- Globally we can see continued expansionary monetary policies from the Central Banks and we foresee strong dependence on them over a long period, said Daniel Bergvall, Economist at SEB Economic Research, as he presented SEB's latest Nordic Outlook on Thursday, 21 May.

Published quarterly, and analyzing the economic situation in the Nordic-Baltic region as well as Europe and the rest of the world, the Nordic Outlook is one of the key publications from SEB's Economic Research unit.

- As for Estonia, and Latvia and Lithuania, we have a similar economic development; consumption is providing decent growth in all three countries, continued Daniel.

- Sweden is dealing with policy dilemmas and the question is whether loosening the economic policy framework will make Sweden a leaderless country.

- Two of Estonia's closest neighbors have their problems to deal with. Finland has a structural crisis. An industrial restructuring is in the pipeline but there are no big improvements in sight. We expect a broad GDP decline in Russia, driven by the oil price slide, the ruble depreciation and the ongoing sanctions, concluded Daniel Bergvall.

A more comprehensive report on SEB's Nordic Outlook May 2015 will follow in the coming issue of focus - the magazine of the Swedish Chamber of Commerce in Estonia.

On behalf of all participants, I would like to thank Daniel Bergvall for yet another very interesting presentation on the current economic challenges. My thanks also go to Meriton Grand Conference & Spa Hotel, and my colleagues in the British, Finnish and German-Baltic Chambers of Commerce in Estonia for a good cooperation in setting up this Business Lunch.

Sincerely,

Kristiina Sikk

SCCE Ombudsman