Establishing Abroad RSS FEED

"World Citizens" on the business card

Wed, 01 Sep 2010 11:00:33 GMT

A warm and magical late-summer evening in August 2010: I stand spellbound in front of U2's outdoor stage in the Danish small town of Horsens. Not just because the music sounds even better here than in the living room, but also because the intense front man Bono constitutes a person without borders - neither geographically nor culturally.

NORDIC SMALL AND MEDIUM SIZED ENTERPRISES: OUR FUTURE ANCHOR

Thu, 26 Aug 2010 11:00:33 GMT

In my current job, I have daily contact with companies in the Nordic countries, something I feel is extremely rewarding and a highlight in addition to the real work. In other words, I analyze and evaluate the approximately 220 applications that Nopef receives annually in consultation with my colleagues.

Establishment abroad - the Board of Directors should guide you through the process

Thu, 19 Aug 2010 11:00:33 GMT

I just have to say congratulations. You have probably succeeded on the domestic market, maybe also already partly established abroad or have had foreign customer inquiries. Maybe you see the chance to lower the production costs - the opportunities abroad are many but so are the challenges.

Singapore EDB

Mon, 09 Aug 2010 11:00:33 GMT

Dear Readers. My name is Inger Bergman, 65 years old. I have during the last 40 years of my life worked for Singapore EDB, which is a part of Singapore´s Government.

Watch out for Chinas Top talents

Tue, 27 Jul 2010 11:00:33 GMT

Americas self made man times 10. Goal focused self confident and with a knack of knowing when it’s time to move forward. It’s not unusual to see resumes where the career has gone from basically technical engineer in a rural area to area manager or even country manager stationed in Shanghai with a western salary, in little more than 10 years.

Business for Development - B4D

Wed, 14 Jul 2010 11:00:33 GMT

Sida has entered a new and relatively unexplored arena to the authority. In fact, it is a collaboration with the private industry - Business for Development, B4D. This is a collaboration that not only leads to growth in general, but also to that the people living in poverty will find work or become entrepreneurs themselves.

Hopes for a brighter future

Tue, 29 Jun 2010 11:00:33 GMT

Now, we are able to experience a better situation and also slightly more optimism in the industry compared to 2009. Many companies appear to have fared well through the recession. Our international survey, the Grant Thornton report, shows that companies are more optimistic about the future and that they are more likely to recruit. These signals make us believe that 2010 will be a better year than 2009. However, at the same time we need to be humble.

Can I vote for Confederation of Swedish Enterprise?

Wed, 23 Jun 2010 11:00:33 GMT

The Swedish election is coming up here in September and what surprises me the most about the election debates is that it seems that everything will get better and everyone will work less. This is what the representatives argue in every live broadcasting.

Inflation

Wed, 16 Jun 2010 11:00:33 GMT

The public debt is expected to continue to rise in many countries over the next few years - despite the austerity packages. But there is a great variation between countries and regions.

The future jobs will be found in small businesses

Wed, 09 Jun 2010 11:00:33 GMT

The battle of the Swedish voters in September will largely be about who has the best policy for people to get jobs. I am convinced that it is the alliances that are able to create more jobs.

Recognize, Respect and Reconcile

Wed, 02 Jun 2010 11:00:33 GMT

Currently I have an assignment at the private Tunisian university Esprit. The university educates operating engineers since eight years. Even though the university does not have the same status as a state,

Strategies for a better business climate

Wed, 26 May 2010 11:00:33 GMT

My first negotiation with the federation of labor union took place a few months ago when they said they may sue us for fictitious job scarcity. “ You may not dismiss a person because he or she is not profitable for the company, that is a personal attack”

Visitors from India in the Cleantech field

Wed, 19 May 2010 11:00:33 GMT

We have had a visit from a representative of the Indian Government. He was interested in the products and services Western Swedish companies offer in the fields of environment, energy and climate!

Ambition and potential exist - If the chances are available

Wed, 12 May 2010 11:00:33 GMT

A competition in entrepreneurship has been conducted in Stockholm. This is a profitable event for Sweden. Since its inception in 1980, the non-profit organization for young entrepreneurs has engaged 194,000 young people where nearly one out of four participants have started their own businesses after graduation.

It´s time for Sweden to face the challenges

Wed, 05 May 2010 11:00:33 GMT

According to the outside world's perception, Sweden is a world leader in environmental technology and sustainable environmental efforts.

China Perspective – This is what your organization will need to handle

Tue, 27 Apr 2010 11:00:33 GMT

What does your business need to be successful in China? Exactly they same things as in Sweden. You think – What? But it’s China, its very far away and very different from Sweden or even Europe.

