Words from the Executive Director | Young Professional Visit at The World Bank | Member Spotlight: Luminator | Members thoughts on the new Administration | Highlights from our members| Recommended Readings | Join us and our partners for some festive cheer | Other highlights

Since 1989 SACC-DC has offered a platform for developing U.S. – Swedish lucrative commercial ventures and professional opportunities through our network, business and social events. The SACC-DC Newsletter will help you stay on top of what’s happening in the Swedish-American business community and find the perfect opportunity to create new business connections in the greater Washington D.C. area and Mid-Atlantic region.

WORDS FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

YOUNG PROFESSIONAL VISIT AT THE WORLD BANK

Earlier this month, our Young Professional Network had the opportunity to visit The World Bank and gain insights into their important work towards creating a world free of poverty. Chairman and Advisor to the Executive Director Martin Holmberg and JPO Amira El-Bidawi gave us a guided tour throughout the headquarter, as well as a very insightful presentation and inspiring conversations.

Martin Holmberg and Amira El-Bidawi gave us a clearer understanding of the World Bank’s structure, which consists of five core institutions: IBRD, IDA, IFC, MIGA, and ICSID. Together, they work across 189 countries, with operations in over 140 locations. For over 80 years, the World Bank has led development finance, lending around $130 billion annually, primarily to the world’s poorest nations. Their work spans beyond financial lending to include research, knowledge-sharing, and expertise in sectors like agriculture, infrastructure, health, education, and climate change, all aimed at reducing inequality and fostering sustainable development.

The World Bank’s approach focuses on investments that generate long-term economic growth, job creation, and innovation. It provides grants to the poorest nations while expecting repayment from stronger economies. The World Bank also plays a key role in financing the global energy transition, bringing together governments, the private sector, and international organizations to tackle challenges that bilateral aid alone cannot address.

In addition to its financial work, the World Bank is a “knowledge bank,” offering expert insights and data to guide global development. Thank you to Martin and Amira for sharing this valuable information, and to our young professionals for making the event a success!

For our Young Professionals, stat tuned for upcoming company visits!

MEMBER SPOTLIGHT: LUMINATOR

Industry: Public Transit Technology

Founded: 1985

Headquarter: Plano, Texas, USA

Employees: 1,000

Key Products: Passenger information systems, mobile video surveillance, LED displays

Major Markets: Public transit agencies including WMATA, Fairfax County Metro, Maryland MTA

Strategic Focus: Operational efficiency, safety, passenger experience, digital transformation in public transport

Luminator Technology Group focuses on passenger information systems and mobile video in public transit, aiming to improve intelligence, safety, efficiency, and the overall passenger experience. Being our newest member, we spoke with its CEO, Magnus Friberg, a former board member of SACC-DC, about the company and why they chose to become members.

Friberg explains that Luminator Technology Group was established and purposefully designed to make a lasting impact on the transit technology market. “We merge a broad range of expertise and new technology, along with best-in-class products from successful, well-known regional companies, into one cohesive global organization.” Although Luminator is not a Swedish company, it has a strong presence and operates in Sweden. Friberg emphasized that a key part of the company’s solutions comes from its Swedish subsidiary, Mobitec, and that product development continues in both Gothenburg and Herrljunga. The company has approximately 1,000 employees, production centers in Brazil, Poland, and the US, and offices worldwide. Local customers in the DC metro area include WMATA, Fairfax County Metro, PG Transit, Montgomery County Transit, and Maryland MTA.

In 2012, Mobitec participated in an EU-funded project focused on the next-generation bus in collaboration with several other Swedish companies, including Västtrafik. This project led to the formation of ITxPT, a Gothenburg-based non-profit organization dedicated to open standards and interoperability between IT systems in the public transportation industry. 

“We view Sweden as a leading country in public transit and technology, and maintaining a strong connection to Sweden is vital for Luminator’s continued success, he states. On a more personal level, I have been involved with the Chamber for many years, so it was a natural step to join”. Friberg also discussed the digital transformation in the public transit industry, particularly the focus on the “digital bus/train.” 

“This shift is driven by the need for increased operational efficiency to adapt to the evolving demands of transit ridership and a hybrid workforce, as well as a stronger emphasis on enhancing safety and security onboard vehicles.”, he concludes. However, Friberg acknowledged that they must navigate challenges such as the Buy America Act and the potential for additional tariffs, which are significant considerations for Luminator’s business.

