Sweden is stepping up its engagement in Southeast Asia, with Karolina Zurek taking on a new role at the Embassy of Sweden in Manila, .
Zurek has been appointed regional development lead, overseeing Sweden’s cooperation efforts in the Philippines, Indonesia, and Vietnam. She joins from the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (Sida).
Her appointment reflects Sweden’s growing focus on the Philippines as a regional hub for cooperation in areas such as infrastructure, clean energy, digitalisation, and healthcare. During her first week, Zurek met with government, private sector, and international partners to discuss green development and climate resilience.
Sweden’s ambassador to the Philippines, Anna Ferry, said the move signals Stockholm’s commitment to expanding cooperation with Manila.
Sweden and the Philippines have had diplomatic relations since 1947, with ties expanding beyond trade into development and labour mobility. In 2023, Swedish exports to the Philippines reached about 200 million $, while Philippine exports to Sweden totalled around 114 million $, with growth seen on both sides.
