SWEDISH TRADE COUNCIL

EXPORTRDET

SWEDISH COMPANIES NEED TO GROW INTERNATIONALLY. WE KNOW HOW.

Sweden has long been a significant export nation with many internationally successful companies. Exports represent more than 50 percent of GDP and make an important contribution to Swedens prosperity. Today, two thirds of the total export value can be attributed to some 100 multinational companies, but many small and medium-sized companies have the potential to grow internationally. With more than 35 years of export experience, a local presence in the worlds most attractive markets and a wide range of services, the Swedish Trade Council can offer the right support for every company interested in fulfilling its export potential.

The Swedish Trade Council, founded in 1972, is jointly owned by the Swedish business community and the state. In addition to our commercial consulting activities to support companies individually in their process of internationalization, we operate publicly financed assignments to promote Swedish exports and create favorable conditions for Swedish companies. We do this through providing qualified export information, and offering specific services developed for small and medium-sized companies, as well as selected programs targeting strategic sectors. Our core mission is to make it easier for Swedish companies to grow internationally. Through our joint private/public ownership and our institutional relationship with the Swedish Foreign Service, we enjoy a unique position for supporting Swedish trade and industry internationally. This also lends us credibility that opens many of the doors that would otherwise remain closed to Swedish companies.

WE CAN OFFER THE BEST OF BOTH WORLDS: PRIVATE AND PUBLIC.

CLOSE TO BUSINESS WORLD-WIDE. AND TO CLIENTS AT HOME.

The entire organization, in Sweden and that each client company gets strategic and hands-on assistance.

We have more than 60 offices worldwide, in the markets where Swedish companies want to be and where their future customers are. We work closely with the Swedish Foreign Service, chambers of commerce and other partners to cover most of the worlds markets, developed and emerging. In Sweden, our Regional Export Advisors network locally with partner institutions in all counties to identify and support companies with the potential to grow internationally. Our head office in Stockholm hosts central functions for expertise in foreign trade rules and market information.

abroad, works as one to ensure the right support, providing them with both

A NATURAL BUSINESS PARTNER. EVERY STEP OF THE WAY.

A NATURAL BUSINESS PARTNER. EVERY STEP OF THE WAY. A NATURAL BUSINESS PARTNER. EVERY STEP

The Swedish Trade Council offers a wide range of services, covering every step and aspect of the internationalization process: building the necessary know-how, selecting the right market, getting the right contacts, becoming established on-site and expanding the business. Most services are financed by the companies themselves, but some of them are fully or partly financed within our publicly sponsored assignments. We act on the basis of profitability but without any requirement for dividends to our owners.

OF THE WAY. A NATURAL BUSINESS PARTNER. EVERY STEP OF THE WAY. A NATURAL BUSINESS PARTNER.

EXPORT INFORMATION AND EXPERTISE

Internationalization starts at home. The better the preparations and the higher the export competence, the greater the chances of success. In order to offer Swedish companies the best possible conditions, we provide qualified information about business opportunities, markets and foreign trade rules, e.g. product demands, customs, labeling rules, payment structures and financing. Most information is accessible on our website swedishtrade.se either free of charge or as subscribed services. Our specialists also answer individual questions and arrange seminars and workshops on export-related issues.

A NATURAL BUSINESS PARTNER. EVERY STEP OF THE WAY. A NATURAL BUSINESS PARTNER. EVERY STEP

TAILORED BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT

Our consulting activities are mainly conducted in the foreign markets where we operate. With profound knowledge of each market, Swedish and local personnel on site can offer customized services to individual companies. These services span every step of a companys internationalization process, from examining the opportunities in a market and choosing a strategy, to establishing a presence and developing its business. If the company is ready to go abroad, we can conduct a market selection analysis where we identify one or more relevant markets in terms of business potential and barriers to entry. To give themselves a flying start on a new market, companies can use our resources locally through a Business Support Office arrangement. This business incubator concept includes everything from office space and administrative services to operational support from our consultants.

OF THE WAY. A NATURAL BUSINESS PARTNER. EVERY STEP OF THE WAY. A NATURAL BUSINESS PARTNER.

SPECIAL SUPPORT TO SMALL COMPANIES

Within our publicly funded assignments, we provide several services designed to help small and mediumsized companies grow internationally. Companies with limited or no export experience can receive assistance from our Regional Export Advisors in analyzing their export potential, with the objective of developing a business plan for the companys internationalization. Small companies, ready to export and with the intention to try their chances in a certain market, can benefit from our service Business Opportunity Project, partially financed under our Government assignment. This service comprises a package of start-up services supporting the first step into a new market. We undertake a survey of the market selected, arrange meetings with potential partners and customers and produce an action plan for further activities.

A NATURAL BUSINESS PARTNER. EVERY STEP OF THE WAY. A NATURAL BUSINESS PARTNER. EVERY STEP

TRADE PROMOTION
Government-sponsored assignments to promote Swedish trade and exports include several targeted activities, for example showcasing Swedish competence within strategically important industries where Swedish companies have a competitive edge. Some activities have a more general goal to reinforce the image of Sweden and to expand business contacts between Swedish and foreign companies. We have an extensive network, in Sweden and abroad, including high-level political contacts. We also assist in organizing commercial delegations in connection with state visits. Activities are also carried out in partnership with the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (Sida), with the aim of contributing to the economic development in countries where traditional development cooperation is being phased out. The partnership will open up opportunities for Swedish companies while at the same time stimulating sustainable development in support of a process going from aid to trade.

OF THE WAY. A NATURAL BUSINESS PARTNER. EVERY STEP OF THE WAY. A NATURAL BUSINESS PARTNER.

CORPORATE SOCIAL
Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) will enhance the competitive edge of Swedish companies in international business. Swedish companies are expected to act in accordance with international standards and principles of human rights, labor law, sustainable development and anti-corruption. The Swedish Trade Council inspires and supports its clients to follow the OECD Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises and to respect the ten principles contained in the United Nations Global Compact. We provide appropriate information and good advice on CSR-related issues and challenges.

RESPONSIBILITY (CSR)

Exportrdet / Swedish Trade Council, PO Box 240, SE-101 24 Stockholm, Sweden T +46 8 588 660 00 F +46 8 588 661 90, info@swedishtrade.se www.swedishtrade.se