The Moravian-Silesian Region From Fredrik Jörgensen’s Point Of

transformations will be key driving forces for possible mutual business cases going forward. Mölnlycke, Sandvik, Scania, Skanska or Tonak–these are only some of the best examples of the great SwedishCzech cooperation in the region. Which commodity is currently in greatest demand in Sweden? To answer the question at face value, crude and refined petroleum as well as cars are still among Sweden’s biggest commodity imports. But to shed light on this question in a different way, I would say competent people, and skills, are what is in greatest demand to continue being a competitive and attractive global trading partner. Innovation across all industries is the main driver for sustainable growth and for that you always need diverse and motivated people working together. This is maybe the most important conclusion on our part, that we have a very strong partner for continued growth and technical cooperation in the Czech Republic. What do you like about the Czechs? Are they an inspiration to you? If so, what inspires you especially? I think you have noted, from my answers to your other questions, that I believe that an important motto of today could be summarized with the word ‘cooperation’. No country can make it on its own. In order to prosper and flourish in a situation with a growing competition on the global scale, we need to be able to find good and reliable partners. And this is an area that in very important ways adds to what I have said before, about the structure of our industries, our technical knowledge and our research facilities. Certainly, for all of these reasons, our countries are a good match. But I also think that we have many other things in common, things in the more social sphere. It might be true that Czechs and Swedes are not among the most extroverted, but once we open up, and when we let others get close to us, it is clear how we in both our countries value true partnerships based on transparency, generosity and mutual trust. We want long lasting relationships. And this, I can sense very clearly, is very true also here in the Czech Republic. There are also great similarities in how we want to lead our lives, with our love for literature, the arts and nature around us. Since I arrived here in the autumn, I have learned a new word, the beautiful ‘mushrooming’. Our love for the small but so important things in life is certainly something that we have in common. One thing that has struck me here is the very open and curious attitude of the Czechs. Also in these days, faced with the pandemic, it has been very easy to meet new and interesting people, and many of them I am sure will become dear friends. Mr Ambassador, thank you for the interview. Text: redakce Foto: archiv Fredrik Jörgensen www.swedenabroad.se POSITIV 1/2021 ǀ 57