Perspectives from Sweden: Integrating Sustainability and Trade

Ms Louise Bergholm is the Consul General of Sweden to Hong Kong and Macau since 2023. Having served in various capacities in multiple geographical regions, she accumulated more than three decades of diplomatic experience. Her previous positions include Ambassador of Sweden to Bulgaria, while she was also formerly assigned to Washington DC, USA, and Jakarta, Indonesia. She has been effectively handling a wide scope of topics ranging from politics to economics, with a specific focus on trade policy and promotion.

Ms Bergholm obtained a Master of Science in International Economics degree from the Stockholm School of Economics in Sweden, and studied history, political science and Spanish at the University of Stockholm, Sweden.

My Sustainability Goals for 2024:

1. Recycling stations near people’s homes at more places around the city – this could significantly lessen the volume of waste that goes to landfills.
2. A few degrees warmer in offices, shopping malls and other public spaces. In many places, the aircon is working at lower temperatures than what’s really needed. This would save a lot of precious energy.

Erik Halldén is leading SEB’s sustainability initiatives in Asia. He has been working with Sustainable Finance and Sustainability in various roles since 2015.

SEB is a leading northern European financial services group, with a history dating back to 1856. Our purpose is to positively shape the future, with responsible advice and capital. Today and for generations to come. We have a strong ambition to accelerate the pace towards a sustainable future for people, businesses and society. We want to be a leading catalyst in the sustainability transition.

My Sustainability Goals for 2024:

– Hong Kong has a huge potential for EV cars, trucks and buses which beyond reducing emission also reduces noise pollution. I would welcome a faster deployment.

– Make it easier for everyone to live more sustainable, increase the number of recycling stations, prohibit unnecessary packaging materials, increase the number of water refill stations and public EV charging stations.

Emmanuel Jupet, Managing Director, Region APAC North, Volvo Buses, has been a driving force within the Volvo Group for 27 years. As an engineer, he is committed to ensuring that the products/services he works with create a positive impact on society. With extensive experience in purchasing, engineering, marketing, business development, and sales, Emmanuel has cultivated a holistic perspective. His multicultural exposure in countries like France, India, China, and Sweden has deepened his understanding of diverse needs. Based in Hong Kong since August 2020, Emmanuel remains dedicated to the pivotal role of buses in society and their contribution to sustainability.

Mr. Johan Thurée is the Market Manager for Hong Kong at Business Sweden since 2024, responsible for the promotion of Swedish exports and in supporting Swedish companies grow their business in the Hong Kong market. Prior to his role in Hong Kong, he was based in Beijing for 3 years working with a wide range of sectors and projects across Asia as a Senior Project Manager, supporting Swedish companies through promotional platforms, market entry strategies, growth strategies, partner searches and more. Prior to joining Business Sweden, Mr. Thurée worked as a strategy consultant at Accenture Strategy as well as Ericsson in Stockholm, Sweden.

Mr. Thurée obtained a Master of Science in Industrial Engineering and Management from Linköping University in Sweden. He also conducted a one-year exchange from Linköping University to Fudan University, Shanghai, as part of his studies.