Russia - A country in change

Wed, 21 Apr 2010 11:00:33 GMT

Not too long ago, Russia was perceived as a Communist country with a planned economy and the worst enemy imaginable. Today, this perception is about to change as the political system in the country is changing and a Russian middle class is emerging.

Dikij Zapad in 2005 - or - Wild West 2005 - or the advantages of odd solutions

Tue, 13 Apr 2010 11:00:33 GMT

For a few days in August 2005, I was invited to Kaliningrad to watch the ”Dikij Zapad 2005” which is a ”Rally- Raid”. Well, what is a ”Rally-Raid?” Most of you have probably heard of the ”Camel Trophy”- a competition in an untrodden terrain on jeeps, which include lots of mud, deep ditches and steep slopes. This was the version of Kaliningrad.

Ideologies cost money

Fri, 09 Apr 2010 11:00:33 GMT

Every day we are pretty much forced to take part of political and trade union actions about Swedish incentive programs within the service sector for household services. They argue that the programs are incorrect. However, similar tax incentives in the Swedish construction sector receive standing ovations from everyone.

China’s evolving workforce – Challenges and opportunities

Wed, 31 Mar 2010 11:00:33 GMT

So, after the world financial crisis, what can we see is happening on the Chinese market? First of all there is a big belief in the future. Every other day I speak to managers with ambitious expansion plans for their Chinese presence.

About establishing business abroad

Wed, 24 Mar 2010 11:00:33 GMT

More than ten years ago, I initiated a project for Volvo (passenger coach) with the goal to be the most successful car salesman over the Internet. It would work the same everywhere in Europe regardless if the car buyers were located in Bruges, Porto or Thessaloniki - decide what the car should look like and then book a test drive appointment at your local dealer.

Are the Swedes more hesitant of the Russian market than the Finns?

Thu, 18 Mar 2010 11:00:33 GMT

The trade with Russia has growth potential and Russia is a major trading partner for Sweden, but not as important as for Finland.

Business opportunities in connection with the European Soccer Championship in 2012

Wed, 10 Mar 2010 11:00:33 GMT

Poland and Ukraine will host the European Soccer Championship 2012, which will require large investments in both countries in regards to infrastructures.

The country of optimism and mobile phones - Ghana

Wed, 03 Mar 2010 11:00:33 GMT

For many people Ghana is known as Kofi Annan's home country - and as one of the world's largest exporters of both gold and cocoa. Individuals who are interested in sports are also aware of the soccer star Essien who plays for British Chelsea.

In Ukraine, individuals do not want to wait

Wed, 24 Feb 2010 11:00:33 GMT

Why wait when you can get everything at once? Why plant trees to watch them grow when you can get a pre-plant one at once? Why learn English when you can hire an interpreter for ten dollars an hour? Why should I wait until the light turns green?

How to find the right personnel in China?

Wed, 17 Feb 2010 11:00:33 GMT

You are on the brink of tapping into the worlds fastest growing market and you are eager to get your new entity started, running and growing fast.

Bribery in Ukraine

Wed, 10 Feb 2010 11:00:33 GMT

If there is no one to ensure that the laws and rules are followed, why not do what you are the most comfortable with?

How to successfully set up a business in China?

Wed, 03 Feb 2010 11:00:33 GMT

Well, Johansson and Vahlne already 1977 debated in their Uppsala model of the internationalization process that companies step by step almost by geographic area should learn about new country and culture and then move to the next.

Dare to succeed

Wed, 27 Jan 2010 11:00:33 GMT

To invest in something uncertain may be frightening, especially in these times. My colleague and I quit our jobs a year and a half ago, in the beginning of one of the worst recessions in recent time.

In Germany, it is possible to get loans from your capital company (GmbH)

Tue, 19 Jan 2010 11:00:33 GMT

Payment of loans from a GmbH to the shareholders is under certain conditions possible in Germany. This provision offers members certain benefits.

New Times & New Challenges!

Thu, 14 Jan 2010 11:00:33 GMT

The temperature rises in Sweden and everything is neither due to global warming nor the COP15's failure in Copenhagen. 2010 will be an exciting year, particularly because it is an election year and Swedish employers are not too happy with Swedish federations of labor unions with LO in charge.

Strong entrepreneurship in tough times

Wed, 23 Dec 2009 11:00:33 GMT

About six months ago, entrepreneurs around the world were deeply concerned about the recession. Although we can now experience a somewhat more stable situation, many companies are still struggling for their survival.

Hopeful greetings from the COP15 in Copenhagen

Wed, 16 Dec 2009 11:00:33 GMT

Here they are - the ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls we have been waiting for to enter Copenhagen. As a Swedish immigrant from Stockholm, I do not know for sure if I even can call myself a Copenhagener but with my passion for the environment, ecology and climate I have been looking forward to that this Nordic, vibrant hub closest to the continent should become a place we would remember for the good solutions surrounding the planet's climate problems.

