| China. King Carl XVI Gustaf and Queen Silvia arrive in Guangzhou onboard Gotheborg |
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; "Swedish King Carl XVI Gustaf and Queen Silvia arrive in Guangzhou China")
| Tuesday, 18 July 2006 | |
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Annica Magnusson: Several thousands of people today watched the Swedish Ship Götheborg enter Guangzhou (Kanton) in China. The closer the ship got, the more applauding and cheering could be heard from the public. The Swedish King Carl XVI Gustaf and his Queen Silvia were on board the ship during the arrival and received a warm welcome from Wang Xiaoling, deputy mayor of Guangzhou. Representatives of Swedish and Chinese enterprises and authorities were also present. Also the weather in Guangzhou took part in the warm reception with sunshine and a light breeze when the Swedish Ship entered the port. Ever since the first idea to build an 18th century merchant vessel came up more than 20 years ago, the goal has been to sail her to China. After the start in Gothenburg, on October 2nd, 2005, she has made a journey of 20 000 nautical miles to reach Guangzhou. "The expedition of the Götheborg is really about much more than a voyage. We are doing this because we believe in the interchange between cultures, knowledges, business and friendship, between people and between countries. The purpose has been, all the time, that the East Indiaman shall function as a messenger for Swedish culture, enterprise and trade in the world – and that we have succeeded in! After China she will set out on her voyage home to Gothenburg, and so carry on her journey as a symbol of friendship," says Mr. Göran Bengtsson, Chairman of the Board of the Swedish East India Company, SOIC. The Götheborg project has received substantial attention in international media, with live broadcasts in well-known TV programmes in China and in Sweden, and extensive articles in major newspapers and magazines in several countries. The Chinese TV station CCTV has been following the construction and voyage of the Swedish Ship Götheborg since 2003. "The journey from Gothenburg to China has exceeded all expectations! We have met an enormous interest in the Swedish Ship Götheborg, from the public as well as the media. The support and response we have received during the eight portcalls has been fantastic," says Mr. Stellan Mjärdner, CEO of SOIC. The Swedish Ship will stay in Guangzhou until August 19th. During the portcall, there will be seminars, exhibitions, concerts and other activities, with several representatives of Sweden and Swedish enterprise present. More information about the Swedish Ship Götheborg's visit to China is found on: www.soic.se |
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| Last Updated ( Tuesday, 18 July 2006 ) |
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