Asia-Pacific (APAC)

• The region currently represents around 40 per cent of the global economy 

• Asia and the Pacific contributes nearly 60 per cent of global GDP growth, with the fastest growth in India 

• Demand is strong for Swedish products and solutions, particularly in sustainability, transport, medtech, and environmental technology 

• More than 60 per cent of the world’s population, nearly five billion people, live in Asia and the Pacific 

• Urbanisation in the region is one of the world’s largest structural shifts, with more than 2.2 billion people already living in cities and a further 1.2 billion expected by 2050 

• Of the world’s more than 30 megacities, 19 are in Asia 

The Asia-Pacific region is one of the world’s most dynamic growth regions: not a single market, but an ecosystem of fast-growing economies, technologies, and specialised value chains. 

Swedish companies have long had a strong presence in the Asia-Pacific region, which now offers some of the world’s largest business opportunities for Swedish companies. This is driven by strong economic growth, extensive investment, and a rapid shift towards more sustainable and digital economies. Much of this presence is built on major industrial companies, which have helped create strong trust in Swedish solutions, technology, and quality. 

For small and medium-sized enterprises, however, the region can still be difficult to navigate because of long distances, diverse business cultures, and limited internal resources. 

At the same time, the region faces significant climate and energy challenges, driving rapidly increasing demand for sustainable and technologically advanced solutions. Swedish companies, regardless of size, are well positioned, provided they combine local market understanding with the right partnerships, and a clear market strategy.

Asia and the Pacific is a vast region with diverse cultures, religions, and languages. Business Sweden has offices in 13 markets across the region and more than 150 business developers, each with deep knowledge of local markets and conditions.