Sweden’s Ambassador to Qatar H.E. Gautam Bhattacharyya has lauded the exceptional bilateral relations between the two nations, emphasizing their growth over recent years.
In an exclusive interview with The Peninsula, Ambassador Bhattacharyya highlighted the substantial cooperation between Qatar and Sweden in various sectors, foreseeing further deepening of these ties in the future, particularly in fields of mutual interest such as industry, sustainability, and innovation.
He underscored the strong bond between the two countries, which has strengthened since they established diplomatic relations half a century ago. Notably, it will soon mark the 10th anniversary of the Swedish embassy’s presence in Doha. Collaboration between the nations encompasses industry, academia, cultural exchanges, and more. Ambassador Bhattacharyya expressed the potential for cooperation in industry, energy, transport, healthcare, sustainability, innovation, education, and trade.
The Swedish embassy in Doha recently hosted the latest edition of its Innovation and Sustainability Platform (ISP), focusing on “Innovative and Climate Smart Solutions for Transport: Land, Air, and Sea.” This initiative aligns with Qatar and Sweden’s shared sustainability goals, especially within the transportation sector.
Bhattacharyya pointed out that Sweden is keen to promote its industry’s presence in Qatar and noted a growing interest in areas like electrification, sustainable fuels, and new technologies that can contribute to addressing climate change.
Trade relations between the two countries have been steadily expanding, with a trade volume of 4.5 to 5 billion Swedish crowns (approximately $445-500 million). Sweden exports minerals, energy and transportation equipment, and telecommunications products to Qatar, while Qatar mainly exports petroleum-based products to Sweden.
The Ambassador stressed the potential for cooperation in digitalization, given Sweden’s expertise in financial technology and emerging fields like artificial intelligence. Many small and medium-sized green technology companies in Sweden are looking for international partners, making Qatar an attractive fit.
Ambassador Bhattacharyya also highlighted opportunities for collaboration in humanitarian efforts and commended Qatar’s global prominence and strategic role in international discussions.
The ambassador noted that people-to-people contacts between Qatar and Sweden have expanded significantly over the years. An increasing number of Qataris are visiting Sweden for both professional and personal purposes, while Qatar’s hosting of major global events, such as the FIFA World Cup, has raised its visibility among the Swedish populace.
Sweden, known for its multicultural society, including a significant Arab and Muslim population, has established collaborations with Qatar in areas like sports academies and the equestrian sector. In terms of education, Sweden has become an attractive destination for Qatari students, offering high-quality and affordable educational opportunities, with many Master’s programs taught in English.
Ambassador Bhattacharyya anticipates that these deepening partnerships will continue to strengthen the relationship between Qatar and Sweden.
