ILOILO – Sweden has expressed strong interest in forging long-term partnerships with the Iloilo provincial government to help advance its clean energy and green transport initiatives, signaling growing European confidence in Iloilo’s sustainability direction.
During a courtesy visit to Gov. Arthur Defensor Jr. on October 8, Swedish Ambassador to the Philippines Anna Ferry said her country is keen to collaborate with Iloilo in developing renewable energy solutions and modernizing its transport infrastructure.
Ferry praised the province’s MoRProGRes Iloilo development framework for placing sustainability at its core.
“Sweden is eager to support initiatives that integrate renewable energy solutions within Iloilo’s infrastructure projects,” she said, underscoring Sweden’s commitment to share its expertise in clean technology.
Defensor, for his part, highlighted Iloilo’s ongoing installation of solar photovoltaic systems in district hospitals as proof of its drive toward energy efficiency.
He said the province is open to Swedish technical assistance and investment in the transport sector to ease mobility and reduce emissions.
The governor also presented Iloilo’s plans to attract investments in agri-tourism, combining agricultural productivity with eco-friendly tourism development to boost local livelihoods.
Ferry, in turn, cited Sweden’s model for youth-driven health and wellness programs, proposing joint projects that encourage Iloilo’s young people to champion community well-being.
The meeting also tackled the creation of growth zones across the province to draw more investors, including Swedish enterprises interested in the Western Visayas market.
The dialogue, held at the Iloilo Provincial Capitol, marks a concrete step in deepening bilateral cooperation as both sides pursue shared goals of sustainability, innovation, and inclusive growth./PN