Statement Ministry for Foreign Affairs 25 September 2008
Ewa Björling, Minister for Trade

Ewa Björling comments on UNCTAD 'World Investment Report 2008'

On Wednesday, the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) presented its annual report on direct investments in the world - 'World Investment Report 2008'.

"The report shows that Sweden remains strong in international competition for investors. This is important, not least in view of the fact that there are now dark clouds hanging over the world economy. Almost half of investments in the Baltic Sea region - around USD 21 billion - go to Sweden. This is the fourth highest figure ever," says Minister for Trade Ewa Björling.
"It is especially pleasing that direct investments in developing countries have risen by 21 per cent to USD 500 billion. Investments in Africa have reached new record levels and amount to USD 51 billion. This indicates that more countries are on the way to becoming integrated into the global economy, which is necessary if we are to fight poverty effectively," says Dr Björling.
"While UNCTAD's report shows positive developments in many areas, it is important to remember that the global financial crisis will probably only have a limited impact on direct investments in 2008. We should therefore be prepared for a decline next year," says Dr Björling.