International Trade Policy
Minister for Trade Ewa Björling and Minister for International Cooperation Gunilla Carlsson with the WTO Secretary-General, Pascal Lamy. (Enhanced Integrated Framework Conference, Stockholm, September 25 2007. Photo: Petra Hansson/MFA
Free trade is essential to Swedens welfare. This is why Sweden is vigorously pursuing open, simple and fair conditions for international trade and investment. This contributes to growth, employment and sustainable development.
Through its membership of the EU, Sweden takes part in shaping trade policy for one of the most important actors in the international trade policy arena.
In connection with its membership of the EU, Sweden became fully integrated into the EU internal market and part of its common external trade policy. For the trade in goods, and to a certain extent services as well, membership of the EU means that the right to legislate and enter into agreements with other countries has been transferred to the Union. The European Commission represents EU member countries in fora such as the World Trade Organization.
