Ms Marie S. Arwidson

The Swedish Forest Industries Association has commissioned a poll covering 2,800 persons about their attitude to Swedish forestry and forest industry. As much as 88 % of the interviewed persons indicated a positive attitude to Swedish forestry.

Ms Marie S. Arwidson, Managing Director of the Forest Industries Association is very satisfied that Swedes in general think that the sector is important and that they envisage a bright future for the forest industries. This positive attitude gives confidence for the future.
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The poll also indicates that Swedes have confidence in the forest industry's competitiveness on international level. Eight persons out of ten believe that this branch is competitive in comparison with other countries.

 Ms Arwidson says that few other industry branches have equally good opportunities to maintain and even improve their position on international markets. However, she warns that this favourable trend cannot last forever.

Provided that Swedish forest industry will also in the future have access to energy, raw materials and transport at competitive prices, it will be able to maintain its present top position. However, a prerequisite is that all parties concerned, both industry itself and the authorities and politicians involved make a concerted effort. Ms Arwidson concludes that only then the sector can survive and improve its position so that it will be able also in the future to contribute to improved employment and welfare.