It is about time for China to review their foreign exchange policy

Wed, 09 Dec 2009 11:00:33 GMT

It seems quite apparent that the Chinese currency now seems clearly undervalued. It is evident from the still rapidly growing foreign exchange reserves, which now amounts to 2300 billion U.S. dollars.

Theme right now - Ventspils – The Hub in the Baltics

Wed, 02 Dec 2009 11:00:33 GMT

Ventspils is a modern port city by Latvia's Baltic Coast. It constitutes a hub for freight traffic to many cities, west across the Baltic Sea, east through a rail network that runs across Russia all the way to China. It has been a junction point and a venue for many centuries. From Ventspils you may reach sixteen different destinations daily regardless of transfer goods – The ferry service goes to Sweden, Germany and Estonia, but the container service goes to Germany and the Netherlands – overland route - to Russia. The city also has its own airport.

New York – The situation is better

Wed, 02 Dec 2009 11:00:33 GMT

New York - the city was worse hit than most other American cities (apart from Detroit) by the financial crisis – by the simple fact that Wall Street is located in New York.

Discover the advantages of doing business in Lithuania

Tue, 24 Nov 2009 11:00:33 GMT

Lithuania, a Northeastern European state is celebrating its millennium and has been discovered as a great business location by an increasing number of multinational and Swedish companies.

Does China want to have a Swedish authority?

Wed, 18 Nov 2009 11:00:33 GMT

Something that is not what it should in Sweden, and it is hard to know exactly what it is. However, the myth about us is devastating, outdated and inaccurate.

In London, we focus on the future

Tue, 10 Nov 2009 11:00:33 GMT

It is no secret that Britain perhaps is one of the countries that is most affected by the financial crisis. Gloomy reports and intimidation elements has characterized the British media for over a year and Prime Minister Gordon Brown faces a hard situation.

The United Arab Emirates was discussed at the Chamber of Commerce

Wed, 04 Nov 2009 11:00:33 GMT

Establishment Abroad organized an event about establishing business in the UAE. It was a crowded day which shows the big interest among companies in the global world.

Theme right now - Greencarrier - Worldwide Transport Solutions

Mon, 02 Nov 2009 11:00:33 GMT

Greencarrier is a company helping customers with shipments worldwide without having a single means of transport! Instead, they have very skilled and service-oriented employees who help customers to find the best transportation solutions.

Theme right now - HRX - Fastest way to Baltic States

Sun, 01 Nov 2009 11:00:33 GMT

HRX offers shipments in the whole area around the Baltic Sea - Finland, Russia, the Baltic States and Poland. With the 200 own cars, they can manage customers from small one-man enterprises to large multinational giants. In each country there is an architect designed and customized HRX-terminal that creates opportunities for the customer's request to quickly pick up and deliver goods to the address provided.

Theme right now - Speditören - Holds a key posision

Sun, 01 Nov 2009 11:00:33 GMT

As a person that holds a key posision, Mattias Theander works at Speditören in Malmo and distributes transports in Sweden and Europe. As a former warehouse manager at a manufacturing company, he has a good understanding of how difficult it can be to quickly get the services companies need without calling several different carriers.

The Importance of Being Local

Wed, 28 Oct 2009 11:00:33 GMT

Look local, be local and act local. It’s an easy process to give your customers, suppliers and partners a comfortable feeling and a sense of security just by appearing to be present on the market - and it need not be expensive.

Sometimes reality exceeds understanding, at least in my case

Wed, 21 Oct 2009 11:00:33 GMT

In Knivsta municipality in Sweden, there is a popular hot dog stand called Mojjen, which I myself have visited several times actually because I like their home-made mashed potatoes. But it will not happen again.

Talent Management´s guidelines for future success!

Wed, 14 Oct 2009 11:00:33 GMT

As a result of the global financial crisis, it is obvious that the need for skill development is greater than ever. People, goods, services and capital move freely around the world and everything goes fast.

Swedish inventions need a new Janne Carlzon

Wed, 07 Oct 2009 11:00:33 GMT

I grew up and studied in Lund during the 80s with Janne Carlzon´s SAS and “Riv Pyramiderna” (a Scandinavian journal of management) where the emphasis was placed on the customer's meeting with and impressions of the company's staff.

Find the right cooperation partner in a new country?

Wed, 30 Sep 2009 11:00:33 GMT

Swedish companies that establish business on new markets usually choose to start up with a cooperation partner. The reason is that it is often easier, faster and less expensive compared to setting up own subsidiaries.

