On 18 December, the Swedish government unveiled Made with Sweden, an initiative to increase Swedish exports, promote investment and strengthen international cooperation in a time of growing protectionism.

Trade barriers and protectionism threaten the open market that has been crucial to Sweden’s prosperity.

History shows that trade and cooperation have led to progress and growth, while isolation is a dead end. To counteract this, the Swedish government is now launching Made with Sweden. 

The government has instructed the Swedish Institute, Business Sweden, the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency, the Swedish Export Credit Agency and the National Board of Trade to support the Made with Sweden initiative, which will increase Swedish exports, promote investment and strengthen international collaboration.

Sweden’s missions abroad have been instructed to prioritize the initiative in the coming years.

“We want to attract investment to Sweden. But we also want Swedish companies to invest abroad. We want production from foreign companies in Sweden, as well as Swedish production overseas. We want the world’s talents here – but we also want our young people to discover the world and our researchers to collaborate with the best research institutes in the world. We want our goods on their shelves, and their goods on ours. In a world that is turning inwards, Sweden is standing up for openness,” says Minister for International Development Cooperation and Foreign Trade Benjamin Dousa.

The initiative is a concerted push for free trade and collaboration in which Swedish companies, academia, public institutions and civil society are also invited to highlight the value of global partnerships and together stand up for free trade and cooperation. 

“In a world where protectionism has increasingly become the new normal, Sweden is taking a different path. Our prosperity, innovation and security are based on free trade and cooperation with like-minded people. Made with Sweden is a clear message that Sweden remains internationally-oriented, open and deeply rooted in global partnerships,” says Joar Forssell, foreign policy spokesperson for the Liberal Party.

“Made with Sweden is a concerted initiative to promote Swedish exports and innovation to strengthen Sweden’s position as a leading free trade nation globally. Free trade is a prerequisite for increased global prosperity and fighting poverty,” says Camilla Brodin, group leader for the Christian Democrats. 

The initiative will include special promotion initiatives in countries with potential for entering into free trade agreements, better follow-up of how embassies and Team Sweden actors contribute to deals for Swedish companies, and initiatives to attract world-class talent to Sweden.

It also includes an increased Swedish presence and new initiatives to strengthen the partnership with Ukraine. Support for the internationalization of Swedish companies will be increased, with a particular focus on small and medium-sized enterprises. 

“So, when others say ‘Made in’, we say ‘Made with’. That is why the Government is launching Made with Sweden today,” adds Mr Dousa. 

Swedish Government