Some hours after Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson announced that the government had cancelled the visit to South Korea, Jacob Wallenberg, who is also the chairman of Investor, gathered the Swedish delegation on site in Tokyo to make a decision about the business community's participation.
In light of what has happened, the question arose whether we should go or not. I am of the opinion that we should go, and I have expressed this since the state of emergency has been withdrawn. Korea continues to be and function as a democratic society, says Wallenberg on site in Seoul.
"Felt right"
The improvised meeting with a show of hands took place at the Japanese restaurant Happoen in central Tokyo. Several from the Swedish delegation chose to opt out of the trip. A little later, Saab announced that they would also postpone the visit.
However, most of the participants chose to follow Wallenberg's line.
One must always make an assessment from case to case. In this context, it felt right to go. It is important to show that we continue to work as usual.
On site in South Korea, Wallenberg reports that the business community is rolling on as usual and that it is "business as usual". This is at least the picture he has received after talking to his contacts in the country. As for the stock exchange, it fell cautiously in cautious trading the day after the dramatic night of the state of emergency.
Those I have spoken to say that operations are being carried out as usual. They are not worried at all.
Meeting with the Minister of Trade
On Thursday, Wallenberg met with South Korea's Minister of Trade, In Kyo-Cheong, together with Business Sweden. The political situation was not mentioned during the meeting.
He only stated that they would continue as usual.
Can the political turmoil have long-term consequences?
It is obvious that all statements of this nature can have significance for a single country. My knowledge of South Korea is not deep enough to answer the question directly.
According to Wallenberg, both Japan and South Korea are more important markets than ever.
This is due, among other things, to the geopolitical development in the USA and China. In light of the geopolitical situation, it becomes more important to engage in Japan and South Korea.