Thank you Magnus Friberg and Luminator Technology Group - we are so happy to have you onboard with us! If you want to read more about the company, please visit their website below.

MEMBER THOUGHTS ON THE NEW ADMINISTRATION

We asked a few of our members about their thoughts on the new Administration and how they believe it may affect their businesses. Here is what they said.

Nancy Fisher, Pillsbury Law: "With Donald Trump's return to the U.S. presidency, international trade and sanctions policies are poised for significant changes. As the Trump Administration develops its trade and sanctions agenda and carries out what may be a more unpredictable and volatile policy approach, businesses will need to remain agile. The aggressive use of tariffs could create significant trade disruptions for businesses dependent on global supply chains, and we may see a potential 10 – 20% tariff on all imports. The President-elect recently announced 25% tariffs on Mexico and 10% tariffs on China, which has caused a flurry of discussions with leaders from these nations.”

Jim Solyst, JMS Scientific Engagement: "My experience with change in Administrations is that it always begins with a flurry of activity with broad proclamations of change, how the wonderful new team will make a difference, and promises made to various constituencies. But reality soon sets in, first during the confirmation process, and then when the new team faces the daunting task of managing the inherited staff and the ingrained administrative process. Expect a lot of Executive Orders to be issued. EOs are a useful way for a new Administration to take immediate action and are representative of the change they hope to implement. But EOs are not law, and typically require cooperation from the executive branch career personnel, who do not necessarily support the views of the new Administration. Stakeholders and other observers should try not overreact: the administrative process moves very slowly and is full of mandated obstacles. Change will occur, but it will be slow in coming and will likely take different forms than expected."

Jaya Tiwari and XVIVOs CFO: "We believe that organ transplantation has a great future no matter who holds office. Not only can a transplant save American lives, it is also a cost effective way of helping patients with end-stage organ failure. During the last years, several initiatives have been resolved by the Congress to drive efficiency and address healthcare inequity within the organ transplant field. We expect to see progress in these initiatives also under a second Trump administration. We will carefully monitor any future notifications around tariffs on imports, but do not expect increased tariffs to pose a significant impact on our business. We do not expect tariffs to impact our business at all in the coming 2-3 years."

Bob Thomas, SACC-DC: "With every new administration comes new opportunities and new concerns. We will have yet another full day of executive orders which will swing the pendulum back to less regulation and more business friendly policies. This is now a first day ritual going back to President Obama’s first term. My sense is the incoming Administration has great clarity on what it wants to do in his second term and Trump is making all his own “picks” his versus accepting the insiders in waiting. Power bases will shift. My view is he would be more effective if his desired scope was more targeted versus the current “everything” is changing. Being engaged at the beginning will be critical for any business with big concerns or to capture big opportunities".

HIGHLIGHTS FROM OUR MEMBERS

Pillsbury Law: Insights on the "Trump 2.0" Administration’s Impact on International Trade, Sanctions, and Economic Policy

Pillsbury’s International Trade team recently published an insightful alert on the potential disruptions to global trade relations, tariff regimes, and economic enforcement policies under a second Trump administration. This is the first in a series of alerts exploring key aspects of the administration’s anticipated approach to international trade law. You can read the full post here: Trump 2.0: International Trade, Sanctions and Economic Policy.

Looking ahead, Pillsbury will be hosting a series of webinars featuring a diverse group of multidisciplinary experts from the firm. These discussions will cover a wide range of regulatory and policy topics relevant to international trade, with key insights from Pillsbury attorneys. Their first webinar, led by former U.S. Congressmen William Lacy Clay, Jr. and Gregory Laughlin, will soon be available for viewing. Invitations for future events will be sent as they become available.

We encourage you to take advantage of Pillsbury's resources to stay ahead of developments in this rapidly changing landscape. For more information or to discuss these topics further, feel free to reach out to Pillsbury's team.

RECOMMENDED READINGS

NORDIC-BALTIC SUMMIT AND NEW PARTNERSHIP WITH POLAND

SWEDEN'S PRIME MINISTER SPEAKS TO US PRESIDENT-ELECT DONALD J. TRUMP

Published on November 28th on government.se. In picture: Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk and Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson

On November 27, the leaders of the Nordic and Baltic countries, now all NATO members, gathered at Harpsund to discuss transatlantic relations, Baltic Sea security, and long-term support for Ukraine.