Make decisions based on a long-term perspective

Wed, 23 Sep 2009 11:00:33 GMT

When successful entrepreneurs get the question of what they have done in order to succeed with their business idea, the recurring advice is to think through the long-term strategy and stick to it.

The right time is now

Wed, 16 Sep 2009 11:00:33 GMT

The time is right to start building, we just need to find investors, says the two young men who are sitting in front of me at the café in the Latvian capital, Riga. They have an idea that will take approximately three years to complete. Then, the bad times in the economy will be over and they will be able to start winning back the money they invested.

Dubai & UAE is (still) the land of opportunity

Thu, 10 Sep 2009 11:00:33 GMT

Today, Dubai is best known for being a holiday paradise, known for the luxury and spectacular range of shopping, top end restaurants and world class events. The city is home to the world's tallest building, the world largest shopping mall and the first ever 7-star hotel. Dubai has been called "Las Vegas without the casinos and Disneyland without Mickey Mouse." But Dubai offers so much more than that.

Malta - The island that continues to blossom

Wed, 02 Sep 2009 11:00:33 GMT

I randomly ended up on Malta, but pretty quickly I saw a great potential in a niche industry, therefore it was business opportunities here.

Probably the largest network for business

Wed, 26 Aug 2009 11:00:33 GMT

My focus the past seven years has basically been on a daily basis to establish Swedish companies internationally, thus giving me the privilege to work with everything from energetic small business owners and entrepreneurs to export and business development managers at the country's major companies.

The grass is greener in Florida

Wed, 19 Aug 2009 11:00:33 GMT

Now that the rainy holiday is over and we are addressing all the interesting media channels, it is very astounding to read that a private company in the health care sector in Sweden have to explain why they need to earn money, and everything is available on the website of Confederation of Swedish Enterprise.

Invest in America

Mon, 10 Aug 2009 11:00:33 GMT

Foreign direct investment remained a durable source of capital financing for the United States economy in 2008 amidst the global economic slowdown.

The turning point- When?

Thu, 30 Jul 2009 11:00:33 GMT

The U.S. recession has entered its 20th month. It is the longest and most severe growth decrease case since the 1930s. Back then, the economy was in the recession state for an incredible 44 months.

Review the core business - Part 2

Tue, 21 Jul 2009 11:00:33 GMT

In the recession, it is important for all companies to focus on the selling. With the right sales resources and sales management, opportunities emerge to grow organically and take market shares.

Review the core business – Part 1

Wed, 08 Jul 2009 11:00:33 GMT

We are currently in a turbulent time with the worst global recession since the 1930s. This challenge requires leadership in the companies.

Lowering the tax burden is increasingly important for global competitiveness

Wed, 01 Jul 2009 11:00:33 GMT

Recently the EU Commission published a report on taxes in Europe. It was found that high taxes tend to reduce the conditions for economic development during growth. That too many Western European countries have high tax burden is instead justified by that large welfare states are expected to reduce the shock of downturns.

Germany – Right Now

Wed, 24 Jun 2009 11:00:33 GMT

Last week, I met and I listened to a large number of German businessmen, politicians, academics and more practical-oriented economists. I had expected a rather depressing round trip, but it wasn´t.

Globalization

Wed, 17 Jun 2009 11:00:33 GMT

In parallel with the globalization, there has been an increase in computerization and a rapid development of information and communications technologies. Computerization has led to more effective workplaces, given rise to new products and services, and resulted in increased education requirements.

MALTA - A Mediterranean Paradise which caters for all ages and tastes

Wed, 10 Jun 2009 11:00:33 GMT

I was born in Boyle County Roscommon a small north western town in the Republic of Ireland. It was a pleasant place to grow up in the 1960,s and 70,s Neighbour helped neighbour and there was an enormous spirit and sense of belonging. It was a safe and happy environment.

The mass media coverage of Latvia

Wed, 03 Jun 2009 11:00:33 GMT

Rarely have any of Sweden's neighbor countries been so exposed in the Swedish press as they are right now, when virtually every day there is something about Latvia in almost every newspaper, broadcast and TV programs with the timeliness and news profile.

Tips for dealing with cultural differences to the CEO for foreign affiliated companies in Sweden

Wed, 27 May 2009 11:00:33 GMT

Most companies who establish themselves in Sweden's have a strategy that the CEO of the new affiliated company is recruited from the parent company. This means that the CEO often is foreign.

The Russian market has a great potential

Wed, 20 May 2009 11:00:33 GMT

It all actually began in 1997 when I was employed at the EF and on a project in the U.S. when someone asked if I could go to Moscow and to start the new office.

