What role does your organisation play?
“We connect German companies in a business sense- we speak German, knowing what the German companies want and how they think. We help companies with their “10 Business steps." In the same way we help Swedish companies with their establishment in Germany. We are also acting as a link between the Swedish or German authorities to help with the best set up or establishing good connections. When it comes to legal aspects we have a wide range of specialists within our network.
 
What brings German companies here?
“The Swedish market is a very competitive one. It´s a tough market and companies can test themselves in Göteborg´s market - if they survive which certainly they normally do, then they know that the market is open for all Sweden. Logistics here are very good. Göteborg has a prime location, near to the continent with an beneficial infrastructure-no traffic jams like in Germany where everything often comes to a standstill. There is a boom in the Swedish economy right now. The real estate market is good and companies can find real estate at a value for money price, especially compared to Stockholm. "
 
What´s it like for German companies establishing in Göteborg?
“Work mentality does not have the hierarchy it has in Germany but labor rules are nearly the same."
 
Differences or similarities between Sweden and Germany?
“There are many differences but also many similarities. The work in Sweden is much more liberal. Compared to Germany, Swedes enjoy a stress free life. In Germany for example it is much more difficult to fire an employee. Swedes have a better cost of living. Interest rates are on an acceptable level here in Sweden and residential houses are cheaper to buy".
 
 
Göteborg has a good history of trade with Germany, is it still felt today?
“Traditionally,HamburgandBremenare quite similar to Göteborg, though now Munich has a lot in common due to its Science Park developments".

 
Any tips for German companies establishing here?
“Göteborg is a mirror market of Sweden. There is a good organisation structure to
Take care of Expats, and also an excellent Expat Guide. Göteborg enjoys problem free traffic. The logistic is an advantage to. "
 
How are German companies adjusting?
“Our German companies are progressing well and the future for German companies here looks most promising."
 
Recent trends or developments regarding German companies?
“In the beginning it was only consultants and Volvo or Saab supply- related companies establishing here. Today it´s more service consumer companies such as Lidl, Hornbach, Bauhaus, Miele  (  established in May 2006  ) and now also Media Markt and certainly more construction firms.
 
Apart from the automotive sector we also have many involved in Medical and technical sectors. More consumer-orientated companies are moving in here.
 
Ambulance companies such as C.Miesen (to establish Jan-07) are moving into the Swedish market as they have competitively priced products. The real “sleeping" giants are Lidl which have established here and Aldi in the consumer sectors-when the alcohol monopoly ends both of these companies will take off as it´s in vin & sprit they focus heavily on. To date Lidl have four outlets in Göteborg. Banks, Financial and Insurance companies (Hermes Föräkring) are on the way here also. While in the travel sector many companies are eyeing up the Swedish market with LTU more than likely to run charter travel from here.
The next development will see German companies here as sales have stagnated in Germany and unemployment remains high. Germany watches the Swedish market and more importantly Sweden´s healthy economic situation. "
     
Advantages or disadvantages of moving to Sweden as opposed to other countries?
“Socially, Sweden gives you everything you need, who can compete with that?"
 
Are we likely to see an increase in the number of foreign companies moving here?
“Yes, due to a number of factors one of these factors is increasing opportunity."