Interview
This means that imports were about 3 times higher than our exports. A perfect balance is difficult but I think we could and should have a more effective trade representation in Sweden and better promotional strategies through, inter alia, a more productive trade office than what we currently have. If one considers that Swedish global imports in 2009 were USD119.9 billion, it becomes patently clear that with USD38.5 million, we have barely scratched the surface. Total Philippine exports to the Baltic States reached USD5.5 million in 2010, an increase of 52.1% over 2009. With improving economic conditions in the Baltic States, there is much scope for further increases.
What are the main Filipino products that are exported to these markets?
Currently, about 50% of our exports to Sweden are electronic products such as semi-conductor devices, diodes, and various parts of electronic integrated circuits and micro-assemblies. We are also strong in processed foods such as canned tuna, canned pineapple, dried fruits and nuts. Deboned bangus is an up and coming export. We also export gifts and housewares. In the Baltic States, our current exports consist of conductor devices, carageenan, cigarette lighters, canned tuna, banana chips, and home décor.
What are the main Swedish investments in the Philippines? Any new interesting projects under way? A number of Swedish multinational companies are represented in the Philippines either through sales and distribution centres or through manufacturing operations. Those with manufacturing operations include: ABB Koppel, ASTRA-Zeneca, MAGNITRON Technology, Swedish Match, and SCA. There are also investments in business process outsourcing and IT-enabled services such as the Ericsson Global Shared Services Center in Manila responsible for the company’s in house finance and accounting, human resources, sourcing, and supply chain operations across the globe.
How is tourism from Sweden to the Philippines developing? How about from the Baltic States? What potential do you see in this field?
For the first six months of 2011, 9,689 Swedes visited
the Philippines, which was a 21.04% increase from last year’s figure of 8,005. Among the Nordic and Scandinavian countries, Sweden was second to Norway in 2010. I expect the numbers to increase further, considering that the Philippines is now fast becoming an alternative, prime Southeast Asian destination. The Philippine Embassy, in cooperation with the Department of Tourism Office in London, has been actively networking with travel agencies and tour operators to promote the Philippines. Last May, 12 travel executives from Sweden’s PATA-Asian Business Service visited Manila and Palawan as part of a Department of Tourism-sponsored familiarization trip aimed at increasing awareness of the country as a “luxury destination”. Visitor arrivals from the Baltic States, as a group, increased by 59% in 2010 compared to 2009, with 1,000 tourists. Lithuanians comprised almost half of this figure. In February this year, we assisted members of the Lithuanian Journalists Union Traveler’s Club to retrace the adventures of one of its famous explorers, Matas Salcius to Iloilo, Davao, Bukidnon, Camiguin, and Cagayan De Oro.
Any special message to Filipinos in Sweden and the Baltic States?
Diplomats, like myself, are no different from other Filipinos living and working overseas. For that matter, there should not be any difference between Filipinos and other nationalities working abroad. It is natural that all have to adjust, overcome homesickness, accept a different environment and understand the nuances of being a foreigner. The glass could be either half full or half empty. Those with a positive approach will not only see the glass as half full but will strive to have or make the glass full. This means that Filipinos overseas must avail themselves of the opportunity offered to them by the very fact of being abroad – learning the language and new skills, befriending the locals and other nationalities, respecting the laws, enjoying the food (and yes, even the weather), working for selfimprovement, and becoming a positive addition to the host society in general. Sweden, Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania are magical places for all who want to see, feel and be with the magic, the beauty and the goodness. And once we see the magic, our host countries will see ours. 23