Sweden is ready to lend its expertise in the fields of engineering, environmental technology and architecture to help Sichuan rise again, the Swedish ambassador to China said.
Mikael Lindstrom, ambassador of Sweden, said that while the priority might still be emergency assistance for earthquake victims, planning for the monumental reconstruction task is increasingly coming to the fore.
"We are willing to work with China to build and develop new safe cities with ecological profiles," said Lindstrom, adding that this is where Swedish specialize.
The ambassador noted that Sweden is currently engaged in a series of efforts to ensure that environmental aspects are taken into consideration in building a new development area in Tangshan, a city destroyed by a devastating earthquake 32 years ago.
"The city of Tangshan is showing great interest in involving Sweden and Swedish environmental companies as partners in this huge development project. And we will together draw a lot of experience from this cooperation that will be helpful to the reconstruction of quake-hit areas in Sichuan," Lindstrom said.
In a bid to help the millions of homeless in Sichuan, the Swedish government and its people have contributed in various ways and through various channels.
So far, Sweden's official aid has amounted to about $2.8 million.
The Swedish National Rescue Services Agency (SRSA) has delivered 18,000 blankets to quake-hit areas in cooperation with the Chinese Red Cross, and 3,500 tents have been delivered or are on the way.
"Embassy staff are right now in Chengdu to coordinate with SRSA and Chinese authorities," Lindstrom said.
Individuals and NGOs have also contributed.
According to the ambassador, SRSA is also prepared to send experts through the European Union and the United Nations if China makes such a request.
Noting that there are about 600 Swedish companies in China, Lindstrom said they reacted quickly to the quake by sending personnel and equipment to the affected areas.
A large number of Swedish companies in China have donated through the Swedish Chamber of Commerce.
Together Swedish companies here have provided about 250 million yuan ($36 million), according to the ambassador.
Source: China Daily
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