Kazakhstan and Sweden: Strengthening Diplomatic Relations for a Sustainable Future

Kazakhstan and Sweden celebrate 33 years of diplomatic relations with a focus on expanding cooperation in trade, healthcare, education, and infrastructure. Swedish Ambassador Ewa Ulrika Polano highlighted the commitment to gender equality and economic transformation. The bilateral trade increased to $467 million in 2023, with Swedish firms enhancing their presence and contributing to sustainability in Kazakhstan.

Kazakhstan and Sweden are commemorating 33 years of diplomatic relations, showcasing a growing partnership across various sectors. In an interview, Swedish Ambassador Ewa Ulrika Polano discussed significant cooperation areas, including trade, infrastructure, healthcare, and education, along with an emphasis on supporting women’s roles and Kazakhstan’s economic transformation.

Ambassador Polano stated, “Kazakhstan and Sweden have maintained diplomatic relations for over 30 years, reflecting strong ties and mutually beneficial cooperation across industries.” She emphasized that the collaboration can lead to a knowledge-based economy, focusing on innovation and the growth of small and medium-sized enterprises.

She introduced Sweden’s innovation model, the Triple Helix, which unites businesses, universities, and government to promote technological advancements. Sweden is devoted to sharing its expertise, technology, and values to aid Kazakhstan in various fields.

Swedish firms are progressively establishing their foothold in Kazakhstan, with notable companies like Volvo, Scania, Tetra Pak, Atlas Copco, and Alfa Laval enhancing their presence. Bilateral trade numbers reflect this trend, escalating to $467 million in 2023 from $325.9 million in 2022, alongside $622 million in direct Swedish investments since 2005.

In academia, the Stockholm School of Economics plans a collaboration with Maqsut Narikbayev University to introduce a unique course on economics, happiness, and mindfulness, which integrates humanities into economic success.

In healthcare, companies such as AstraZeneca, Elekta, and Diaverum are advancing medical care in Kazakhstan. Acknowledging the progress, Polano remarked, “Over the past years, we have seen rapid growth in our healthcare collaboration with Kazakhstan.”

Swedish advancements in infrastructure and industrial modernization are notable, with Atlas Copco enhancing hospital gas systems and Scania and Volvo improving transportation. Furthermore, Epiroc and Sandvik are deploying sustainable mining technologies.

Polano praised Kazakhstan’s resilient population and cultural diversity, which fosters adaptation and economic progress. She emphasized the motivation among the youth, identifying their potential for success.

Promoting gender equality remains a primary objective for Sweden. Polano advocated for increasing female representation in leadership roles, citing successful gender policies from Sweden and Norway as models for Kazakhstan.

Moreover, she emphasized the need for financial backing for female-led small businesses, advocating for government-supported microfinancing to stimulate economic growth.

Looking ahead, the Unlocking the Great Potential initiative aims to diversify Kazakhstan’s economy beyond oil and gas, steering toward a knowledge-driven future. A special event at the Swedish Embassy in June will showcase new projects by Swedish companies, with potential developments such as a Volvo factory in Almaty and Ecolin’s sustainable packaging solutions in Astana.

Kazakhstan and Sweden are solidifying their long-standing partnership, focusing on economic diversification, innovation, and gender equality. The collaboration spans various sectors, including trade, infrastructure, and healthcare. As both countries strengthen their ties, they aim to leverage their expertise to support sustainable growth and enhance opportunities in Kazakhstan. The initiatives and investments from Sweden underline a commitment to fostering prosperity in the region.

Original Source: astanatimes.com