Press release
26 June 2009
Ministry for Foreign Affairs
The Government sets up a Business and Development Council
The Government has decided to set up a Business and Development Council to assist the Government with advice on the best ways of making use of the Swedish business sector's experience and skills in developing countries.
"We must become better at making full use of the Swedish business sector's capacity for initiative, experience and skills in developing countries. Having many forces, stakeholders and policy areas working towards a common goal will strengthen the implementation of our policy for global development," says Minister for International Development Cooperation Gunilla Carlsson.
Within the framework of a Business and Development Network, the Council will consist of a maximum of 14 members, with high-level representatives from both the Swedish business sector and the relevant ministries and agencies working with development assistance and/or in developing countries. A special group comprising both private and public sector representatives will be linked to the Council to assist it in the more ongoing work. Consultations will also take place with public and private sector actors at regional and country level.
Through trade and investments, Swedish companies contribute to generating economic growth in developing countries by increasing employment, promoting the development of technology and knowledge and increasing tax revenues. At the same time, our view of the business sector must be extended beyond its traditional role as the supplier of goods and services. Swedish companies can also make a valuable contribution in the dialogue on the design and implementation of Swedish development assistance policy - particularly as exponents of Swedish values and views, such as Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR).
At the same time, at present there are few channels and forums for a coherent, overall dialogue between the business sector and the ministries and government agencies concerned in various policy areas - particularly on development cooperation, trade policy, export promotion and industrial policy.
The members of the Council will be appointed and begin their work during the autumn of 2009.
Contact
Peter Larsson+46 8 405 10 00
