News
Alimentaria 2008 - Food, Wine and Water...
Barcelona 14 March 2008
Annors Development continues efforts in the wine business. Anders L. Hansson meets with Ricard and Julieta from Mas Foraster winery.
More to come soon.
Ms. Julieta Foraster and Mr. Ricard Foraster at their exhibition stand - Alimentaria 2008.
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Spanish-Swedish Chamber of Commerce held Assembly
Barcelona 21 March 2007
As The Spanish-Swedish Chamber of Commerce in Barcelona gathered for its annual General Assembly, Anders L. Hansson was elected a board member.
A wide range of members had come together in the exclusive settings of Reial Club Nàutic in the harbor of Barcelona. A briefing on last years' activities as well as the financial situation, was performed by the Chamber's director Annika Tingström and treasurer Lars G. Jonsson.
Reial Club Nautic in the harbor of Barcelona.
President Ernesto Domínguez from BT España, was shown steady confidence, being re-elected along with a number of other board members. Anders L. Hansson, Annors Development, is one of the new-comers on the Board:
- I'm proud to have been given this chance to further assist in tightening the commercial bonds between Catalunya and Spain on one hand, and Scandinavia on the other, Anders says. Having my origin in Scania, the southern-most region in Sweden, connected to Denmark's capital by a 20-kilometer-bridge, I find it obvious that our Chamber has to be something more than just Swedish. Scandinavia and the Nordic countries are more and more being considered as one market.
After the conclusion of the General Assembly, Mr. Mats Lindgren, founder and CEO of Kairos Future, gave intriguing insights to the megatrends of the world.
The Spanish-Swedish Chamber of Commerce in Barcelona was founded in 1988 and now has more than 170 members, including large companies as well as individuals.
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Barcelona Degusta - where the consumer is in focus
Barcelona 5 March 2007
Yet another significant food and beverage fair has taken place in Barcelona. 525 exhibitors and 42.000 visitors attended the second edition of Barcelona Degusta.
Organizer of Barcelona Degusta is Alimentaria Exhibitions, most known for its biannual food and beverage trade fair in Barcelona - Alimentaria. Whereas the Alimentaria fair has its focus on industry and professionals, Barcelona Degusta is leaning more toward small and medium-sized companies and directs toward end-consumers - Barcelona Degusta is open to the public. However, a considerable number of business professionals also showed interest:
- Having visited Alimentaria Barcelona last year, one of the world's leading food and beverage fairs, screening Barcelona Degusta is a terrific compliment, Anders L. Hansson explains. The variety of products is impressive, and so is the number of innovations. Also, you get a good feel for the way that producers market themselves toward the end-consumer.
Some of the delicious cheese that Catalunya has to offer, including cheese in olive oil.
Picture from one of the stands at Barcelona Degusta.
The 2007 edition of Barcelona Degusta demonstrated a growing international interest, with exhibitors coming from all over Europe and Latin America.
- Scandinavian producers and buyers would have a lot to gain from increased presence at Alimentaria and Degusta. I believe it would make a lot of sense to connect Catalunya's and Spain's avantgard cuisine with northern Europes efficient food industry. Annors Development promotes international food trade and know-how exchange, and I intend to make a personal contribution to make this come true, Anders concludes.
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Business Luncheon with Sweden's embassador
Barcelona 30 November 2006
Some 50 curious people gathered for a business luncheon in Barcelona as Sweden's embassador in Spain came to town.
Yet again, The Spanish-Swedish Chamber of Commerce in Barcelona has organized a much appreciated luncheon, this time featuring Mr. Anders Rönqvist, Sweden's embassador to Spain.
The topic of the day was current politics in Sweden, following the general elections in September and the subsequent change of government.
Mr. Anders L. Hansson, Ms. Margareta Gustafsson, representing The Swedish Tourism Council at Mallorca, and Mr. Anders Rönqvist, Sweden's Embassador to Spain.
Photo by courtesy of The Spanish-Swedish Chamber of Commerce.
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Hostelco - The tourism summit of Barcelona
Barcelona 25 October 2006
Annors Development was present at one of the world's leading fairs for the hotel and restaurant industries. Kitchen machinery, electronic equipment, coffee and famous chefs were all important parts of this event.
