Swedish Ambassador Ewa Polano has called on HE the Minister of Transport and Communications Jassim Seif Ahmed al-Sulaiti to discuss investment opportunities in Sweden’s transportation industry.
Polano, who accompanied a Swedish delegation on transport and technology, presented what Sweden can offer in the fields of infrastructure, transportation and technology for future smart cities, national transportation, airport, rail, and port.
She said the Transport Minister acknowledged the longstanding presence of Ericson and Volvo in Qatar and emphasised that “there is now ample opportunity for Swedish products” in the country.
According to the ambassador, discussions during the meeting touched on Karwa and a bid for a ticketing system with the Ministry. Vehicles for the new port were also discussed and the possibility to work on Research & Development with Swedish universities.
Mike Fritz of Volvo Bus Qatar said Volvo is offering products to governments, including “green” concepts.
Polano said the Transport Minister was invited to visit Sweden, which features Stockholm Arlanda Airport - the first carbon-emission neutral airport in the world.
The airport model could be adopted in Qatar and was offered by Sweden to Qatar Airways Group chief executive Akbar al-Baker, she added.
Ericsson’s Chafic Traboulsi said there is “a great deal of products” in Qatar’s communication and transportation sector.
Currently, the company is working on co-ordination and connectivity, and the next level of connectivity for all transportation in Qatar, he said.
Polano said Sweden also congratulated the Ministry of Transport and Communications for two portfolios. Both countries are looking forward to “great co-operation” in building a smart city in Qatar.
The ongoing works in road safety between Sweden and Qatar are expected to grow in the next five years,” she said.
The ambassador added that Ericsson invited Qatar to take part in a study on the Networked Society City Index.