Nordic-Light-Jun2014-Aug2014

Traveling on Volvo’s BRT in Rio.
One of the largest mills
Following the discussions in Brasilia, it was time
for a visit to the Brazilian forest industry and we
made a stop at the Eldorado pulp and paper mill.
This facility, located near Três Lagoas in the State of
Minas Gerais, is one of the world’s largest pulp and
paper mills with an impressive capacity. They actually
celebrated an all-time high in production on the day
of our visit. The plan is to further increase production.
Brazilian pulp and paper plants are important customers
for Swedish manufacturers of equipment and
technical expertise. EKN takes an increasing role as
risk partner in the expansion of this industry in Brazil.
Meetings arranged
by Swedcham
The last stop on our trip was São Paulo with
well-arranged meetings thanks to Swedcham. These
included a meeting with Swedish companies, banks,
the Swedish Embassy Counsellor and the Swedish
Consul in São Paulo. Swedcham Managing Director
Jonas Lindström was very helpful in arranging the
meeting in São Paulo and the program during our stay
in Brazil. During all my visits to Brazil I have always had
the pleasure of taking part of Swedcham’s support and
extensive commitment. We have an excellent networking
partner to rely on when visiting the country.
EKN’ s Board of Directors consists of Jan Roxendal,
Chairman, Göran Johnsson, Vice Chairman, Inger
Dovlin, former Ericsson executive, Gia Wickbom,
Director of the Ministry of Finance, Kerstin Nordlund-
Malmegård, Director at the Swedish Foreign Office,
Yvonne Gustafsson, Director General of the State
Treasury, Eva Karlsson, CEO Herrljunga Emballage,
Minoo Akhtarzand, Governor of the county of
Jönköping and Bo Lindgren, employee-representative
on the board. Joining the group from EKN were also
Frederic Petersson, key account manager for Saab,
Anneli Boström, program coordinator and me.
The EKN Board of Directors has previously visited
other countries that play an important role for
Swedish exports: Turkey, India, Russia, Ukraine,
Angola, South Africa, France and the United Arab
Emirates, among others.
A long history of trade
relations
Brazil is by far Sweden’s largest trade partner in
Latin America, accounting for around 14 percent of
Swedish exports to the region. The value of guarantees
issued during the last ten years amounted to
USD 1,000 million. At the end of March 2014, EKN
had USD 484 million in outstanding guarantees,
mainly covering transactions in the pulp & paper,
telecom and transport sectors.
In addition to this volume, EKN has outstanding
guarantees amounting to USD 630 million for projects
in Brazil but where the borrower is in Europe.
EKN follows the development of business opportunities
with great interest and looks for possibilities to
support Swedish companies in their efforts to offer
competitive financing solutions. With this visit, we
have strengthened our close relationship. We hope
to see you again soon!
Karin Apelman,
Director General EKN
Visit to the Eldorado
pulp and paper mill.
Nordic Light 15