First held in 1981, this was the 13th Hostelco fair in Barcelona. As expected, the event continued to grow, and now reached 100.000 trade visitors and 2.300 exhibitors. Internationalization continues, and exhibitors came from 42 countries.
- International exchange is an obvious must in tourism. Spain is a world leader in this field, and there's plenty to learn for foreign companies, says Anders L. Hansson. Considering this, it's surprising that the international presence here isn't even bigger.
Ten per cent of visitors were foreign, coming from 104 countries. 79.5 per cent came from EU countries, with France heading the ranking, followed by Portugal, Italy, the United Kingdom and Germany.
- I believe there's a lot to learn from the success, as well as failures, by the Spanish tourism industry. Not the least, that goes for countries in northern Europe that have a great tourism potential.
- Spain offers not only experience, but also a variety of advanced equipment, such as tailor-made kitchen machinery, Anders continues. Annors Development intends to assist in bridging the gap between supply and demand.
Hostelco 2006 was subdivided into a number of sectors, some of them being Equipment and machinery, Management, control, computer systems and security, Fabrics and clothing, Furniture and furnishing, Food and beverages, Equipment and products for laundry, dry cleaning, hygiene and general cleaning as well as Vending. Also, a number of conferences and seminars on related topics were organized.
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Annors Development joins Chamber of Commerce
Barcelona 25 May 2006
Striving for an ever-growing network, Annors Development has now become a member of The Spanish-Swedish Chamber of Commerce in Barcelona.
Today Anders L. Hansson was introduced to the director, Annika Tingström, during a chamber luncheon. Anders also met with board members and Swedish as well as Catalan business men and women.
- This one and all the other events organized by the Chamber are excellent opportunities to get further insights on Swedish-Catalan-Spanish business relations, Anders says. I am confident the membership will be another important component in building tomorrow's trade between the Iberian peninsula and Scandinavia.
The Spanish-Swedish Chamber of Commerce in Barcelona started in 1988. It's an independent organization, targeting Sweden-related business in Catalunya. The Chamber has some 120 members.
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Artur Mas vs. Anders L. Hansson
Barcelona 1 April 2006
At an event organized by Catalunya's leading political party, Convergència Democràtica de Catalunya (CDC), Artur Mas had a brief conversation with Anders L. Hansson.
Some 60 CDC-members took part at the event that was held at the party's venues in down-town Barcelona. CDC and Unió Democràtica de Catalunya (UDC) together form a party federation called Convergència i Unió (CiU).
Since democratization of Spain and for almost a quarter of a century CiU led the government of Catalunya. In opposition for the past couple of years, CiU and its president Artur Mas have been playing a significant role in achieving extended regional autonomy for Catalunya and its seven million inhabitants.
Artur Mas i Gavarró and Anders L. Hansson.
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Alimentaria - The food and beverage fair of the year
Barcelona 10 March 2006
For five full days they met in Barcelona: manufacturers and distributors of foods, soft-drinks, beer, wine as well as companies specializing in the needs of restaurants.
- Since the Alimentaria exhibition is breathtakingly big, I've had to focus on a few sectors, Anders L. Hansson admits. But with Alimentaria being divided into a number of sub-fairs, such as frozen products, soft-drinks, meat, and hospitality products, it's easy to find what you're looking for.
The 2006 edition was bigger and better than ever before. Using the entire Barcelona fairground, there was room for some 5.000 exhibitors - from 70 countries - and 152.000 professionals visiting. A great share being from around the world, Alimentaria consolidates its leading position in Spain, and continues to rank among the world's most important food and beverage fairs.
- Through recent contacts with Livsmedelsföretagen (The Swedish Confederation of the Food and Drink Industries - LI) and The Federations of Swedish Farmers (LRF), I have a brief picture of the kind of business that could be worth looking for. So I'm here partially for that reason, Anders explains.
- Annors Development promotes international food trade and know-how exchange. I believe it would make a lot of sense to connect Catalunya's and Spain's avantgard cuisine with Scania's and Sweden's food industry. Also, I see opportunities in Sweden's high quality farming products and in the retailing business, Anders concludes.
So, which were the highlights of Alimentaria 2006? Really to many to mention. But here at the left you can see one of the innovations presented to the visitors: Wonder Pizza. Throw in some coins, and in 90 seconds you'll have a full-blown Italian pizza coming out!
