Maharashtra – The Best Destination for Business; Strategic Support for Swedish Companies – CM Devendra Fadnavis

Roundtable Discussion with CEOs of Swedish Companies

Mumbai : India and Sweden share a long-standing bilateral and diplomatic relationship. Swedish companies have been operating in India, particularly in Maharashtra, for over a century. Maharashtra is one of the best destinations for business, and all necessary strategic support will be provided to Swedish companies looking to establish industries here, said Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis.

Chief Minister Fadnavis was speaking during a roundtable discussion with CEOs of Swedish companies from various sectors at Sahyadri Guest House. Present at the event were Minister for Marketing and Protocol Jaykumar Rawal, Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister Vikas Kharge, Principal Secretary Ashwini Bhide, Secretary of the Industries Department Dr. P. Anbalagan, Special Officer to the Chief Minister Kaustubh Dhavse, CEO of Business Sweden Johan Larsson, Sweden’s Deputy Consul General, distinguished members of Swedish companies, and other Swedish representatives. On this occasion, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed with Candela Company.

Chief Minister Fadnavis stated that while most Swedish companies are already operating in Maharashtra, those that are yet to establish themselves are welcome. The inauguration of Business Sweden’s new office in Mumbai will further strengthen trade relations between India and Sweden and facilitate business exchanges between the two nations. The Maharashtra government is eager to work on strategic policies and will fully cooperate in implementing necessary policy reforms, he assured.

The Maharashtra government is promoting green energy, allowing companies in the state to use independent green power sources. The state’s industries department will collaborate with Swedish companies and provide assistance where needed. Maharashtra is keen on launching water taxi services and has already made some progress in this regard. However, a more extensive water transport system is essential for Mumbai. While water transport projects have been successful, it is time to expand them further. Over the past four to five years, significant infrastructure has been developed for water transport, including the construction of multiple jetties. These efforts will create new opportunities for water taxi services, and with Swedish companies’ cooperation, this initiative will be further advanced to boost water taxi services in Maharashtra, Fadnavis added. He also stated that the roundtable discussion was highly productive.

India-Sweden Business Leaders Roundtable Discussion

In 2016, during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Sweden, the India-Sweden Business Leaders Roundtable was established as a strategic bilateral platform. The roundtable serves as a forum for discussions on smart cities and infrastructure development, bringing together key representatives from Swedish companies.

Business Sweden, a Swedish government agency, helps Swedish companies expand in international markets while also encouraging foreign investors to invest in Sweden. The inauguration of Business Sweden’s new office in Mumbai marks a significant step in strengthening trade and investment in Maharashtra and the western region of India. Currently, around 280 Swedish companies operate in India, with a majority based in Maharashtra. The state has witnessed substantial manufacturing and investment growth, further strengthening trade and economic ties between Maharashtra and Sweden.