Moving Closer

How would you characterize the historical relationship between Sweden and Qatar, and what are its main pillars?

Our relations are good and growing. We see in Qatar a long-term trading partner. Swedish exports to Qatar currently stand at $260 million. With the opening of our Embassy in Doha in May 2014 and the arrival of our Ambassador Ewa Polano, we can do more in Doha, support more exchange and business, and keep a better and closer contact with our Qatari counterparts. We are aware of Qatar’s eagerness to seek the best and the newest solutions and technology in all of their ambitious projects. Sweden is, therefore, well suited to partner with Qatar. We can offer globally leading industrial products and services, and taking into account life-cycle costs, all at a competitive price.

What were the reasons behind the decision to open an embassy in Doha?

The opening of our embassy is indeed a milestone in our relations. Sweden has followed Qatar’s fast paced economic and social development with great interest. It is indeed unprecedented in its scope and quick transition. Looking forward, we see even greater developments taking place regarding infrastructure developments and the World Cup preparations. Qatar has also rapidly become an influential foreign policy actor in the region and beyond. We also value our political dialogue with Qatar in these areas, striving for peaceful settlements in a traditionally very complex region. Sweden has a longstanding and firm engagement with the Middle East, based on the notion of the region’s strategic importance as a close neighbor of the EU and of our shared history.

During your official visit to open the embassy in Doha you were accompanied by a delegation of the Swedish business community. How would you assess the results of their meetings in Qatar?

Qatar is today our eighth largest market in the MENA region, and with potential for further growth. We see a healthy development in our bilateral trade with Qatar this year, with an increase of 45% in the first six months. The decision by the Swedish government to open our embassy has led to an increased curiosity from the Swedish private sector, which is excellent. Iron and machinery are especially prominent in our exports, but ICT, healthcare, logistics, and clean-tech also play an important role. Many companies already have a strong presence in the Qatar market, while others are just discovering its potential.

Which areas of bilateral trade between Sweden and Qatar do you identify as having the most potential for growth?

Our trade with Qatar is dominated by traditional Swedish industries. This will continue, but we also hope to see more of our new creative and innovative companies finding their way here, matching the impressive overall ambitions of Qatar’s development. Sweden offers comprehensive and sustainable highly competitive concepts in infrastructure, sea ports, electronic road pricing, buses and trains, our holistic SymbioCity concept, and healthcare, IT telecoms, energy, and clean-tech, with environmental solutions that are highly appreciated worldwide due to our traditionally high profile on sustainability. Our continued focus should be on enhancing partnerships in business and development to further encourage growth and competitiveness in the long term. We also welcome Qatari business, tourism, and investments in Sweden.

Besides the field of trade, in which other areas do you hope to see an increase of cooperation between Sweden and Qatar?

We wish to see more trade and deeper relations with Qatar in areas such as R&D, energy, climate, transport, infrastructure, and health. Qatar offers opportunities in tourism and impressive insights into a world heritage and art scene through their contributions such as the Museum for Islamic Art, and endeavors in the academic field, building cultural institutions and attracting global think tanks. An academic exchange and increased networking between people on topics such as women and leadership has begun and can be further developed. It is my sincere hope that more Qataris will discover Sweden as an exciting tourist destination as well. I also hope Swedes will take opportunity to visit Qatar and discover the world-renowned treasures they have, such as the Museum of Islamic Art.