Article Brännpunkt, Svenska Dagbladet 27 June 2008
Maud Olofsson, Minister for Enterprise and Energy, Deputy Prime Minister
Andreas Carlgren, Minister for the Environment
Ewa Björling, Minister for Trade

Swedish environmental technology gains foothold in China

Adaptation to climate change is a challenge of historical proportions and one of the Government's most important priorities. At the same time we are convinced that the threat to the climate can be turned into an opportunity. Through intensive measures to support Swedish environmental technology, we show that Sweden can and wants to assume the role as leader in this adaptation. The climate challenge is best met through new technology, market solutions and international cooperation. The Government is now raising the level of ambition even higher and has appointed a special coordinator for our deeper environmental cooperation with China.

The field of environmental and energy technology can be the next major motor for growth in the Swedish economy. Whoever is best at meeting the climate challenge will be the most successful in this market. The Government is therefore making an extensive investment amounting to a total of SEK 1.5 billion in the field of environmental technology. Sweden has a high level of expertise in areas such as sustainable energy, environmental and transport solutions, as well as in systems for the construction of environmentally friendly cities. Recently, the concept of the SymbioCity was launched; a network consisting of over 700 Swedish companies that together have knowledge on complete systems for sustainable urban planning and urban development. But more extensive use needs to be made of our knowledge in the field of environmental technology, and this knowledge needs to be used and commercialised to a greater extent in order to gain access to the growing global market. In this, the interests represented by us as the trade, environment and enterprise ministers clearly coincide.

Increased export of Swedish environmental technology needs more cooperation between central government, the research community and the business sector. Sweden may be a small country, but we must be a key global player. This is why the Government is raising the level of ambition and has entered into cooperation agreements with several countries, including the United States and Brazil, on joint technology development of renewable energy. Our deeper involvement and cooperation with countries around the world strengthens Sweden's role ahead of the important negotiations on a new global climate agreement in 2009.

At the same time, there is one country that is of particular importance if we are to succeed with the climate challenge. Today, everyone knows that China is experiencing phenomenal economic growth, which unfortunately is taking place at the expense of the environment. Of the 20 cities in the world with the worst air pollution, 16 are in China, and over 30 per cent of the country's waterways are severely polluted. China has quickly become the country responsible for the largest emissions of carbon dioxide. At the same time, there is a growing awareness in China of the serious environmental problems, and interest is now being directed towards new environmental and energy technology. In this, Sweden has a unique position that can be put to good advantage.

During the Prime Minister's visit to China in April this year, agreements were signed in the fields of energy and environmental technology, and sustainable urban planning. To implement these agreements, the Government has appointed a special coordinator, former State Secretary Mats Denninger. His important task will be to further strengthen cooperation with China in these fields. The aim is to put focus on and encourage a concerted effort to implement these agreements. All government agencies concerned and other public actors, such as the Swedish Trade Council, must assist in this task. Sweden's limited resources must be used intelligently and in a coordinated manner.

Mr Denninger will be responsible for implementing the agreements that are now in place. They cover key areas in which China has enormous and growing needs - these include energy efficiency, biofuels and other renewable energy sources, as well as sustainable urban planning. These are areas in which Swedish companies have world-leading expertise. The work includes a concrete project aimed at building an eco-city close to the city of Tangshan, which will be a model for urban planning for all of China. The Chinese, on their part, have studied the sustainable technological solutions used in Hammarby Sjöstad in Stockholm and Bo01 in Malmö. The eco-city is intended to serve as a model for all of China.

An environmental technology centre has recently been established at the Swedish Embassy in Beijing. The work with enhanced environmental technology coordination is a prioritised area for Ambassador Mikael Lindström and the Embassy, which will maintain close cooperation with the special coordinator.

The issue of human rights is always of great importance in all contact that Sweden has with China. This is yet another reason why we are eager to increase trade and exchanges. We can make good use of the very positive reputation that Sweden and Swedish companies have in China with regard to social responsibility and human rights.

Swedish environmental technology that is adapted to China's needs can be a great sales success. It is not a question of Sweden "helping" China. The Swedish public sector, the business sector and the research community can create cooperation that is of mutual benefit to China and Sweden, for both our business sectors, and not least of benefit to the environment and climate development in China, Sweden and the rest of the world.

Maud Olofsson, Minister for Enterprise and Energy (Centre Party)

Ewa Björling, Minister for Trade (Moderate Party)

Andreas Carlgren, Minister for the Environment (Centre Party)