Swedish Ambassador to South Korea Lars Danielsson lauded the work of the Swedish Chamber of Commerce Korea as it celebrated two years as an organization with a gala dinner in Seoul on Friday.

The Swedish Chamber, headed by chair Peter Carlberg of Alfa Laval with vice chair Gustaf Hakan Borin of SAAB, two Swedish companies with offices in Seoul, was established as a result of a growing Swedish business community here.

There is also keen local interest in Swedish industrial creativity, innovation and design, said Lucia Cho, director of strategy at Hwayo, a maker of high-end soju and sponsor of the cocktails for the evening.

Guests sang Swedish songs, made toasts and sipped special Hwayo soju drinks at Friday’s event.

While the Swedish Chamber will enhance Swedish networking opportunities, it will more importantly create learning opportunities for Swedish companies based here on ways to further develop businesses, Danielsson said in a speech inaugurating Friday’s gala.

“What can Sandvik learn from Autoliv? What can Ericsson learn from Alfa Laval? What can they learn from each other when it comes to developing business?” he said. “I am sure the chamber can play a very important role in that respect.”

The fact that the South Korean government announced recently 10 Korean chambers of commerce will be formed around the world shows the importance of business communities working together to enhance opportunities, the ambassador said.

The Swedish heritage of industry and commerce was the theme of the evening, Carlberg said in opening remarks, listing how many years ago some of the Swedish businesses were founded. For example, H&M, which has expanded to nearly 20 outlets in South Korea, was established 67 years ago, Alfa Laval was founded 131 years ago, and commercial vehicle manufacturer Scania was founded in 1891.

By Philip Iglauer (ephilip2011@heraldcorp.com)