Press release
15 March 2010
Ministry for Foreign Affairs
Minister for Trade visits Gothenburg
Minister for Trade Ewa Björling will be visiting Gothenburg tomorrow, Tuesday 16 March. Dr Björling will attend the Adult Education Day on practice-based learning, visit various companies and meet with a Kosmopolit network.
Practice-based learning means that Swedish for Immigrants (SFI) courses are combined with practice at an integration workplace that is linked either with an earlier vocation or a new vocational orientation. This means that the courses will be more effective due to the link with the business sector. In addition, people's skills and earlier background can be put to immediate use by creating a sense of participation, providing insight into Swedish business and practical vocational training, thereby establishing a platform that these people can use when they later look for work. SFI coaches provide support throughout the process.
Dr Björling will also meet some 80 companies comprising the Kosmopolit Network in Gothenburg. The Network will share its views with the Minister, who will explain how the Kosmopolit Project is a natural part of the Future Jobs Concept.
The Kosmopolit Project is the Government's special initiative to make use of the unique skills of people born abroad to increase foreign trade, create more jobs and generate higher growth. A new study shows that immigration to our country contributes to greater Swedish foreign trade. For example, it shows that an increase in the number of people born abroad by some 12 000 individuals will lead to an increase in exports by as much as SEK 7 billion.
The day's programme also includes visits by Dr Björling to various companies and a meeting with enterprise organisation Företagarna.
Journalists are welcome to take part. For more information, please contact Press Secretary Monica Ohlsson.
Contact
Monica OhlssonPress Secretary on parental leave
+46 8 405 10 00
