Kosmopolit project
The Kosmopolit project is the Government's special initiative to make use of the unique skills of people born abroad to increase foreign trade, create more jobs and generate higher growth.
In 2007, Minister for Trade Ewa Björling initiated a project to make use of the unique skills of people born abroad to increase Swedish trade with the rest of the world. The initiative was consolidated under the name 'Kosmopolit project' in 2009.
Immigration contributes to increased foreign trade
A study published in the Swedish magazine 'Ekonomisk debatt' (no 7, November 2009), shows that immigration to Sweden contributes to increased Swedish foreign trade. For example, it shows that an increase in the number of people born abroad by some 12 000 individuals would lead to an increase in exports by as much as SEK 7 billion.
Entrepreneurs who were born abroad have good knowledge of the business culture, politics, language and religion of their former home countries. They are in a particularly good position to conduct cross-border trade and can also help lead the way for other Swedish companies.
Network for entrepreneurs
The initiative includes a number of measures to support small and medium-sized companies. In 2007, for example, the Government allocated SEK 4 million to the Swedish Trade Council to set up networks for entrepreneurs with a foreign background. Today, networks of this kind are found in five regions throughout Sweden, with participants from a range of industries and countries of origin.