- Delicious, Anders assures, trying out the miracle machine.
According to company representatives the machine is already out on the market in the United States.
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Complex services and Foods in focus
Stockholm - Barcelona 10 February 2006
During his visit to Stockholm, Anders L. Hansson met with leading representatives of future-oriented industries.
Knowledge-based, complex services, especially when combined with high-tech, is one of the corner stones in a modern economy. Sweden has an extensive educational system, and therefore a solid foundation for creating innovative, growth-generating businesses, capable to offer advanced knowledge-based services.
- The discussions I've had in Stockholm this week clearly demonstrate that Sweden already has a number of companies offering the kind of future-oriented, complex services that everyone is calling for. The potential in terms of jobs and exports is enormous, Anders says.
Technological progress is rapid, but even so, food forms an inevitable part of our lives.
- Food can be very basic and food can be luxury. As prosperity grows, people ask for more elaborated products. International markets demand new, exciting, innovative foods and drinks. Swedish farmers and food industries have a lot to offer, however, they oftentimes lack resources and know-how to get started in exports.
Concluding on his Stockholm-visit, Anders states that he's looking forward to making the most out of up-coming projects:
- Our platform is strong, and our networks grow bigger each day. The industries we're in touch with need assistance that knows how to act both on the business scene and in the world of politics. This is precisely what Annors Development supplies.
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Journey to Scania and Stockholm
Scania - Stockholm - Barcelona 30 January 2006
Today, Monday, Anders L. Hansson is leaving Barcelona for a two week journey to Malmö / Scania and Stockholm, for meetings with old and new contacts in business and politics.
The purpose is to further develop Annors Development in the fields of Market research & Business Support, Key Account & International Sales as well as Analyses & Research.
- Building on our broad international experience, in Europe and The Americas, topped of with our current positioning in Barcelona, Annors Development offers the kind of personalized attention that many small and medium-sized companies are in need of, Anders L. Hansson says.
- There's an ever growing demand for international competence in business. In spite of Europe's political problems, economic integration continues, Anders summarizes.
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Annors Development: New steps in International Sales
Barcelona December-January 2005 / 2006
A row of meetings have been held with representatives of a company in the food processing industry. Annors Development continues its endeavours in international markets.
Catalunya, with its capital Barcelona, is famous for its excellent cuisine. Numerous Michelin stars have been awarded to restaurants in the area.
- The world's best cooks need a superior quality food industry, a vivid agricultural sector and a good political backing. Catalunya offers much of this, explaining the success and fame that this part of Spain has gained among gourmets and travelers, Anders L. Hansson explains.
- But a lot remains to be done. Exports and imports can further drive the regional development. Annors Development offers on-site Market research, Business Support and Sales in Barcelona, something that foreign companies looking for opportunities in Spain could take advantage of.
- My recent meetings with market and sales people from a Barcelona-based company in food processing, demonstrates the strength of Catalunya's industry. As they within short go international with their new innovation, Annors Development will offer its know-how in the Scandinavian and European markets, Anders sums up.
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Market research at Scandinavian journey
Stockholm - Copenhagen - Barcelona 23 December 2005
This week Anders L. Hansson visited companies in Stockholm and Copenhagen to find out more about their needs for the unique know-how offered by Sicurex and ISVI, Colombia.
Following a meeting in Bogotá earlier this fall, Annors Development now is researching the market in order to find out which services in security training, education and operations that the Colombian Sicurex-ISVI group can offer potential clients in Europe.
During his visit to Scandinavia, Anders L. Hansson also met business leaders from other industries, as well as people from media and politics.
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Talks with business leader in Colombia
Bogotá - Barcelona October 2005
During his current trip to Colombia, Anders L. Hansson held talks with the principal owner and president of Sicurex and ISVI, Luis Enrique La Rotta.
Sicurex and ISVI are two companies within the same group. Together they offer a unique concept in the security industry, based on the so-called Metis Philosophy. The concept has been developed througout several decades. The group is ISO 9001-certified.
- Colombia's rich natural resources, such as oil and a favorable climate, have contributed to the country's well-known problems with cocaine trade and guerilla activities. Organized crime is also wide-spread. At the same time, there is an immense economic activity and a rapid growth in some parts of Colombia. Big international companies are present. It's with all this in mind that one can understand the advanced security concept that Sicurex and ISVI stand for, Anders L. Hansson explains.
