Nordic links to Manila

In a world where partnerships shape progress, Sweden and the Philippines are strengthening their collaboration through innovation, sustainability and economic development.

From disaster resilience to infrastructure and private sector investment, Swedish officials reinforced their commitment to deepening ties during a high-level visit to the Philippines recently.

State Secretary to the Minister for International Development Cooperation and Foreign Trade, Diana Janse and Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency Director General Jakob Granit led the delegation.

Their meetings with key Philippine government agencies, including the Departments of Finance, National Defense, Foreign Affairs, Transport, and Information and Communications Technology, underscored Sweden’s role as a strategic partner in the country’s development.

One of the visit’s highlights was the signing of a new Swedfund grant to support public transportation development.

The agreement, witnessed at the Department of Transportation, signals Sweden’s commitment to helping the Philippines modernize its transport infrastructure.

In Clark, Swedish officials explored new areas of cooperation in disaster resilience, an area where Sweden’s expertise and technology can play a crucial role.

A meeting with DICT, the World Food Program and the Philippine Disaster Resilience Foundation showcased efforts to enhance the country’s emergency response capacity.

Ericsson Response, the disaster relief arm of Swedish telecommunications giant Ericsson, demonstrated its Government Emergency Communications Service-Mobile Operations Vehicles, which provide rapid, reliable communication in disaster-hit areas.

Sweden’s involvement in the Philippines’ transport sector also took center stage during discussions with the Bases Conversion and Development Authority.

The delegation expressed support for the Subic-Clark-Manila-Batangas Freight Railway Project, which Sweden is helping develop through technical assistance from Swedfund.

The project is poised to enhance the country’s logistics capabilities and drive economic growth.

Beyond government partnerships, Swedish businesses continue to expand their presence in the Philippines.

During a visit to OSM Group, a Swedish consumer electronics and engineered soft goods company, State Secretary Janse highlighted how Swedish investments contribute to local job creation and technology transfer.

OSM Group, recognizing the Philippines’ skilled workforce, plans to expand its industrial footprint in 2025, further strengthening economic ties between the two nations.

Sweden’s commitment to innovation and sustainability was also underscored through a new $200-million guarantee agreement signed between Sida and the Asian Development Bank.

The guarantee will unlock investments aimed at addressing climate change in Southeast Asia, reinforcing Sweden’s role as a global leader in green financing and sustainable development.

With Sweden allocating around 3.5 percent of its GDP to research and development, the visit reaffirmed its commitment to fostering long-term collaboration with the Philippines.

From modernizing transport infrastructure to enhancing disaster resilience and driving private-sector investment, Sweden continues to position itself as a key partner in the country’s pursuit of sustainable economic growth.