The leaders agreed on the need for Europe to take greater responsibility for its own security. A joint press conference followed, with leaders from Sweden, Denmark, Norway, Finland, Estonia, Latvia, and Poland.

On the second day, Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson held bilateral talks with Donald Tusk, who attended as a special guest. They focused on the EU agenda ahead of Poland's 2025 Presidency and continued support for Ukraine. Business representatives also discussed strengthening European competitiveness, particularly in defense and green/digital transitions.

The summit concluded with the signing of a new strategic partnership between Sweden and Poland, deepening cooperation on security, defense, and economic collaboration. This summit marked the first meeting of Nordic and Baltic leaders in this format since 2017, and the first time Poland participated.

Published on November 21st on government.se. In picture: Ulf Kristersson

On Monday the 21st of November, Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson spoke with President-elect Donald J. Trump, congratulating him on his election victory. They discussed key topics such as security, support for Ukraine, trade, and innovation. Kristersson highlighted Sweden's significant investment in the United States, noting that Sweden is the 10th largest investor in the U.S. He expressed his eagerness to strengthen ties with the incoming administration, emphasizing the longstanding friendship between the two nations dating back to 1783.

JOIN US AND OUR PARTNERS FOR SOME FESTIVE CHEER

SWEA CELEBRATING LUCIA

On December 7th at 5PM SWEA (Swedish Women's Educational Association) will celebrate Saint Lucia following the Swedish Holiday Market at the House of Sweden. The procession will make its way to the Washington Harbour ice rink as part of the Georgetown Jingle celebrations. Join us and SWEA celebrating Lucia, the event is free and open for all!

SWEA is a global network of Swedish women that fosters connections and cultural exchange. In Washington, D.C., SWEA supports Swedish heritage through a variety of events, educational programs, and charitable activities, while providing a welcoming community for Swedish expatriates and promoting collaboration with local organizations.

We look forward to celebrating the Saint of Light with all of you!

NORWEGIAN CHRISTMAS TREE LIGHTING CEREMONY

Our Nordic colleagues at the Norwegian Chamber of Commerce will host their 28th Annual Norwegian Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony in the Main Hall of Union Station on Tuesday, December 10th. Join us from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM for an evening of festive cheer as we celebrate the holiday season with beautiful decorations, live music, and the lighting of the iconic Norwegian Christmas tree (the majestic Christmas tree, a gift from Norway, is being shipped all the way from the fjords to grace Union Station). Don’t miss this beloved tradition that brings the spirit of the Nordic countries to our community!

THE SWEDISH SCHOOL IN D.C. ARE LOOKING FOR PRICES FOR THEIR LUCIA-RAFFLE

The Swedish School for Children in Washington, DC, is organizing a Swedish Christmas Raffle as part of its annual St. Lucia celebration. This cherished tradition promotes Swedish culture and supports the school's educational programs. Founded in 1976, the school teaches Swedish language and culture to children aged 0-18 from across the DMV area. Funds raised from the raffle will go toward teaching materials, educational trips, and financial support for families in need.

They invite companies to contribute prizes or gift cards for the raffle, providing an opportunity to connect with the local Swedish community and gain visibility among families who value Swedish heritage. The companies participation will enhance the festive spirit of the event and demonstrate their commitment to supporting education and Swedish traditions.

The Swedish School and its Vice President, Erik Thornberg, look forward to making this year's St. Lucia celebration a memorable experience for everyone!

OTHER HIGHLIGHTS

News from SACC-USA and the Embassy

Stay updated on reading the newsletter from the Swedish Embassy and SACC-USA.

BUSINESS SERVICES PROVIDED BY SACC-DC

SACC-DC holds a unique position to provide members valuable connections with other member companies or small businesses, potentially resulting in new collaborations, clients, and partnerships. Read more about our B2B Matchmaking service and how to make a request here. Your company has the opportunity to be assisted by a Business Associate or a trainee with short-term projects aiming to increase your knowledge about specific markets. Read more about our Trade Services and how to make a request here.

INTERESTED IN JOINING THE SACC-DC COMMUNITY?

Visit our membership page to join as a new member, or renew your membership through the membership portal. SACC DC organizes many events throughout the year to give our members access to professional networking. We also tailor trade missions for Swedish companies interested in the Greater Washington, D.C. area. Whether an individual with a keen interest in or connection with Sweden living in D.C. or a company looking to establish new relationships, we can help you reach your next goal!

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