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PEOPLE IN-DEPTH
Meet H.E. Sten Schwede, the First Ambassador of Estonia to South Korea
February 16, 2023
In January this year, the world’s first Estonian Business Hub opened its doors to the public. With the aim of further strengthening the Estonia-Republic of Korea relationship and bringing together the Estonian and Korean entrepreneurs, the Hub introduces Estonia, business/investment environment and its culture, to visitors.
Ambassador of Estonia to South Korea H.E. Sten Schwede speaks with ECCK at the Estonian Business Hub in Seoul on Jan. 27.
The ECCK sat down with H.E. Sten Schwede, Ambassador of Estonia to South Korea at the Estonian Business Hub located on the 1st floor of Seoul Square building, where beautiful bird sounds were welcoming us. “Estonia’s relationship with South Korea has been improving constantly. Slowly, yet step by step, we have established tools to carry out important diplomatic duties.” stated H.E. Sten Schwede in speaking with the ECCK on January 27, 2023.
Thank you for your time. Could you please introduce you and the country Estonia?
I am the first in-residence ambassador to South Korea. Some of the reasons behind that is to come closer to Korea, to build stronger ties and to promote business here.
Estonia is a country in Northern Europe, and we have been a European Union member country since 2004. In terms of size, it could be said that Estonia is a relatively small nation. However, with its fast-growing digital society, I would have to say Estonia is a nation full of opportunities.
EstonianWay of Midsummer #20. Courtesy Visit Estonia
Tallinn by Roman Neiman/Vanaisa. Courtesy Visit Estonia
How would you explain the relationship between Estonia and South Korea?
Over 30 years of diplomatic relations between the two countries, the tie has been constantly growing over the years.
In 2018, former president of Estonia Kersti Kaljulaid visited Korea to attend the 2018 PyeongChang Olympic Games. She was impressed and amazed by what she saw so she decided to visit the country one more time in October of the same year. This was a significant improvement made to the relationship between the two parties since the establishment of their diplomatic ties in 1991.
One year later, a political decision was made to open an embassy here in Korea. Then, in 2021, I came to Korea as the very first ambassador residing in the country, along with the establishment of the Estonian diplomatic mission here in this building. Now with the opening of the first Estonian Business Hub, the relations between the two nations is expected to grow further.
Since your arrival to Korea in 2021, how has your time in Korea been?
Although it was middle of COVID-19, I still could enjoy a new life. It was meaningful in that I got to learn a lot about Korea. What I have observed is that Koreans are like Estonians when it comes to their mindsets, the way they think. We are curious and open to innovation like Koreans. That is why we became the first country with e-Government service.
Plus, meeting people and traveling to various regions and different cities in Korea was great.
What is Estonian Business Hub? Could you explain to us about the Hub?
The whole idea of the Business Hub is to be open to the public and to introduce Estonia and its business/investment environment. Anybody could visit the hub, read booklets, ask questions about Estonia, take a look at our permanent and themed exhibitions. The hub’s ongoing exhibition especially covers Estonia’s e-government, e-Residency program, its culture- food and tourism. This would be a great opportunity for visitors to learn more about Estonia’s digital industry.
Aside from this, in the future, we are planning to run business clubs and host events here at the Business Hub, where Estonian and Korean entrepreneurs could meet up, network, and listen to informative lectures.
Courtesy Estonian Business Hub Seoul
Not to mention Estonia’s IT industry; Estonia is considered as one of the most tech-oriented countries. How did Estonia become a digital society?
Estonia’s first e-service was launched in 2000. Now, the majority of government administrative services are provided and conducted online.
This would not have been possible without the societal trust in government. Building trust with the public is very important. When the e-Government system was first introduced, over 20 years ago, the usage of social media was not as widespread as it is now, and there were not many problems and concerns related to cyber security. In that sense, building public trust and introducing the e-Government system was possible. Of course, when the government proceeds with its policies, it has made constant efforts to gain public trust by proceeding through sufficient agreement with the people and making sure of the security of personal information and so forth.
H.E. Sten Schwede talks about Estonia’s timber industry featured as the first special exhibition
of the Estonian Business Hub in Seoul on Jan. 27.
What is unique about Estonian culture? What are some of the interesting facts to share with the ECCK Connect readers?
Estonia’s timber industry would be a good one to talk about. Half of Estonia is covered by forests. That is why, as the very first special exhibition here at the Estonian Business Hub, we have decided to introduce the timber industry, which is one of the main industries in Estonia that contributes to a zero-waste economy.
The entrepreneurial mindset of the Estonians would be another one. Estonia is a leading startup nation in Europe, having the most startups per capita in Europe. It is the birthplace of 10 unicorn companies- Skype, Playtech, Wise and Bolt, to name a few.
Estonian Way of Diving #26. Courtesy Visit Estonia
From the perspective of businessmen, what would you say about doing business in Estonia?
With e-Residency of Estonia, global citizens can register and open a business in Estonia remotely. 100% of the process is online, without having to physically be in Estonia; a few hours is what you need. This hassle-free service is vital as it saves valuable time and money for businessmen. And a business registered in Estonia has an access to the European Union single market.
As of January this year, the total number of e-residents of Estonia reached 99,613 with over 24,000 Estonian companies established by them . Additionally, already 1,869 South Koreans have registered as e-residents and through them, 172 companies have been created. To support them, we are planning to hold regular meet-up events here at the Estonian Business Hub.
Additionally, we are dedicated to supporting our e-residents by providing a full-package service. It does not end by just helping them set up a business in Estonia. From running the business, finding the right partners, to doing related business work such as accounting, etc., we provide businessmen with all the necessary information and support needed.
Plus, all the important information provided on our state-agency pages is in three languages: Estonian, English, and Russian.
Before we conclude, do you have any messages for the ECCK Connect readers?
Please visit Estonia when you are in the region, especially for summer vacation! It is the perfect time to visit Estonia because visitors can experience the famous White Nights. Come and experience the beautiful summer days when darkness barely exists.
About the Estonian Business Hub Seoul
- Location: 1F, Seoul Square 416 Hangang-daero Jung-gu Seoul, Korea (04637)
- Opening Hours: 11:00 – 18:00 (Mon – Fri)
- Exhibition can be visited at any time during opening hours without any separate reservation.
- Webpage: www.linkedin.com/company/estonian-business-hub-seoul/
