Sweden Industry Sectors

 Sweden’s industry sectors plan to invest SEK 51.8 billion in current prices in 2010, an increase of 5% as compared to the 2009 level. Investments in Swedish industries fell sharply in 2009, with an overall decline of 28% in investment volumes, as compared to 2008. The investment plans of 2009 displayed a decrease in investment volumes in many sectors of the industry in 2010. According to the survey conducted by Statistica Centralbryan in Feb 2010, the industry showed a slight increase in investment volumes in 2010, with 5% growth in current prices.[br] 

 Sweden’s industry sectors plan to invest SEK 51.8 billion in current prices in 2010, an increase of 5% as compared to the 2009 level. Investments in Swedish industries fell sharply in 2009, with an overall decline of 28% in investment volumes, as compared to 2008. The investment plans of 2009 displayed a decrease in investment volumes in many sectors of the industry in 2010. According to the survey conducted by Statistica Centralbryan in Feb 2010, the industry showed a slight increase in investment volumes in 2010, with 5% growth in current prices.[br] 

In a number of industrial sectors, investments are expected to rise in 2010. Manufacturers of wood products and basic metals are forecasted to increase investment volumes up to 35% and 25%, respectively, as compared to 2009. Firms in the textile industry plan to increase investments by nearly 20% and manufacturers of rubber and plastic products plan to increase investments by 15% in 2010, as compared to 2009. On the other hand, investments are expected to take a dip in 2010 as compared to 2009 in the mining and electronic equipment industry companies.

 

Sweden Industries: Tourism

The Swedish tourism industry withstood the ravages of the recession much better than its European counterparts. According to a survey conducted in 2009, more than 80% of the companies in the tourism industry have not laid off any worker. Many actually hired more workers during the period. In the ‘Capital Market Day’ held every year in Stockholm, tourism was one of the hottest sectors dominating the event in 2009. According to Urban Karlstrom, Sweden’s State Secretary to the Minister for Local Government and Financial Markets, tourism has helped sustain Sweden’s development for a long time. Much of the popularity of Sweden’s tourism industry can be attributed to the exchange rate, which makes Sweden an attractive proposition for foreign tourists.

Sweden Industries: Automobile[br]

To support the struggling automobile industry, the Swedish government has spun off a venture capital firm to make some investments in 2010 as private equity firms have stopped financing. Fouriertransform AB, created by the government, has already been approached by more than 50 firms looking for financing. Fouriertransform received $419 million in 2009 and has funneled a total of $36 million to four private companies and NovaCast Technologies AB, a publicly traded manufacturer of tool and die products for car parts.

 

In Sweden, as many as 40,000 workers in the auto industry have lost their jobs. Major automakers like Volvo, Saab and GM has trimmed many positions, with Saab filing for bankruptcy.