- The security industry in Europe could gain great input from the know-how that Sicurex and ISVI offer in training, education and operations, Anders continues.
- The Sicurex-ISVI group teaches and practices a full-blown security concept that starts out in a thought-thru theory taken to the highest operational levels. In the security industry this approach, which includes heavy cooperation with academics, is almost unknown. Hence, Sicurex-ISVI can be a most valuable complement in advancing the security industry also in Europe, Anders sums up.
Sicurex is aiming for the professionalization of the security industry, offering training and education at all levels - from the beginning guard up to advanced management level. Sicurex cooperates with a respected university of Bogotá.
Luis Enrique La Rotta (left), president of Sicurex and ISVI, meeting with Anders L. Hansson. Bogotá, Colombia, Oct. 2005.
ISVI is one of Latin America's leading companies in security services, holding some of the most prestigous accounts in Colombia and additional countries. ISVI is a first choice option for multinationals setting up in the region, and also for residing and visiting VIP's in need of licensed bodyguards. Security consultancy and investigations form an integrated part of the services. ISVI possesses its own command center.
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The Annors Development Projects Blog
Scania - Catalunya - Stockholm 23 September 2005
A new step in the history of Annors Development is being taken today as The Projects Blog opens up.
You may be familiar with the The Annors Development Blog which has been up running for quite some time now. “Europe of Regions - A World of Regions” is the focus that has found an extensive number of readers.
Even though issues around regional autonomy and related topics is a specialty of Annors Development, there is quite a bit more to it. Since The Annors Development Blog ought to stay focused, The Projects Blog has been set up to cover other issues and special projects.
Technically, The Projects Blog is a distinct creature, so if you would like to stay up-to-date with this new blog you need to subscribe separately. Welcome to inaugurate The Annors Development Projects Blog.
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A new season for Annors Development
Scania - Catalunya - Stockholm 31 August 2005
As the summer comes to an end, another exiting season of tasks to take care of, problems to analyze and opportunities to benefit from appear in the agenda.
Once again globalization, the European Union and business life will hit the headlines. And once again the topic of culture, in its deep sense, is likely to be exiled out of main stream media. That's too bad for those companies in search of higher profits, and for those politicians looking for ways to take economies ahead, thereby winning confidence and votes.
However, there are good signs: in the latest issue of TIME (Aug. 29, 2005) the cover story brings readers' attention to precisely this topic, as it looks into the revival of minority cultures in Europe. Stefan Wolff, a professor at Bath University, says a distinct cultural identity is a competitive advantage - in tourism and elsewhere.
Exactly! The interconnection of business and culture ought to be evident, and maybe it will someday. But to reach that point a lot of changes have to take place both in the ways that politicans and business people think and act. Annors Development is ready to assist in taking on this and many other challenges.
We look forward to develop mutually fruitful cooperation with former, current and new clients during the time to come. Happy autumn!
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Invitation by MEP Lena Ek
Brussels - Barcelona 23 June 2005
Member of the European Parliament, Mrs Lena Ek, invited a number of individuals from journalism, business and politics for a two day stay in Brussels. The purpose was to raise awareness on how the European Union works and how citizens, business, organizations and governments interact with EU institutions.
- Considering the current turbulence in the European Union, it's encouraging to see that Europe still has politicians with visions. The meeting with the chairman of Alliance of Liberals and Democrats for Europe (ALDE), Mr Graham Watson was inspiring. Considering ALDE's wide-reaching aspirations in the field of human rights and its recent establishment as a force within the Council of Europe, I do indeed expect ALDE member parties to make progress in terms of connecting fundamental cultural issues with the struggle for regional autonomy, Anders L. Hansson - one of Mrs Ek's guests - says.
- I hope that Lena Ek will be a bridge that can contribute in closing the gap between a Europe where respect for cultural diversity in many countries has been demonstrated hands-on, and a Sweden where those issues are almost un-discovered territory of today's politics.
