For the fourth year in a row, Sweden had a strong representation at Arab Health (27-30 January 2020) in the Innovation Pavilion by Sweden.

The Pavilion was organized by Swedish B2B consultancy Global Pharma Consulting.

Team Sweden

In an inauguration ceremony attended by a number of VIPs including the Swedish Expo 2020 committee, the overarching message was that Sweden has a lot to offer in terms of life science and healthcare innovation, with guests acknowledging how, in just a few years, the MENA region has become an export destination of choice for Swedish companies of all sizes in all life science clusters.

Speaking at the event, Niclas Jacobson, Deputy Director-General & Head of the Division for European Union & International Affairs, Swedish Ministry of Health & Social Affairs described the cooperation between the UAE Embassy, the Swedish Ministry of Health, the Swecare Foundation, export authority EKN, Expo 2020 and the Pavilion as a great example of Team Sweden – a working case of strong public and private sector cooperation united by common goals, set against the MENA business landscape that is rich with opportunity.  Jacobson also touched on Sweden’s new export and investment strategy that places particular focus on smaller organisations from all parts of Sweden, describes Global Pharma Consulting in its press release.

An important hub and platform

In his opening address, Henrik Landerholm, Swedish Ambassador to the UAE, described The Innovation Pavilion by Sweden’s ongoing role at Arab Health as an important hub and platform from which to engage with new people and grow existing networks.

The Pavilion was also supported once again by the Swecare Foundation. CEO Lotta Liljelund joined other VIPs in welcoming participants and highlighted the importance of engaging in the networked-focused environment at Arab Health.

“It is impossible to quantify the vast number of introductions made over the years that have led to new business partnerships and the resulting trade but suffice to say, the Innovation Pavilion by Sweden has become a notable platform when it comes to positioning Swedish Life Science as an export-ready sector. What I love about innovation is how it lays the foundation for culture change and can create a relevant platform for new partnerships between unexpected non-traditional parties,” says Global Pharma Consulting CEO Paula Hassoon.

The Innovation Pavilion by Sweden 2020

25 participants participated in the Innovation Pavilion by Sweden at Arab Health 2020, with a diverse range of life science innovations being showcased from a number of clusters including medtech, pharmaceuticals, e-health, diagnostics, hospital management, infection prevention, point of care diagnostics, renal care, and business promotion.

Photo: Ribbon tie with VIPs and participants