The Swedish government on Tuesday presented a proposal to the parliament on creating a more effective and forceful organization to promote exports and investment.

According to Trade Minister Ewa Bjorling, the essence of the government's proposal was to merge the Swedish Trade Council and Invest Sweden, which were currently managing public promotion of exports and foreign investments.

"Trade and investment go hand in hand. Sweden must keep pace with developments and this is why the government is proposing a new organization to promote both foreign trade and foreign investment in Sweden," said the minister.

She added that the idea was supported by the business sector, which had been a necessary condition for the government's proposal.

Similar mergers have been carried out in several countries, including Britain, Denmark and Germany, said the government in a statement.

The new organization can start operation in 2013 if the parliament approves the Government Bill, the government said.