California - A five-year long journey

Wed, 13 May 2009 11:00:33 GMT

In the fall of 2003, after having completed high school, I decided to pack my bags and move to the other side of the Atlantic Ocean to find out what the student life in California had to offer me, and to experience a new culture far away from home.

The Dollar, Yuan and Crown

Wed, 06 May 2009 11:00:33 GMT

The dollar continues to be strong - although the U.S. economy is still gloomy. The reason is that the U.S. economy, despite the decline, covers one quarter of the world economy and the U.S. holds the only true liquid currency.

The intraregional cooperation

Wed, 29 Apr 2009 11:00:33 GMT

Recently we gathered all our consuls at the embassy to look at what has happened and what will happen. We meet occasionally to discuss the new information. I believe that the fifteen Norwegian consulates we have in Sweden today is becoming more and more important. The reason for this is the regional approach we do between our countries.

Ukraine's setback

Wed, 22 Apr 2009 11:00:33 GMT

Have you heard of any available job somewhere? My employer has announced that we will run out of business in about four-five weeks

Both and Either or ...... or the ability to adapt

Wed, 08 Apr 2009 11:00:33 GMT

Me and Lars (responsible for the business development in the Arab world in a multinational Scandinavian company) sat down and discussed our potential future cooperation at a lunch restaurant in Gothenburg.

The Swedish model - For whom?

Wed, 01 Apr 2009 11:00:33 GMT

Our "Chronicle of the week" is not the forum for dealing with a comment in the public debate. But to be a small business owner in Sweden right now, I will take the opportunity to express what is going on in a business owner´s mind, and I am probably not alone.

China - From a purchaser’s eye

Wed, 25 Mar 2009 11:00:33 GMT

For several years I have worked with purchases - purchases of all kinds, from simple suborders to advanced negotiations. I have experienced purchases both practically and in theories.

Sustainable globalization - if we open our eyes

Wed, 18 Mar 2009 11:00:33 GMT

We live in a time of increased international uncertainty. After a long period of global economic upturn the world is now facing the sharpest decline in many decades.

Internet - A fly with eternal life

Wed, 11 Mar 2009 11:00:33 GMT

Internet was not a fly here in Sweden, but has been and for the future is an incredible tool within globalization. Our portals www.etableringutomlands.se & www.establishingabroad.com are proofs of that.

The Dollar may reach 10 SEK

Wed, 04 Mar 2009 11:00:33 GMT

In six months, the Swedish Krone has weakened nearly 50 percent against the dollar. The dollar is almost at 9 SEK and the Swedish State Bank is playing with the idea to weaken the krone even further.

A commercial cultural journey

Wed, 25 Feb 2009 11:00:33 GMT

When I moved to the USA seven years ago, I knew nothing about the North American business jargon. I came to the erroneous conclusion that when my employer criticized my way of doing the work she was very disappointed in me.

The crisis is Global

Wed, 18 Feb 2009 11:00:33 GMT

The global crisis has now also struck against the European / Central Asian republics of the former Soviet Union and the new EU-countries (NMS). A GDP growth close to zero in 2009 must be viewed as a huge setback.

It must be fun to go to work even if you are the Director

Wed, 11 Feb 2009 11:00:33 GMT

During the eighties, my family and I had the great privilege of living in Hong Kong! Other cities must envy this wonderful city with a range of goods and services.

Go with your guts!

Wed, 04 Feb 2009 11:00:33 GMT

Are you about to establish operations outside the borders? Perhaps you think like this: Which market do we start with? How should the organization look like? Should we get a partner or maybe merge? Or is it smarter to buy a company in place?

The snow is falling

Wed, 28 Jan 2009 11:00:33 GMT

The snow in Moscow has been strangely absent this winter. There has been some light snow falls in the last two months but each time with one week intervals.

About outsourcing

Wed, 21 Jan 2009 11:00:33 GMT

I have a friend on Värmdö who has a small business in transport and shafts. Värmdö is an expansive community, so his business is going well and they are very busy. However, there are other problems that begin to accumulate, for example the administration.

Ridiculously Proud

Wed, 14 Jan 2009 11:00:33 GMT

I am a Dalecarlian in the dispersion who has never worked abroad and has never been involved in a company established outside Sweden. However, I am working right now to establish a U.S. insurance company on the Swedish market with Swedish international companies as a target group.

This is how Sweden will develop innovations globally!

Wed, 07 Jan 2009 11:00:33 GMT

The progress towards an increasingly global world is often discussed in terms of threats or opportunities. The threats unfortunately often take over and we tend to view things in a short-term perspective. For Sweden, I see continued good opportunities - if we play our cards well.