The program in Brussels entailed visits to parliamentary committees in session, discussions with representatives from the offices of West Sweden and East Sweden, The Confederation of Swedish Enterprise, The Federation of Swedish Farmers (LRF), The Swedish Confederation of Professional Employees (TCO), The Swedish Association of Local Authorities and Regions (SALAR), DG Enterprise of the European Commission, and Sweden's Permanent Representation to the European Union.
Anders L. Hansson is now back in Barcelona and Catalunya for continued research on business and politics in the emerging Europe of Regions.
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Talks on regional autonomy in Scania
Scania - Barcelona 13 June 2005
The opposition coalition in Skåne gathered on Monday 13 June to discuss regional development. Anders L. Hansson was invited to speak on "Scania in Europe of Regions - From The Horizon of Catalunya".
As Sweden's central government is positioning itself in discussions about the future structure of the state, regional leaders are showing an increased interest in regional autonomy issues. Skåne, the southernmost province in Sweden, and one of four provinces in the historic region of Scania, is no exception. Skåne's politicians are now seeking a formula for the future.
- The more I learn about regional autonomy in Catalunya, the more possibilities I see for Skåne and Scania. If they can do it in Catalunya and Spain, then for sure it's possible to do it in Scania and Sweden. Scania is not condemned to submission, and Sweden is not condemned to eternal centralization, Anders L. Hansson argues.
During the seminar of Skåne's opposition coalition, Anders presented a concrete model for regional autonomy.
- It's a draft model that still has to be developed. But it can be used as a foundation for the rough political work that has to be done, is Scania going to succeed on its graveled road toward regional democracy.
- Furthermore, the model is not only aiming at Scania. It is based on general principles that can be used also in other European regions, for example in Sweden, Anders summarizes.
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Journalist Conference on security policy in Vienna
Vienna - Barcelona 14 May 2005
In order to improve understanding of security policies in a European and global perspective, Anders L. Hansson participated in a three-day conference for journalists. The site for the event was Vienna, the home to several international organizations.
- It was enlightening to be present at a meeting of the Permanent Council of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE), Anders comments. In many ways this organization of 55 European, Central Asian and North American goverments seems to be a creature for solving yesterday's problems. No real discussion takes place, and fundamental problems of Europe's security are being burried under a load of well-composed, but content-free, phrases.
- Long-term peace and prosperity in Europe and Central Asia can be safe-guarded only if innovative measures are being taken. This must involve continous consultation of legitimate regional governments as well as NGO's of various kinds, Anders suggests.
The Vienna conference also featured meetings with representa-tives of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC).
In addition, Anders L. Hansson held a separate meeting with Mr. Elmar Pichl, Head of the Policy department of the ruling Austrian People's Party (ÖVP). The topic for this encounter was Austria's approach to regional autonomy, i.e. the federal system and the changes that are likely to take place as a result of the recently finalized constitutional convent.
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Annors Development starts blog
Scania - Barcelona 15 April 2005
Starting April 2005, Annors Development will maintain a blog as part of the company website. Thereby another step is taken to enhance visibility and show decision-makers within politics and business that they may have more options than they knew of.
- The articles and opinions published on the blog will mainly be within the frame of our vision and concept, says Anders L. Hansson. In today's Europe where integration is a keyword and regionalization an essential factor, Annors Development can provide new ways to analyze society.
Last year Annors Development performed a mission for an international NGO. Currently, company founder Anders L. Hansson is studying politics of Catalunya and Spain on-site in Barcelona, subsequently writing analyses for Skånska Dagbladet, a leading regional daily in Malmö, Scania (southern Sweden).
- Annors Development is a fresh and sound alternative on the market for analysis. "Europe of Regions - A World of Regions" is a good starting point. We help decision-makers in business, politics and government administrations draw the right conclusions, Anders continues.
- Some opinions published on the blog will for sure not be within present mainstream ideas in, let's say, Sweden. But today analyses have to be put in a European and global perspective. If business and politics fail to do so, they will lose the global competition game, Anders sums up.
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Scania's autonomy in focus thru new initiative
Scania - Barcelona 5 March 2005
A group of influential individuals from politics, business and culture came together on Saturday 5 March to discuss problems and prospects of Scania's regional autonomy. The future-oriented meeting took place in a solid historical framework at Skivarp's Inn .
- Today's initiative is an important first step to find common ground for a stronger regional autonomy, says Anders L. Hansson, one of the participants. This pro-autonomy group is a sound political and organizational platform to build on.
