Kazakhstan and Sweden Strengthen Partnership with New Initiatives…

Kazakhstan and Sweden celebrate 33 years of diplomatic relations, increasingly focusing on cooperation in trade, healthcare, education, and women’s empowerment. Swedish Ambassador Ewa Ulrika Polano emphasizes initiatives such as the Triple Helix for innovation, the importance of gender equality, and investment in sustainable development. The partnership aims to diversify Kazakhstan’s economy while developing knowledge-based practices and infrastructure.

Kazakhstan and Sweden are commemorating 33 years of diplomatic relations this April, with Swedish Ambassador to Kazakhstan Ewa Ulrika Polano discussing the evolving partnership. The cooperation spans trade, infrastructure, healthcare, and education while promoting women’s roles in society and supporting Kazakhstan’s economic modernization.

Polano highlighted the long-standing diplomatic ties between Kazakhstan and Sweden, which have fostered beneficial collaboration across various sectors. She pointed out that with Sweden’s help, Kazakhstan can transition towards a knowledge-based economy, emphasizing innovation and small-medium enterprise growth.

Central to this collaboration is Sweden’s Triple Helix innovation model, which fosters collaboration between businesses, academia, and government to enhance technological development. Ambassador Polano asserted that Sweden is committed to sharing knowledge and expertise across multiple sectors in Kazakhstan.

There is a notable increase in Swedish businesses operating in Kazakhstan, with major companies like Volvo, Scania, Tetra Pak, and Atlas Copco establishing a stronger presence in the market. The trade volume between the two nations reached $467 million in 2023, a significant rise from previous years, reflecting an active economic relationship.

In the academic sphere, Sweden is engaging with Kazakhstan through institutions like the Stockholm School of Economics, which plans to introduce a relevant course in partnership with Maqsut Narikbayev University focusing on the intersection of economics with happiness and mindfulness, integrating humanities to enhance trade value.

Healthcare collaboration is also on the rise, with Swedish firms such as AstraZeneca, Elekta, and Diaverum making strides in pharmaceuticals, cancer treatment, and dialysis care. Polano noted the swift expansion of healthcare partnerships, emphasizing the need for strategic investments to meet patient needs efficiently.

Infrastructure and industrial modernization efforts are backed by Swedish companies, as Atlas Copco enhances hospital systems and firms like Scania and Volvo modernize transportation. In mining, companies such as Epiroc and Sandvik contribute sustainable technologies, securing multi-million contracts in the region.

Ambassador Polano recognized the resilience of Kazakhstan’s populace, which has developed a strong, diverse culture rooted in perseverance. The adaptability of its people and their significant talent were highlighted, especially among the youth, who are motivated for rapid development.

Promoting gender equality remains a key focus for Sweden, with Polano advocating for increased female representation in leadership in Kazakhstan. She suggested implementing legislative quotas similar to those in Sweden and Norway to enhance women’s participation in decision-making roles.

Moreover, Polano underscored the necessity for financial support for women-led small businesses, advocating for government-backed microfinancing initiatives to facilitate their growth and sustainability.

Looking ahead, the “Unlocking the Great Potential” initiative aims to diversify Kazakhstan’s economy beyond oil and gas, fostering a future rooted in innovation. Upcoming events in June will showcase Swedish projects in Kazakhstan, reinforcing the bilateral economic relationship further.

Polano also hinted at the possibility of establishing a Volvo factory in Almaty, alongside Scania’s expansion in Karagandy, alongside Ecolin’s investments in sustainable packaging in Astana’s industrial zone. Sweden’s ongoing partnership will play a crucial role in Kazakhstan’s pursuit of sustainable growth and global integration.

Kazakhstan and Sweden’s 33-year-old diplomatic relationship is evolving into a multifaceted partnership characterized by cooperation in trade, healthcare, education, and women’s empowerment. As Swedish companies expand their operations in Kazakhstan and engage in knowledge transfer initiatives, both nations are positioning themselves to foster innovation and economic diversification. Gender equality and support for small businesses, especially those led by women, also remain key focuses moving forward. Overall, the collaboration promises significant advancements in Kazakhstan’s economic landscape.

Original Source: astanatimes.com