King Carl XVI Gustaf of Sweden attended the annual meeting of the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) Monday and celebrated its 100th anniversary at the Grand Hôtel in Stockholm.
The King is the patron of ICC Sweden. The organisation, which facilitates international business in more than 120 countries, has six million members from a wide variety of companies and industries.
At the Swedish International Chamber of Commerce’s annual meeting, King Carl XVI Gustaf was received by Chairman Fredrik Persson, cash manager Marcus Wallenberg and Secretary-General Susanna Zeko.
The event featured a seminar entitled “100 years of trade and investment lessons learned and challenges ahead,” which was moderated by author and historian Johan Norberg. During the seminar, issues were discussed by EU Commissioner Cecilia Malmström, former Prime Minister Carl Bildt and cash manager Marcus Wallenberg.
The evening culminated with an anniversary dinner, and, according to the palace, “The King handed out the Swedish International Chamber of Commerce’s merit award to EU Commission Trade Commissioner Cecilia Malmström for international efforts for the benefit of the business community.”
The King also delivered a short speech, which said, in part:
“I would like to thank our host, ICC, for today’s seminar and for a most enjoyable evening.
As patron of ICC Sweden, I am delighted to see so many prominent representatives of Swedish enterprise gathered for this occasion.
Today’s speakers have certainly made a compelling case for the value of openness and free trade – not only for enterprises but for prosperity and peace.
Every business, whether large or small, is part of a greater community. And they hold a tremendous power to change it for the better.
Ladies and gentlemen, I now and then have the privilege of promoting Swedish enterprise – most notably during incoming and outgoing state visits. It is always an honour. I am proud to see Swedish ideas and solutions find their way out into the world.”
