An Interview with His Excellency Urban Ahlin
His Excellency Urban Ahlin has been the Ambassador of Sweden to the United States since September 2023, following his previous role as Ambassador to Canada. With extensive experience in foreign policy, he served as Speaker of the Swedish Parliament from 2014 to 2018 and has held various key positions within the Swedish government. During his recent visit to South Florida, Ambassador Ahlin stopped by Global Miami’s offices before participating as a distinguished speaker at Miami Dade College. This event, organized by the World Affairs Council of Miami, focused on “Sweden’s Role in the World: 200 Years of Neutrality to NATO’s Newest Member.”
Can you tell us about your connection to Florida?
I’ve always loved Florida. Since I was young, I traveled here often. My wife is a journalist, and we’d stay in St. Pete Beach because her newspaper had an office there. I even bought a small house in Port Charlotte later on. I enjoy the attitude in Florida – it’s so different. The West Coast is slower [while Central and South] Florida is more hectic, with amusement parks, luxury spots, and beaches.
What do you see as the hallmarks of South Florida and Miami?
Miami is a melting pot. People from all over the world come together here. This diversity creates a bustling, energetic city. Miami has a pulse that quickens when you arrive, though the traffic can be intense. It’s a port for the world, drawing people and creating a lively atmosphere
Could you describe the current state of economic relations between Sweden and Florida?
On an American scale, Sweden is the 10th largest foreign investor in the U.S., which is impressive for a country of just over 10 million people. In manufacturing, we’re the third-largest investor, after Canada and Japan. Swedish companies provide about 375,000 direct jobs in the U.S., with 23,000 of those in Florida. The thing here is that most of these Swedish companies are very global and big companies. So, they are more or less all over the world.
What attracts Swedish companies to South Florida?
Many Swedish companies are global, and they go where the customers are. Miami’s large population and favorable climate make it attractive. The lifestyle here, with its beaches and relaxed atmosphere, appeals to Swedes. In addition, Sweden has ties to Miami’s shipping industry, as we have strong connections with cruise lines and other Nordic countries in shipping.
Are there any opportunities for expanding Sweden’s exports to Florida?
Absolutely. Sweden recently joined NATO, which opens up new possibilities in defense and aerospace cooperation with the U.S. We’re eager to strengthen our ties, particularly in high-tech and security sectors, and foster more collaboration with Miami.
How can Miami and Sweden further collaborate?
AI is a booming field, and we see a lot of interest in it from both sides. Sweden’s northern climate is ideal for data centers, as the cold reduces cooling costs. We have a strong focus on sustainable, fossil-free energy, which attracts companies that need substantial computing power for AI. We’re eager to connect with Miami-based tech firms to explore opportunities. Beyond tech, the shipping and cruise industries are strong areas of synergy. Miami’s position as a cruise capital aligns well with Nordic expertise in shipping. Aerospace is another field with promising prospects, especially with Sweden’s advanced capabilities in areas like satellite communication and military technology.
Do you have any final thoughts?
We’re here to support both American and Swedish businesses. If any companies in Miami want to explore opportunities in Sweden, we’re part of “Team Sweden” – a network that includes our embassies, Business Sweden, and local Chambers of Commerce. We’re all dedicated to fostering business growth and collaboration.