Financial concerns – time to invest Part 2

Wed, 31 Dec 2008 11:00:33 GMT

Even the project of the Swedish magazine ‘Dagens Industri’ encourages companies with ambitions to grow and point out successful examples. At Grant Thornton, we are proud to be sponsoring both Gazelle Erna and Founders Alliance and thus support entrepreneurship in Sweden.

Financial concerns – Time to invest Part 1

Wed, 24 Dec 2008 11:00:33 GMT

The newspaper headlines seem to be darker than usual. The reports show that the banks are losing money and former stable bank are not very secure at this point. The financial concern is spreading like the plague.

Brazil will win!!!

Wed, 17 Dec 2008 11:00:33 GMT

“Who will win the soccer world cup in 2014?” I asked my taxi driver. “As long as Argentina wins I am happy,” said Mauricio who says he is Italian even though he is partly Brazilian (third generation).

The right moment to establish a company abroad

Wed, 10 Dec 2008 11:00:33 GMT

To even consider establishing a company abroad at this point when recession and financial crisis are big concerns may not seem like a good alternative. However, there are two important reasons to why this moment could be a good time.

On a slowboat to China…

Wed, 03 Dec 2008 11:00:33 GMT

One of the funniest birthday cards I found, I sent to my former boss at Handelsbanken, Arne Mårtensson when he turned 40. I then worked as head of the New York office. It said: Turning 40 is not the end of the world. But you can pretty well see it from there...

All you need is £1

Wed, 26 Nov 2008 11:00:33 GMT

I believe that one of the simplest ways to export your products or services to the UK is to set up a UK subsidiary. It may seem like a big and complicated step, but authorities here have established a relatively simple and encouraging system to set up companies and the only share capital you need is a £1.

Is it possible to draw parallels between traffic and business behaviour?

Wed, 19 Nov 2008 11:00:33 GMT

For some time, I have wondered about how different traffic behaviour in different countries compare. My conclusion is that, in principle, driver behaviour could be applied to individual mentalities and behaviour in other situations as well, for example in business.

About the American presidential election

Wed, 12 Nov 2008 11:00:33 GMT

One theme in the republican campaign was that Obama is ”a lefty”. This could correspond to how he voted in the senate. However, his theme in the campaign was that the US needs a new kind of politics and stop thinking in blocs and opposition.

Go China!

Wed, 05 Nov 2008 11:00:33 GMT

1996 – the year before Chinese authorities regained control of Hong Kong after 150 years of British government. I took my first breath on Asian ground and fascination spread all over my body. The contrasts! So much people! The buildings!

The masculine German business culture

Wed, 29 Oct 2008 11:00:33 GMT

It is easy to assume that the Nordic countries and Germany have a similar business culture, but underneath the surface there are differences that easily could lead to misunderstandings.

Globalisation and industry location

Wed, 22 Oct 2008 11:00:33 GMT

The connection between financial deregulation of international trade, increased global financial integration and industry location is a relatively new field of research. It is often mentioned in the New Economic Geography (NEG).

Globalisation deadlock?

Wed, 15 Oct 2008 11:00:33 GMT

A number of indications show trouble in the globalisation machinery. Right now, the focus is on the finance market turmoil. However, there are also negative signs of stagflation, the fight for raw material as well as tension in trade, ownership and distribution of globalisation profits between and within countries.

A Roman emperor from Shanghai – not now but soon!

Wed, 08 Oct 2008 11:00:33 GMT

Alea iacta est, (the die is cast)……the point of no return….win or loose…. Well, there are many expressions used in all situations beyond your control.

To deal with cultural differences in your company

Wed, 01 Oct 2008 11:00:33 GMT

Before setting up business abroad, there are many concerns on your mind. As a manager or owner, you might have been contemplating if you should expand your business to another country or outsource production abroad. It is not until you see opportunities to increase profitability that it will become a reality.

The economic situation is not everything

Wed, 24 Sep 2008 11:00:33 GMT

Just because the economic situation is expected to worsen, you don’t necessarily have to worry. At least not if you find a way to take advantage of the fact that the world is getting smaller. Anders Ekedahl, Head of the Savings Banks cooperation at Swedbank, encourages external environment monitoring and a fall clean up!

Small and medium sized companies

Wed, 17 Sep 2008 11:00:33 GMT

Small and medium sized companies employ more than half of the total workforce in Sweden as well as in most European countries. This is where new job openings and a large part of the financial growth are created.

Global poverty is decreasing

Wed, 10 Sep 2008 11:00:33 GMT

The past decade has been fantastic for us who don’t like poverty. According to statistics from the World Bank, the number of people living on less than a dollar a day has decreased by 250 million. This means that global poverty has been reduced from 24 percent to 16 percent.

