Sweden's top representative here Henrik Bystrom said Thursday that a planned trade pact between Taiwan and China should be conducive to closer cross-Taiwan Strait trade ties and that it is something looked forward to by many people. Bystrom was referring to an economic cooperation framework agreement (ECFA), which Taiwan hopes to sign with China by early next year. He made the comments after receiving an Economic Medal from Minister of Economic Affairs Shih Yen-shiang at the ministry for his outstanding contribution to Taiwan-Sweden exchanges in both the government and private sectors. In principle, the pact should be a pact that would help Taiwan and China forge closer trade and economic relations -- which Bystrom said will be a welcome development for many people. He hailed Taiwan as an open society with friendly people and a bright future, but he pointed out that Taiwan is facing a serious challenge of building value- added brands in the world market amid fierce competition in the region as many Taiwan-based companies have relocated their operations to China. Bystrom, who has been representative of the Swedish Trade Council Taipei since August 2001, will retire from the post by the end of this year. During his tenure of more than 10 years in Taipei, the Swedish envoy has helped push the two countries to clinch mutually beneficial pacts on two-way cooperation concerning energy and environment conservation, telecommunications, and the avoidance of double taxation. During the decade Bystrom has served in his post, the number of Swedish firms with a stronghold in Taipei grew from 35 to 70 at present. 