Sweden's continuing support for Phl

Andreas Carlson, Sweden's minister for infrastructure and housing, and Swedish banker and head of the Wallenberg Sphere Marcus Wallenberg, quietly flew into town last week to reaffirm Sweden's continuing support for the Philippines and to strengthen Sweden's commitment to long-term collaborations, focusing on sustainable development and digitalization.

- MARIANNE GO

Minister Carlson is leading the Swedish government's efforts in transport, infrastructure, community planning and housing, while Mr. Wallenberg is a prominent Swedish business leader and a member of the influential Wallenberg family who regularly visits the country and personally knows all of the country's top business families and leaders.

The Wallenberg Sphere spans various sectors, including banking, industry and research. Some of the most important holdings in the Philippines are ABB, AstraZeneca, Atlas Copco, Electrolux, Epiroc, Ericsson, Husqvarna, Nasdaq, Saab AB and SKF. It is Mr. Wallenberg's second visit to Manila this year.

Minister Carlson and Mr. Wallenberg met with Finance Secretary Ralph Recto and participated in the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between Sweden and the Philippines on export financing and development cooperation. The MOU will enable Swedish grants and export credits for projects in the Philippines.

In a statement from the Swedish Embassy, Minister Carlson assured that "Sweden is committed to further increasing its bilateral relationship with the Philippines, not least given the government's Focus Asia strategy. The economic and strategic links between our regions are undeniable. The signing of this Memorandum of Understanding on export financing represents yet another step in the deepening of cooperation between Sweden and the Philippines."