School start in the air – some things never change

Tue, 02 Sep 2008 11:00:33 GMT

Fall is here and we smell school start. This week, 25 future leaders start their MBA adventure at Henley Business School with an introduction in Stockholm. I’m fond of symbols and enjoy life’s adventures by storytelling and I look forward to seeing these individuals starting their own success stories.

Universities as knowledge generators

Wed, 27 Aug 2008 11:00:33 GMT

The increased globalisation creates opportunities in a number of areas that were unthinkable only a couple of decades ago. However, for development to benefit us we need to close the gap between political power and science. Swedish universities have to strengthen their position as our society’s knowledge generators.

Stories of a Baltic veteran, part 4

Wed, 20 Aug 2008 11:00:33 GMT

In part 3 of my chronicle, I talked about setting up a business and communicating with authorities. In this part, I will compare Scandinavia and the Baltic countries when it comes to the job market, employment and banking services.

Future India – several remaining challenges create growth potential

Wed, 13 Aug 2008 11:00:33 GMT

I have always had the feeling that India’s progress over the last 15 years has been underrated by Western wiseacres. This underestimation is understandable to some extent since not all India analysts, purely by age, did not experience India 15 years ago.

Stories of a Baltic veteran, part 3

Thu, 07 Aug 2008 11:00:33 GMT

In part two, I shared some business experiences in Scandinavia/Sweden and the Baltic/Eastern Europe. In this part, I will talk about setting up business and communicating with authorities in these countries.

New types of Danish companies are being launched

Wed, 30 Jul 2008 11:00:33 GMT

Denmark is among the countries with the highest tax pressure in the world. With a new type of company, people living outside of Denmark may form a so called non-resident company without having to pay any taxes at all.

Advancement of the globalisation

Wed, 23 Jul 2008 11:00:33 GMT

Development is at a neck breaking speed. Breakfast in Beijing and dinner with the family in Vimmerby is no longer strange. We can’t choose or dismiss globalisation; we’re in the middle of it.

A strong Nordic region is the road to global success

Wed, 16 Jul 2008 11:00:33 GMT

We are very innovative with strong financial muscles in the Nordic countries. Headquarters for new companies may remain here even if business is distributed around the world.

Auditing or not?

Mon, 07 Jul 2008 11:00:33 GMT

25 years after introducing the audit liability, the government suggests abolishing it for everybody except for the largest companies. As Managing Director at Grant Thornton, I welcome the abolishment since we’d rather work on demand rather than through mandatory activities.

Stories of a Baltic veteran, part 2

Mon, 30 Jun 2008 11:00:33 GMT

It is quite hard to summarize the differences in business culture between Scandinavia/Sweden and the Baltics/Eastern Europe. Remember that Scandinavian business culture in general and Swedish in particular is unfortunately a minority preference pattern in Europe. The major differences are that Scandinavian companies are big, structured and have been established in mature markets for a long time. Their counterparts in the East are fast growing, small and medium sized companies.

Bet on e-commerce in Russia

Tue, 24 Jun 2008 11:00:33 GMT

Today, there are 28 million Internet users in Russia. Each year the number of users is increasing by the same number as the total number of Internet users in Sweden. Penetration is high, but e-commerce is still a virgin market and Swedish companies have great market potential.

Stories of a Baltic veteran, part 1

Mon, 16 Jun 2008 11:00:33 GMT

This chronicle is dedicated to all Baltic/Eastern Europe enthusiasts in Sweden and abroad.

In the evening of July 28, 1994, I was standing on the afterdeck of M/S Estonia watching the beautiful sunset. I was on my way to Riga, Latvia via Tallinn, Estonia. I had an assignment in Riga, sponsored by a scholarship, as a marketing consultant for the largest pharmaceutical company in the Baltic with a six month contract to look forward to.

Few differences in business culture between Sweden and the Baltic States

Tue, 10 Jun 2008 11:00:33 GMT

There is really not that much to write about on this matter - which is positive for business between Sweden and the Baltic States. It is worse for the person writing a chronicle and who would like to spice it up a little with funny anecdotes from real life.

My prejudice about Minsk

Mon, 02 Jun 2008 11:00:33 GMT

A lot of prejudice could easily have a negative impact or like my report from Minsk shows:

Chinese brand names – a challenge for Swedish companies, in Sweden!

Mon, 26 May 2008 11:00:33 GMT

Opinions are split whether foreign direct investments are vital to or a disaster for a country or not. In the short term, increased competition means some companies get eliminated or move their business abroad. Long term, growth is stimulated by foreign competition.

An exciting and challenging market

Mon, 19 May 2008 11:00:33 GMT

There are many business opportunities in North Africa, especially in Tunisia, which is of interest to Swedish companies. Primarily, these are the textile industry and especially jeans and treatment of denim. Other areas are mechanics, electronics, construction business and Swedish environment-friendly products in water and energy.

