Sweden's exports to China grew by 21 percent in 2009, despite the country's overall foreign trade falling 17 percent due to the financial crisis. This demonstrates China's importance to Sweden as a trading partner, said Swedish Trade Minister Ms. Ewa Bj?rling, at a press conference held in the Swedish Pavilion at the World Expo on May 2.

Ms. Bj?rling, who is on her first trip to Shanghai, said Sweden and China have a long history of cooperation. China is aiming to build a green country, and Sweden is one of the leaders in green technology, so it is natural for the two countries to cooperate.

Sweden had environmental problems in the past, but solved them through the application of innovative technology, Ms. Bj?rling said. Today Sweden has a sustainable society and sustainable cities and wants to share its modern solutions to environmental problems with China and the rest of the world—to create a better city and a better life.

Ms. Bj?rling said companies from the two countries cooperate on the basis of a shared commitment to social responsibility. To facilitate bilateral trade, Sweden and China hold regular meetings on lowering tariffs and removing non-tariff barriers.

She said bilateral trade will continue to expand, especially in the area of clean technology, and the Shanghai World Expo is an excellent opportunity to boost growth.