His Majesty the King, industry minister Maud Olofsson and company executives travel to China to boost bilateral trade.

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The aim of the trip, kicking off Thursday, is to strengthen cooperation with China on innovation, environmental technology and issues concerning small businesses and corporate social responsibility, Sweden’s Foreign Department said in a statement.

"Becoming a more innovative society lies at the heart of current Chinese development strategy and is closely linked to the concept of 'scientific development'. Sweden is one of the most innovative nations in the world and with more multinational companies per capita than almost any other country", Sweden's Ambassador in Beijing Mikael Lindström said.

"The Swedish model of organizing society can provide answers to some of the challenges facing China in the continuing modernization of the country and its economy".

The visit will also mark 60 years of diplomatic relations between Sweden and China. On the 9th of May 1950 Sweden became the first Western country to establish diplomatic relations with China.

The Swedish King and Industry Minister will meet with president Hu Jintao, vice prime minister Li Keqiang and other Chinese government officials. Government agreements and business contracts between the two countries is expected to be signed.

In connection with the state visit the Swedish Trade Council orchestrates a massive delegation trip – with top-level representatives from a number of Swedish
companies – to boost Swedish innovations and clean technology.

"When a King, a deputy prime minister and a heavy business delegation arrives the opportunities increase to meet the right people at the highest level in both business and government", Mats Bergman, head of the Swedish Trade Council in China, told the TT newswire.

Maud Olofsson and King Carl XVI Gustaf will also take part in a round-table discussion with Swedish and Chinese companies and a major conference looking at innovation and growth, organised by the Swedish Governmental Agency for Innovation Systems, Vinnova.

Maud Olofsson will give the opening address at the Global Summit of Women, which brings together female political leaders from around the world.

Sweden-China Innovation Week, a joint project between the Embassy of Sweden in Beijing, a number of leading Swedish multinational companies with a strong commitment to China, the Swedish Chamber of Commerce in China and the Swedish Trade Council, officially kicks off on Sunday May 16 as part of the celebration of the 60th anniversary of Sweden-China diplomatic relations.

Unsurprisingly, China is Sweden’s most important trading partner in Asia. During this year's first two month Sweden's export to China increased to 4.87 billion kronor ($676 million) from 4.28 billion the same period a year earlier, according to figures from The Swedish Trade Council. Last year Swedish export to China amounted to 31.30 billion kronor, up 20 percent compared to 2008.