Dream comes true in Minneapolis/St Paul!

Mon, 12 May 2008 11:00:33 GMT

For many, the big dream of success and pursuit of happiness is tied to America, the big country in the West. For most people it remains a dream, but for a few it becomes a reality. Way back, a hundred and fifty years ago, an abundance of people from all over the world immigrated to America. Among them were more than a million Swedes. Most of these Swedes ended up in Minnesota in northern US.

Project Export – Obstacle to Business Development?

Mon, 05 May 2008 11:00:33 GMT

Working with Swedish industrial projects in Eastern Europe I came to think of advantages of this form of companies’ international involvement, but also its effects that put them at disadvantage in a longer term.

Cultural clash with the English

Mon, 28 Apr 2008 11:00:33 GMT

Even though Great Britain is a relatively small island, there is enormous business potential – a little more than 60 million inhabitants in an area half the size of Sweden. In my job at Enlink, we assist foreign companies with their business in Great Britain. I often meet business men and women from all over the world and everyone appreciate the magnitude of this market

The whole world as a playground

Tue, 15 Apr 2008 11:00:33 GMT

Country borders open up, companies and business increase, skilled personnel move across borders. Distances grow shorter and today we have the world at our feet.

Latvia in the future

Wed, 02 Apr 2008 11:00:33 GMT

What will Latvia look like in ten years? This question came from a journalist writing a book about the new economies around the Baltic Sea. We were three people around the table to answer his questions. We had a lively conversation about the Latvian business climate and economy. This question made us quiet. Ten years is a long time for a country with only 17 years of market economy – a country where change has become the norm.

Invest in America

Wed, 12 Mar 2008 11:00:33 GMT

Foreign direct investment is a critical component of the U.S. economy. Foreign investment contributes to economic growth, boosts wages and creates jobs for American workers.

Are the companies equipped for a global labour market?

Wed, 05 Mar 2008 11:00:33 GMT

At Öhrlings PricewaterhouseCoopers, everyday I get in touch with companies with expatriate personnel - in Sweden or abroad. It is very common that companies have an increasingly mobile and global work force.

The Russian presidential election and foreign investments

Thu, 28 Feb 2008 11:00:33 GMT

The Russian presidential election will be held on March 2. Vladimir Putin, elected President in 2000, has been in power for two election periods and, according to the Russian constitution, cannot be elected for a third period.

Easy solutions to set up a business abroad

Fri, 22 Feb 2008 11:00:33 GMT

Nowadays, the success of a company is not only visible through its turnover. Its image and presence throughout the world are also important factors. Setting up and running a company abroad is often complicated and involves a great deal of logistics and high cost. Companies must not only manage their business activities, but also their workspace and employees. This is why it is important to use flexible and mobile solutions to accompany your firm’s growth on an international level.

The effects of globalisation

Tue, 12 Feb 2008 11:00:33 GMT

It is important to consider the impact of globalisation on your business. Globalisation is not a new phenomenon. However, compared to a couple of years ago, the effect of globalisation today is so strong that it should be classified as news.

Globalisation – an opportunity for extended interaction

Mon, 28 Jan 2008 11:00:33 GMT

Globalisation is often regarded as a new concept, a development continuing ever faster. As something which can be neither slowed nor influenced. In my view, globalisation began back in the days of Columbus and other explorers, when they travelled to unknown lands and started doing business with people and cultures foreign to them.

The new markets beyond the Baltic Region

Mon, 21 Jan 2008 11:00:33 GMT

Exploring the highly promising markets of Central and Eastern Europe (CEE) beyond the Baltic Region, is on the agenda of an increasing number of Swedish businesses.

Globalisation – an opportunity for extended interaction

Thu, 17 Jan 2008 11:00:33 GMT

The English market and the new Newcastle

Mon, 31 Dec 2007 11:00:33 GMT

The latest country to launch at the portal Establishing Abroad is the UK. I remember how astonished I was when I for the first time entered the portal and discovered that the UK didn’t joined the list with at that time 16 countries but better late than never. And now is also the whole portal translated to English. A really huge investment. Great.

It’s hard not to be global…

Thu, 20 Dec 2007 11:00:33 GMT

At DnB NORD, the term ‘globalisation’ is probably better substituted for ‘regionalisation’. But don’t be deceived – the consequence of regionalisation is inevitably global. That is, the need to very quickly develop a global outlook. Allow me to explain.

The environmental cost must be factored into the profitability calculation

Thu, 13 Dec 2007 11:00:33 GMT

For almost 30 years, Nordic companies have moved production abroad. The fall of socialism has had great impact. Even China has become more open to private enterprise – something called "market economy with socialist overtones".