Sweden is advocating more open, rules-based trade at a time when many countries are turning inward amid geopolitical and economic uncertainties, Swedish Ambassador to Bangladesh Nicolas Weeks has said.

“At a time when many are turning inward, Sweden is doing the opposite. Open, rules-based trade has built Swedish prosperity – and it has done the same for Bangladesh. The answer to today’s uncertainty is more trade, not less,” he said.

The ambassador made the remarks while addressing a session themed “Rewiring Global Trade” on the second day of the three-day Bay of Bengal Conversation 2026 on Sunday, the Swedish Embassy in Dhaka said on Monday.

The high-level discussion focused on how geopolitical shifts, economic nationalism, technological change and supply-chain vulnerabilities are reshaping global commerce.

As a small, export-dependent economy, Sweden has long been one of the world's strongest advocates of free trade, Weeks said.

He said Bangladesh's own story shows what openness can achieve: export-led growth has lifted millions out of poverty and is carrying the country towards LDC graduation.

Representing a European perspective, the Swedish envoy underlined that the European Union, Bangladesh's largest export market, remains committed to open markets and reliable partnerships, and that EU-Bangladesh trade will matter even more in the years after graduation.

Openness and sustainability go hand in hand, he said. “As global markets increasingly demand traceability and lower emissions, Swedish companies bring innovation and clean technology that help Bangladesh stay competitive. Through trade, both our countries grow stronger,” Weeks added.