Sweden further strengthens its long-term partnership in the Philippines, with an increased focus on healthcare, mining, defense, and digitalization.
Mr. Håkan Jevrell, Swedish State Secretary to the Minister for International Development Cooperation and Foreign Trade, visited the Philippines for deliberations with his counterpart Undersecretary Ceferino Rodolfo of the Department of Trade and Industry and meetings with other parts of government.
State Secretary Jevrell and Undersecretary Rodolfo talked about areas of joint interest, with a focus on Swedish engagements in the Philippines. Mr. Jevrell expressed the strong Swedish support for the resumed negotiations on a Free Trade Agreement between the European Union and the Philippines.
Mr. Jevrell also met with Undersecretary Ignacio Madriaga of the Department of National Defense. In September this year, the Swedish government adopted an Indo-Pacific defense policy direction which aims to enhance cooperation with countries in the region on defense materiel, innovation, and technology to contribute to peace and stability.
Some 40 major Swedish companies have local operations in the Philippines, in industries such as sustainable and responsible mining (Atlas Copco, Epiroc, Sandvik, and Volvo Trucks and Construction Equipment), telecommunications (Ericsson), healthcare (AstraZeneca and Elekta) and aerospace, defense and security (Saab). In addition to this several other Swedish companies are working with partners in the Philippines, while others yet are looking into further expanding their local footprint. During his visit, Mr. Jevrell met with company executives to exchange views on the business landscape in the Philippines.
“Sweden sees a strong partner in the Philippines. It is one of the fastest growing markets in Southeast Asia. The priorities of the Philippine government match well with the Swedish resource base and offers in areas such as the green transition, and infrastructure and mining development. We believe there is ample opportunity for enhanced cooperation in a range of areas,” says Mr. Jevrell.
Partnership on Cancer Care
During his visit, State Secretary Jevrell oversaw the signing of a strategic partnership to accelerate cancer control efforts in the Philippines. The collaboration, which was signed by the Provincial Government of Bataan, Business Sweden, Cancer Coalition Philippines, AstraZeneca, Elekta, and Ericsson, will span initiatives across the entire cancer care continuum, with the key focus on cancer prevention, early detection, and treatment, in line with the National Integrated Cancer Control Act. The signing ceremony was also witnessed by Hon. Jose Enrique Garcia III, the Governor of the Province of Bataan, and Dr. Jan Aura Llevado, Chief of Cancer Control and Mental Health Divisions at the Department of Health of the Philippines.
Sweden is a global leader on cancer control efforts, with advanced care focused on early detection and prevention, supported by national screening programs and strong public health policies. The country emphasizes a multidisciplinary approach to cancer treatment and ensures holistic support for patients throughout their cancer journey by integrating treatment, palliative care, and survivorship programs. The Swedish-Philippine cancer care collaboration will launch in Bataan, aiming to transform cancer care in the province and set a benchmark for nationwide adoption.
It will follow a quadruple-helix model, fostering collaboration among government, academia, private sector, and civil society. The newly launched cancer care partnership is a top priority, given its potential for significant impact in the Philippines.
Collaboration on Responsible Mining
During the visit of State Secretary Jevrell, the Embassy of Sweden in Manila and Business Sweden announced the launch of a transformative collaboration aimed at advancing sustainable mining practices in the Philippines - a partnership between Business Sweden and the Philippine Mine Safety and Environment Association (PMSEA), formalised through the ceremonial signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU).
As part of this, Team Sweden in Manila will be the Partner for the upcoming 70th Annual National Mine Safety and Environment Conference on 19 - 22 November 2024 in Baguio City.
Participation in the conference as the Partner Country underscores Sweden’s commitment to become a key partner to the Philippines in advancing responsible mining practices and addressing environmental and social challenges.
