In a glowing endorsement, Sweden’s Ambassador Jan Thesleff has termed the India-EU FTA a historic milestone that fosters trust and unleashes job prospects amid shifting global dynamics. In his IANS interview, he celebrated India’s creative youth as a treasure trove, predicting the deal will supercharge employment in SMEs.
The agreement, dubbed the ‘Mother of All Trades,’ breaks down barriers for European firms entering India and Indian businesses accessing Europe. Thesleff, representing a nation with deep roots here, noted, ‘For those not yet here, it opens new doors.’ Crucially, SMEs stand to gain most, as they drive innovation and jobs.
High-level endorsements from PM to EU chiefs amplify its signal to businesses. Sweden’s 400 firms—7% of EU presence—serve as proof of India’s viability for investment, production, and R&D. The FTA also beckons sci-tech alliances, from joint centers to collaborations in autos, IT, and pharma.
It’s mutual: Indian companies, numbering 75-80 in Sweden with significant investments like Gothenburg, exemplify two-way flow. Beyond commerce, it generates jobs and skill exchanges. ‘When talented Indians come to Sweden’s innovative landscape, they bring back skills worth more than earnings,’ Thesleff said, aiding India’s tech ascent.
This opens portals for skilled professionals bilaterally. Indians now dominate Sweden’s immigrant inflows, forecasted at 1% population share by 2030. The ambassador concluded optimistically: despite distances, ties are tightening rapidly, promising shared prosperity.