Visible results of the new group's activities are to be expected in a few months.
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Anders L. Hansson rewarded for thesis on federalism
Stockholm - Barcelona 25 January 2005
The development of the European Union forces states all over the continent to overhaul their constitutions in order to meet the challenges of regionalization and internationalization. Federal solutions - well applied - have a great potential that can offer practical approaches also for states that currently are of the unitary kind.
The Center Party of Sweden has started to realize this and did therefore in 2003 adopt federalism as a foundation for its policies. In 2004 a thesis competition was announced to provoke a more lively debate also in Sweden. Even though written in 1997, Anders L. Hansson's thesis on the 1994 constitutional reform in Germany, turned out to be a winner.
The prize ceremony took place in the Parliament of Sweden on January 25th 2005. In connection with this, a seminar on federalism was held, and also broadcast on national tv.
Commenting on the thesis of Anders L. Hansson, professor Mr Olof Petersson of Uppsala University said that it's of "extraordinarily high class". In addition - and despite its eight years of age - "it is in many aspects directly applicable" in the work of the two parliamentary committees that currently are working on how to distribute powers and responsibilities in Sweden, the professor said.
Anders L. Hansson took the opportunity to warn that centralization can be a danger also in a federal system. Even though chances for regional self-determination are much better than in a unitary state, there's no guarantee that federalization gives border regions - such as Scania - fair possibilities for transborder cooperation.
Answering a question from the audience on how to achieve a broader and more vivid debate on federalism among citizens, Anders L. Hansson pointed out cultural and identity issues, since they are fundamental for the legitimacy of regional democracy.
Participating in the seminar were also two other award winners - Mr Richard Hellner and Ms Anna Johansson - as well as Center Party parliamentary group chair Ms Åsa Torstensson, Member of Parliament Ms Kerstin Lundgren and Mr Henrik Sjöholm, chief ideologist of the Center Party.
Read a brief summary of the thesis in English or the full version of the thesis in Swedish.
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Newspaper comeback for Anders L. Hansson
Malmö - Barcelona 28 December 2004
Starting January 2005 Anders L. Hansson will be back as an independent columnist in Skånska Dagbladet, a leading regional daily in Scania, Sweden.
Anders hopes that him being back as a political analyst in one of Scania's leading dailies will provoke more creative ways of thinking on the future of the region.
- In today's Europe where integration is a keyword and regionalization an essential factor, Stockholm-centered analyses can no longer provide us with the understanding we need to make progress and survive in a globalizing world. This is a fact, not only for Scania, but also for most of Sweden. Scania and other regions in Europe have to realize that their destiny must be seen in a European and global perspective.
It's not a first for Anders. Back in 1997 he was assigned as a staff editorial writer at the same newspaper. Building on his international background and many years of experience in government, NGOs as well as various industries, Anders L. Hansson now takes on the challenge to analyze Scania and its surrounding political and economic landscape with an innovative approach.
- Skånska Dagbladet offers a different platform than the Internet. The classic editorial pages of the big newspapers still have an important role in today's society, Anders summarizes.
For those who do not have access to the paper edition of Skånska Dagbladet or simply would like to maintain a better overview, Annors Development offers the option to follow - and debate - the columns in the blog section here at www.annors.com.
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Mission in The Hague
The Hague - Stockholm 23 December 2004
Annors Development performed a mission for Unrepresented Nations and Peoples Organization (UNPO) - an international NGO based in The Hague, The Netherlands.
- The UNPO is a unique human rights organization since it's run by representatives of the nations and peoples that form the focal point of all the organization's activities. Another important feature is that collective human rights are a priority to the UNPO, whereas most other human rights organizations are promoting individual human rights, Anders explains.
Today Anders L. Hansson, here at a picture with General Secretary Marino Busdachin, is leaving the UNPO Office of the General Secretary in The Hague, heading home to Scania for a short Christmas break.
Since early October he's been on-site at UNPO headquarters, assisting in the organization's political and financial endeavours.
- The UNPO is an extremely important initiative, founded back in 1991. Working together will hopefully allow its members to achieve recognition and political influence.
Anders' duties entailed traveling to Finland, Sweden and Denmark, where he promoted the UNPO in several ways. Fundraising was an important issue in all three countries.