Handelsfrämjandet

Handelsfrämjandet, or trade promotion, denotes the set of public and private initiatives aimed at supporting the growth of trade and the competitiveness of firms, especially small and medium-sized enterprises, in domestic and international markets. The concept encompasses policies, programs and services designed to help companies enter new markets, increase exports, attract investment, and improve market access through information, networks and financing options. In practice, handelsfrämjandet is realized through a mix of government actions, public agencies, regional authorities, industry organizations and business interest groups.

In Sweden, the most visible instrument of handelsfrämjandet is Business Sweden, the government-backed export promotion agency created to help Swedish companies grow internationally and to attract foreign investment. Other components include policy work on trade and investment, market intelligence and matchmaking services, participation in trade fairs and trade missions, and provision of information and advisory services on export controls, standards and regulations. Public finance and risk-sharing instruments, such as export credits or guarantees administered by national agencies, also form part of the toolkit alongside private sector financiers.

Historically, handelsfrämjandet has evolved from bilateral trade offices and chamber-of-commerce activities to organized national programs that coordinate information, networks and financing. In recent decades, emphasis has shifted toward global value chains, digital trade, and targeted industry clusters.

See also: export promotion, economic diplomacy, international trade.