DAVAO CITY, Philippines – The Embassy of Sweden in the Philippines, together with Business Sweden, conducted a high-level mission to Davao City. The delegation, led by H.E. Anna Ferry, Ambassador of Sweden to the Philippines, and Mr. Johan Lennefalk, Swedish Trade Commissioner to the Philippines, engaged with senior government officials, city leadership, and Swedish-origin companies operating in Davao. The Ambassador and the Trade Commissioner paid a courtesy visit to Acting Mayor Sebastian Duterte to present the Swedish business footprint in Davao City and hear about the city’s plans and investment opportunities.
The delegation also visited Swedish software developer Netzon Group and Transcom, the largest Swedish company in Davao City in terms of number of employees with around 3,000 engaging in Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) services. At Transcom’s child-care facility, Ambassador Ferry donated a “Pippi Longstocking” book that is beloved by children in Sweden. Other Swedish companies with a branch in Davao City include H&M, Atlas Copco, Cibes Lift, and SKF.
Team Sweden held meetings related to the Davao Public Transport Modernization Project (DPTMP), the city’s advanced public transportation initiative where procurement is ongoing. The mission underscores Sweden’s commitment to being a long-term, trusted partner in the Philippines’ public transport transformation.
To appreciate the history and culture of Davao City and Mindanao, Ambassador with her team also experienced a guided tour of the Museo Dabawenyo, which featured the eleven different tribes in the region and well-known contemporary artists like Kublai (Rey Mudjahid Ponce Millan) and Maricris F. Brias. They also tasted Davao’s tropical fruits, chocolates and coffee –globally recognized for their delicious flavors and high-quality.
Swedish Companies Ready to Contribute to DPTMP
The mission highlights the capabilities of Swedish companies whose solutions are directly relevant to the DPTMP’s goals of safety, efficiency, and long-term sustainability:
Consat Telematics
Consat Telematics delivers intelligent fleet management and connected mobility solutions that help public transport operators improve safety, operational efficiency and passenger service. With extensive experience supporting transit agencies in Europe, America and APAC, Consat provides scalable, data-driven platforms for fleet monitoring, driver support and real-time operations, enabling reliable and future-ready public transport systems.
Kapsch TrafficCom AB
The Swedish entity of the Kapsch TrafficCom (KTC) Group globally recognized for delivering intelligent transportation systems, tolling solutions, and smart mobility services. With decades of experience partnering with governments worldwide, KTC brings the roadside infrastructure expertise and integrated data-driven solutions that will enable Davao City to manage a modern, safe, and efficient mixed-fleet operation.
“Sweden has a long history of supporting sustainable, people-centered transport in the Philippines. This mission to Davao represents our commitment to bringing that same expertise and partnership spirit to one of the country’s most exciting infrastructure projects. We are confident that Swedish solutions built on innovation, safety, and reliability can make a meaningful and lasting contribution to the DPTMP,” shares H.E. Anna Ferry, Ambassador of Sweden to the Philippines
Sweden’s Track Record in Philippine Transport
Since 2018, Swedfund (Sweden’s development finance institution) has provided approximately SEK 10 million (PHP 65 million) in grants to support the EDSA Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system in Metro Manila, funding feasibility studies, system planning, and technical reviews.
In 2025, Sweden furthered its commitment with an additional SEK 3 million (over PHP 19.5 million) grant to extend the EDSA BRT feasibility study and deliver advanced technical assistance, including engineering designs, public-private partnership advisory, and capacity-building initiatives.
Sweden’s transport engagement also extends to Iloilo City, where Swedfund International is supporting an integrated public transport system project since August 2025. Sweco, a leading Swedish engineering consultancy, together with the Metro Iloilo-Guimaras Economic Development Council is facilitating a feasibility study that will propose the phased implementation of an integrated public transport network plan for the region.
About the Embassy of Sweden in Manila
Sweden has had diplomatic relations with the Philippines since 1947. The Embassy’s main task is to represent Sweden in the Philippines and to strengthen the relations between the two countries, with a focus on promoting trade and investments, sustainable development and building partnerships including foreign and security policy.
For more information, contact:
Athena Cartagena, Communication and Political Affairs Officer
[email protected]
Website: swedenabroad.com/manila
Facebook: facebook.com/SwedeninManila
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/swedeninmnl
About Business Sweden
Business Sweden is the Trade and Investment Council of Sweden, with operations in more than 40 markets globally. It is jointly owned by the Swedish government and the private sector, and it has a unique mandate to help Swedish companies grow global sales and international companies invest and expand in Sweden.
For more information, contact:
Mae Balandan, Senior Consultant
[email protected]
www.business-sweden.com
