of Commerce and Swedish business

The regular annual meeting of members of the Östkontore t(Eastern Office), Swedish business community in Russia, took place in Moscow on November 26. The heads of about 20 Swedish companies active in the Russian Federation, including Volvo, Oriflame, Ericsson, SKF, Bonava, Scania, SEB, Nordea, etc., as well as representatives of the Embassy of Sweden in Russia gathered to discuss the year’s outcomes and outline further joint actions. The meeting was held with the support of the Russian Chamber of Commerce and Industry and with the participation of Vladimir Dmitriev, Vice President of the Russian Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the Co-Chair of the Russian–Swedish Business Council.

The representatives of the Stockholm School of Economics in Russia took part in the event as well, presenting their proposals for the business association. It was also mentioned that the Stockholm School of Economics is not just an educational institution. First of all, it is a place where Russian entrepreneurs and executives get acquainted in detail with the principles of running business in the European countries, learn the language of international business communication and thus become priority employees and partners for foreign companies. It is easier to do business with them because graduates of the School understand European values and therefore find common ground with their foreign partners easily.

In his opening speech, Vladimir Dmitriev emphasized the positive role of the Eastern Office of Swedish Industry in the revitalization of the Russian-Swedish Business Council and confirmed his intention to continue cooperation with Sweden in the future.

The Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Kingdom of Sweden to the Russian Federation Malena Mard also noted the need for further expansion and strengthening of the Russian-Swedish business cooperation. 

The Chairman of the Board of the Eastern Office of Swedish Industry, President of Oriflame Magnus Brannström presented the main directions of Östkontoret's policy in Russia. Östkontoret coordinator Fredrik Ekmann announced summed up the results of the activities in 2019 and presented plans for the next year.

Also at the meeting representatives of Swedish companies gave brief presentations of their activities in the Russian market. They stressed their interest in strengthening contacts with the Russian government institutions through the participation of Swedish companies in the working groups of the Russian-Swedish supervisory committee on trade and economic cooperation.

"We believe that strengthening connection between the Russian and Scandinavian business communities is an extremely important area of the Stockholm School of Economics’ work. A clear understanding of the market situation and the needs of our companies helps us better prepare our students for the current challenges and to use the knowledge gained for solving various problems,” - the president of Stockholm School of Economics Anders Paalzow commented.