Embassy of Sweden in Manila

Season’s Greetings from the Embassy of Sweden and Business Sweden in Manila! 🎄🎇 Team Sweden is incredibly grateful for the amazing support from all our partners this year. We look forward to continued collaboration in 2025!

Ambassador Harald Fries attended the launch of the Volvo EX30, the brand’s first fully electric subcompact SUV. The EX30 has world-renowned safety features and the lowest carbon footprint of any Volvo car to date. This is a step towards the company’s goal to become a fully electric company, globally by 2030, with a larger ambition of being climate neutral by 2040.

The Sweden Alumni Network in the Philippines (SAN PH) gathered for a year-end event hosted by Ambassador Harald Fries and Mme. Susan Fries. SAN PH is composed of Filipinos who have studied in Swedish universities, including the World Maritime University in Malmö, have been granted and fulfilled scholarships from Sweden, or have finished training programs organized by the Swedish Institute and other Swedish agencies. The event was an opportunity for the alumni to reconnect with each other and brainstorm ideas to promote the Team Sweden brand in their various industries.

Call for Scholarship Applications 📢 Are you passionate about shaping the future? This is your chance to gain valuable expertise, cultivate innovative ideas, and make a positive impact. The Swedish Institute welcomes women from the Philippines to apply for its fully funded scholarship, aimed at those ready to lead change, tackle global challenges, and develop lasting solutions. ❗The deadline for applications is 15 January 2025. Check the scholarship details and important dates here: https://lnkd.in/dDUWkzc5

Today, Team Sweden launched its 2024 Philippine Market Report. The report provides an in-depth analysis of the dynamic economic landscape in the Philippines, highlighting opportunities for Swedish companies and further enhancing bilateral trade relations between the two nations. The 2024 Philippine Market Report uncovers opportunities across critical sectors such as infrastructure, renewable energy, digital transformation, sustainable mining, and healthcare innovations. It also highlights the vibrant and fast-growing consumer goods sector, alongside BPO and manufacturing. These sectors are poised to play a central role in driving the Philippines’ continued economic growth, offering Swedish companies the chance to leverage their innovative solutions, cutting-edge technology, and sustainability expertise to meet evolving demands. During the launch, Swedish business leaders, government representatives, and key stakeholders gathered to strengthen existing partnerships and explore new avenues for growth and cooperation. The Philippine government’s support in driving investment and economic development has been integral in creating a robust environment for Swedish businesses to thrive. 🇸🇪🇵🇭

Ambassador Harald Fries, Charge d’Affaires at the Embassy of Sweden, met with DENR Secretary Toni Yulo-Loyzaga, together with Business Sweden. The Embassy and DENR are collaborating in the areas of the green transition and responsible mining. In this meeting, Team Sweden discussed additional areas of potential collaboration such as disaster risk reduction and management, waste-to-energy, and academic exchange.

The Delegation of the European Union and the European Chamber of Commerce held the first EU-Philippines Green Economy Forum. The EU and EU Member States, including Sweden, has pooled financial support of over ₱29 billion (EUR 466 M) under the Team Europe Initiative on Green Economy. Team Europe offers a variety of products ranging from Government-to-Government support, to grants for local government units and innovation grants for the private sector. Under this program, we aim for a green and circular future powered by clean energy, innovation and inclusive policies. Read more here: https://lnkd.in/gXX2UkRP European Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines

The Department of Agriculture (DA) has lifted the temporary ban it imposed on importation of pigs and pork products from Sweden.   The Embassy of Sweden, in coordination with Swedish authorities, has been fully engaged in the issue of lifting the ban through various meetings with the Department of Agriculture and with the Office of the Special Assistant to the President for Investment and Economic Affairs. The Embassy was also instrumental in ensuring the permission to export pork products from Sweden to the Philippines in the first place.    Read more here: https://lnkd.in/gwDBfKS2

Mining is a key economic driver for both Sweden and the Philippines. Sweden is the partner country for the recent 70th Annual National Mine Safety and Environment Conference (ANMSEC) in Baguio City, one of the Philippines' largest mining conferences. A Swedish pavilion featured companies like ABB, Atlas Copco Group, Epiroc, Hexagon AB, Volvo Construction Equipment, and Sandvik, along with Luleå University of Technology.   Swedish speakers at ANMSEC, led by Ambassador Harald Fries, discussed Sweden's mining industry and its extensive experience in building grassroots relationships, including with indigenous communities. Trade Commissioner Johan Lennefalk highlighted Sweden's alignment with the Philippines' priorities on responsible mining. Luleå University of Technology emphasized the role of academia and research in mining innovation. Baguio Mayor Benjamin Magalong delivered a keynote message. Sweden is committed to supporting the Philippines in accelerating the green transition in mining through a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between Business Sweden and the Philippine Mine Safety and Environment Association. The MOU promotes responsible, sustainable, efficient, and safer mining practices, aligning with Sweden's mining values. #PioneerthePossible #sustainablemining #responsiblemining #greentransition #digitalization #innovation

Swedish Infrastructure Minister Andreas Carlson and business leader Marcus Wallenberg recently visited the country to bolster long-term partnerships with the Philippines. Minister Carlson and Mr. Wallenberg met with Finance Secretary Ralph G Recto and participated in the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between Sweden and the Philippines on financial and development cooperation. This MOU will enable Swedish grants and export credits for projects in the Philippines. They also met with officials from the Departments of Trade and Industry, National Defense, and Information and Communications Technology. Furthermore, Minister Carlson and Mr. Wallenberg met with several business leaders to explore opportunities within the private sector. In the government and private sector meetings, the discussions covered regional security and defense, healthcare, responsible mining, digitization, and transportation.