Sweden's promotion policy
Promoting Sweden's economic interests and the image of Sweden is a core task of the entire Foreign Service. Trade, investment and promotion of Sweden are closely linked with the Government's efforts to establish better rules in the EU internal market and to increase free trade globally. Sweden is a trade-dependent country and a strong supporter of free trade. All the parties represented in the Riksdag support the free trade line.
Sweden's image
Two thirds of our exports go through just 100 or so companies. This makes us dependent on the success of these companies. Expanding the export base - both encouraging more companies to export and exporting to more markets - is completely essential for Sweden. Achieving this requires promotion of Sweden's image, Swedish exports and investments in Sweden.
Initiatives to strengthen Sweden's image - Sweden as a 'brand' - create knowledge, interest and confidence in what Sweden and its partners have to offer.
One of the most important tasks of missions abroad is to provide support and advice to companies that are active internationally. Promotion carried out by missions abroad has several obvious strengths: access to decision-makers, practical help to Swedish companies on-site and dealing with trade barriers.
Trade barriers
Trade barriers are a considerable problem for many companies. This may involve problems for export companies trying to gain entry into markets as well as obstacles to Swedish companies starting up abroad. The MFA has produced a handbook as part of the efforts to identify and combat trade barriers. It is intended to provide support in the day-to-day work of assisting companies.
If a company experiences trade barriers within the EU/EEA, it should contact SOLVIT, which is a European network for handling trade-related problems. The National Board of Trade is Sweden's SOLVIT representative.
The Swedish Trade Council helps Swedish companies
The Swedish Trade Council is the organisation tasked with helping Swedish companies enter the export market. The services provided by the Swedish Trade Council can help overcome many of the difficulties that may arise when expanding internationally. With its global network of over 60 offices around the world, the Swedish Trade Council has sound knowledge of the conditions and needs that exist in various markets.
Companies that want to invest in Sweden
Similarly, Invest Sweden can help foreign companies that want to invest in Sweden. This can involve investments in existing companies and setting up new companies in Sweden. Invest Sweden is represented in practically all areas of Sweden and in a number of locations around the world.
Export market rules
A more efficient internal market within the EU and a conclusion of the Doha Round within the WTO will create stable rules that make it easier for companies to enter the export market. This will benefit Sweden and Swedish companies as well as the rest of the world, not least developing countries that need to get their trade working efficiently so as to start down the road of free trade that leads to prosperity and development.
- Swedish Trade Council
- Swedish Export Credits Guarantee Board
- Invest Sweden
- National Board of Trade
- The Swedish Institute (SI)
