Norrbotten - Export Region of the Year 2022

Long-term and strategic work has made Norrbotten a strong export region. Today, the government recognized the successes, which gave the Export Region of the Year award to Norrbotten. “The region has succeeded exceptionally well in its export promotion and is a true role model for others,” the statement reads.

The award is the government's way of recognizing Swedish exports, and especially small and medium-sized enterprises. The government also wants to inspire regions where different actors have successfully supported export companies through collaboration.

- Despite long distances within the region and a relatively small population, the Norrbotten Region is exceptionally successful in increasing exports through strategic export collaboration, both locally and across borders, says Minister of Foreign Trade Anna Hallberg in the government's press release.

The Minister presented the award today in the presence of Prince Daniel. It was received by Sabrina Suikki, International Coordinator at the Norrbotten Chamber of Commerce.

The Norrbotten Region collaborates with the Norrbotten Chamber of Commerce in several initiatives that affect exports. For example, the LUX project, which aims to help Norrbotten companies succeed in taking the step into the world.

- Companies should feel that they have strong support from stakeholders who rally behind them and are with them all the way. This is necessary for companies to dare to take the step to invest in exports. We at Region Norrbotten are very grateful for the collaboration with the Norrbotten Chamber of Commerce and are delighted with the award, says Janus Brandin, Regional Development Director.

World-leading products and services from Norrbotten have reached an international market. Regional Councilor Nils-Olov Lindfors (C) takes the opportunity to pay tribute to the entrepreneurs who have dared to take the step.

- Norrbotten is not only the front runner globally in the green transition but also at the top in terms of Swedish exports. It is a very nice award that Norrbotten has received today and a result of hard and innovative work from the county's entrepreneurs, says Lindfors.

Winner's motivation Export Region of the Year:

Despite Norrbotten being a large region with long distances and a relatively small population, the region has succeeded exceptionally well in its export promotion and is a true role model for others - companies in Norrbotten even managed to increase exports during the pandemic years (between 2019 – 2021).

Norrbotten also had the largest increase in goods export value for small and medium-sized enterprises among all 21 regions during the period 2016-2021. Despite being the last to form a regional export cooperation, the region has not only demonstrated strong cooperation between various local actors but also worked across borders with counterparts in Finland and Norway.

Norrbotten is also good at exporting valuable cutting-edge technology, including in the space and energy sectors.

Contact persons

Name: Janus Brandin
Title: Regional Development Director
Switchboard: 0920-28 40 00

Name: Nils-Olov Lindfors
Title: Regional Councilor (C)
Switchboard: 0920-28 40 00