 Trade and economic connections between Sweden and the Netherlands are vivid. The close economic - and political - relations dates back to the 16th century. Indeed, Louis de Geer (1587-1652) is considered the father of Swedish industry. He introduced Walloon blast furnaces in Sweden, which helped Sweden become a great power in the 16th century. Louis de Geer was born in Liege but spent most of his working life in Sweden. In 1614 a Swedish- Dutch friendship covet was formed. Netherlands is also the first country in which Sweden established a diplomatic mission. The Dutch Embassy in Stockholm is located in what used to be Louis de Geer's residence. Today, trade between the two countries amounts to approximately 12 billion Euro annually. The Netherlands is Sweden's seventh largest export market and lands on fifth place when it comes to imports. Sweden import of goods from the Netherlands totals more than 5,2 billion Euro (2007). Netherlands is also the biggest investor in Sweden. About 250 Swedish companies are represented in the Netherlands; these include, among others, SCANIA, Volvo, Saab, IKEA, SKF. Kinnarps, Electrolux, SAS, TetraPak and SCA. Approximately 5 500 Swedes reside in the Netherlands, and the number of Dutch persons emigrating to Sweden seem to increase every year.
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