The China-Sweden Seminar on Green Operations and Ecological Development in Yangtze River Delta recently commenced in Taicang, a county-level city of Suzhou.

The event featured keynotes and roundtable discussions revolving around ESG (Environmental, Social and Governance) principles, green operations and sustainable development.

Marie-Claire Swärd Capra, Consul General of Sweden in Shanghai, delivered a video address, explaining how Sweden is applying ESG principles to promote green development.

Amanda Alkemark outlines China-Sweden collaboration in sustainable development during the event. [Photo/WeChat account: tcfbgw]

Amanda Alkemark, manager of the Swedish Trade and Invest Council in the Asia-Pacific area, gave an on-site speech. She analyzed the current situation and key areas of China-Sweden sustainable development, introduced the investments and green practices of Swedish enterprises in Taicang, and conveyed Swedish companies' confidence in China's growth and their enthusiasm for further investment.

In recent years, North European enterprises have been a major source of foreign investment in Taicang, with over 10 Swedish-invested firms thriving in the city. The city has also deepened cooperation with Sweden by attending the Elmia Subcontractor, a key Northern European manufacturing supplier exhibition, for two consecutive years. In 2024, Taicang-Sweden trade amounted to $160 million.

During the seminar, Taicang presented an overview of its economic and social development, industrial landscape, and urban construction, warmly inviting investors to explore opportunities in the city.

Taicang has long prioritized green development, ranking third among Chinese counties and cities in green development and earning the Euro-China Green and Smart City Award. Currently, the city hosts seven national green factories and 30 provincial green factories.