Katarina and Carrie spoke on international business outreach efforts of the RAEDC focusing on China and Sweden.

Katarina noted that the reasons industries are interested in partnering with a company in Sweden are varied. Sweden is a country with diverse industries. They have lots of facilities for R&D and test marketing. It is very easy to start new businesses in her country because it is less bureaucratic and it takes a relatively short time to get a new product into production. If a company is interested in the International Trade Management they are paired with a student, fluent in 3 languages, and they agree to work together for three years.

Carrie works with the RAEDC directing Chinese investments in Rockford. She helps facilitate delegations coming to Rockford to build on relationships and she sets up matchmaking opportunities. The Chinese are very intent on relationships as they establish partnerships in China and the US. It is therefore a slow process, but one that is unfolding to be very productive. Three large companies in Rockford have a presence in China and we are looking to add a new one soon—the headquarters for a company who builds solar panels. The Chicago/Rockford airport is ideal for international trade opportunities, with its modern facilities, long runways and proximity to Chicago and Rochelle.