AMBASSADOR Anna Ferry led the Team Sweden delegation in Iloilo City to strengthen bilateral cooperation on economic development and explore more areas of cooperation.
Ferry said that they would like to better understand the priorities of Mayor Raisa Treñas and Iloilo City, learn areas for development or already ongoing programs including public transport, and seek ways they can support the goals’ achievements.
‘Sweden is strong in various sectors. We have technology and knowledge, [and we are happy to share that knowledge in areas like.transportation, rail, upgrade of airports, as well as] areas like renewable energy, energy efficiency, water management, and water treatment,’ Ferry said. ‘So, there are a few areas that we are looking into how we can expand our cooperation.’
Recently, Sweden-through its development finance institution Swedfund-has inked a deal to provide up to SEK6 million (roughly P30 million) through grants for feasibility studies of Metro Iloilo’s integrated public-transport system project.
‘The purpose of this partnership is to provide [an exploratory study on how the city and the surrounding local government units] can have an integrated bus transit system so it will be better for all the citizens of Metro Iloilo City to commute, and it will also contribute to the goal of the city and province to have a livable city,’ the ambassador said in a media interview.
The support also aimed to showcase how data-driven and efficient public-transport solutions can reduce greenhouse gas emissions, mitigate congestion, and improve accessibility in Iloilo City.
Swedish engineering consultancy Sweco and Metro Iloilo-Guimaras Economic Development Council signed the contract last August for the former to undertake a feasibility study for this project. It will involve the phased implementation of an integrated public-transport network plan.
Visiting Iloilo City for the first time, Ferry expressed her delight in seeing and experiencing the city, which she described as a ‘really.livable’ one.
‘I see that you can walk and bike; you have open spaces, parks.and of course, I tasted fantastic food,’ the ambassador said.
The Swedish envoy, who also attended the first State of the City Address of Mayor Treñas, was joined by Swedfund project manager Louise Bernander.