Sweden celebrates National Day showcasing innovation, enduring partnership with Pakistan

ZUBAIR QURESHI
ISLAMABAD
Sweden’s National Day was celebrated with enthusiasm and elegance in Islamabad Wednesday evening as Ambassador Alexandra Berg von Linde of Sweden hosted a well-attended reception themed “Made with Sweden.” The event highlighted the deep-rooted bilateral relationship, innovation-driven cooperation and sustainable business partnerships between Sweden and Pakistan.
The event brought together a diverse gathering of government representatives, opposition leaders, diplomats, business executives, civil society members, alumni and friends of Sweden.
Distinguished guests included Minister of State for Finance and Railways Bilal Azhar Kayani, who attended as the chief guest, along with his cabinet colleagues Ali Pervaiz Malik, Azam Nazeer Tarar, Musadik Malik, Shaza Fatima Khawaja and Barrister Aqeel Malik.
Prominent political figures including Sherry Rehman, Aitzaz Ahsan and Raoof Hasan were also among the notable attendees.
Minister Bilal Azhar Kayani on behalf of the people and the government of Pakistan congratulated the Swedish ambassador on the auspicious occasion and termed the bilateral relations between Pakistan and Sweden growing in diverse sectors. Pakistan, he said highly valued its ties with Sweden and looks forward to further deepening these relations.
Addressing the gathering, Ambassador Alexandra Berg von Linde said the “Made With Sweden” initiative represented a new approach to international trade and business cooperation, emphasizing partnership, co-creation and shared values in an increasingly protectionist global environment.
“Made With Sweden is a celebration of partnership, co-creation and shared values,” she said. “Our relationship with Pakistan is built on a strong foundation of mutual trust and innovation, where Swedish innovation and know-how combine with Pakistani expertise to create lasting impact. By embedding sustainability into our trade and business, we are not just building economic ties—we are co-authoring a greener, digital and more resilient future together.”
The ambassador noted that Swedish companies were not merely exporting products to Pakistan but were increasingly manufacturing, innovating and collaborating locally with Pakistani partners, creating jobs, promoting industrial growth and improving everyday lives.
“It is a mutually beneficial relationship that empowers local industry, spurs economic growth and improves daily life,” she added.
A major attraction of the evening was a special exhibition featuring leading Swedish companies with longstanding operations and partnerships in Pakistan. The exhibition showcased how Swedish innovation is contributing to Pakistan’s industrial and technological advancement.
Among the participants were Hitachi Energy and Wah Nobel Group, displaying advanced solutions in energy infrastructure and industrial technologies. Telecommunications and digital innovation were represented by Ericsson Pakistan, Talkpool and Panasian Group, which highlighted developments in connectivity, IoT integration and smart digital solutions.
Meanwhile, Tetra Pak and Gul Ahmed showcased innovations in sustainable packaging and environmentally responsible textile production, underscoring the growing emphasis on green industrial practices.
The reception reflected Sweden’s commitment to strengthening cooperation with Pakistan in key sectors including trade, climate action, innovation, education and gender equality. The venue was adorned with Swedish colors and cultural elements, creating a vibrant atmosphere that offered guests a glimpse into Sweden’s rich heritage, hospitality and technological advancement.
The evening served as a testament to the enduring friendship between the two countries and their shared vision for a sustainable, innovative and prosperous future.