Dr. Ewa Björling: “Armenia has a committed partner in the EU – we are here for the long term”

In March, 2014, Sweden upgraded its presence in Armenia. The opening of a Swedish Embassy in Yerevan is a clear sign of the Swedish Government’s interest in broadening its relations with Armenia in many fields, not least in the area of trade and investment. Several Swedish companies are already active in Armenia in a broad range of areas, such as information and communications technology, mining equipment, medical technology, energy efficiency, waste collection services and cosmetics. Others are exploring opportunities in engineering, education, banking and consumer goods – all of them fields where Sweden is a world leader.

Through reforms, Armenia has managed to modernize its economy and attract foreign trade and investments. But there is still a large unrealized potential, which will require further reforms, not least towards enhancing competition and combating corruption. These are areas where Armenia can receive support and participate in a valuable exchange of experiences through the Eastern Partnership together with the European Union. Through the adoption of new legislation and the unification of regulations and standards, we can work together towards removing the barriers between us.

The Eastern Partnership was launched in Prague in May 2009 after an initial proposal by Sweden and Poland. The idea was to start a process of ever closer relations between the European Union and our Eastern European neighbours Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Moldova, Ukraine and Belarus. Sweden strongly supports the Eastern Partnership’s aim of political association and economic integration. Social, economic and environmental sustainability are three essential aspects that Sweden strives for, and that the EU cooperation can help to develop. Enhanced cooperation and deepened business relations between our countries will bring us closer to these goals.

The EU remains an important partner for trade and reform, within the boundaries determined by Armenia’s membership in what has now become the Eurasian Economic Union. Sweden and the EU are committed to develop our relations with Armenia, and more reforms in key areas will lead to more support, deeper commitment and more trade and investments from the EU. Through Corporate Social Responsibility, our companies will in their turn contribute to modernization and reform. The next major station on the way is the summit in Riga in May 2015. Hopefully, at that point we will be able to confirm that further progress has been made and take new steps to develop our relation. Armenia has a committed partner in the EU – we are here for the long term.
Dr. Ewa Björling
Swedish Minister for Trade