Published by Mark Smith-HalvorsenContinuing gains in the Swedish krona could provide a model for German chancellor Angela Merkel in her efforts to bring stability to the euro area, it has been suggested.The country is currently witnessing rising interest rates and a stronger krona, and is prospering through continued export growth.Results of a successful focus on competitiveness, which Ms Merkel is urging, can be seen in Sweden at the moment, Bloomberg suggests.Export demand for a range of products is helping to support Swedish industry and the country's economy.Interest rates have been put up by the central bank to 1.25 per cent and the krona has continued to strengthen against the euro.Sweden is currently eyeing continued export growth. Finance minister Anders Borg told Bloomberg in an interview earlier this month that "very strong growth" will likely lead to a "stronger exchange rate" in the future.Earlier this year, Ms Merkel and French president Nicolas Sarkozy called for a "Pact for Competitiveness" in order to improve integration across the euro zone and support the single currency.For more information on international payments, visit our Smart FX site