Kazakhstan and Sweden Deepen Their Long-Standing Partnership and Unlock New Opportunities
Kazakhstan and Sweden celebrate 33 years of diplomatic relations, enhancing their partnership in various sectors including trade, healthcare, and education. Swedish Ambassador Ewa Ulrika Polano highlights the importance of innovation and the role of women in society, as both nations work towards economic transformation and diversification. Key initiatives and collaborations are underway to solidify their relationship.
Kazakhstan and Sweden commemorate 33 years of diplomatic relations in April, reflecting their enduring partnership. Swedish Ambassador to Kazakhstan, Ewa Ulrika Polano, emphasized the collaboration in trade, healthcare, and education, notably highlighting Sweden’s role in supporting Kazakhstan’s economic transformation and the significance of women in society. She stated, “Kazakhstan and Sweden have maintained diplomatic relations for over 30 years, reflecting strong ties and mutually beneficial cooperation across industries.”
The ambassador also remarked on Sweden’s innovation model, the Triple Helix, which integrates governments, businesses, and universities to promote technological advancements. Additionally, she confirmed Sweden’s ongoing commitment to share its expertise and technology with Kazakhstan. The presence of Swedish companies such as Volvo and Scania is indicative of their growing involvement in Kazakhstan’s economy, with trade reaching $467 million in 2023, an increase from $325.9 million in 2022.
Moreover, Sweden is enhancing academic partnerships with Kazakhstan. For instance, the Stockholm School of Economics will collaborate with Maqsut Narikbayev University to launch a course combining economics with happiness and mindfulness, highlighting societal well-being in economic success. “The Stockholm School of Economics is seeking to collaborate with a Kazakh university to introduce a course on a crucial topic for success in economics—happiness and mindfulness,” Polano noted.
Healthcare collaboration is also expanding, with Swedish companies like AstraZeneca and Elekta making significant contributions in pharmaceuticals and cancer treatment. The ambassador pointed out the establishment of Kazakhstan’s first digital kidney dialysis clinic, stating, “Over the past years, we have seen rapid growth in our healthcare collaboration with Kazakhstan.”
In infrastructure, Swedish firms are modernizing essential sectors, with Atlas Copco supplying advanced hospital gas systems and others improving transportation technologies. Polano praised Kazakhstan’s diverse culture, stating that the resilience of its populations enhances the nation’s adaptability to rapid economic development.
She also emphasized the importance of gender equality, underscoring the necessity for increasing women’s participation in leadership roles. “Kazakhstan has strong, resilient women who take on leadership roles in business and society,” she remarked, advocating for policy changes to support female representation in governance and industry.
The discussion around the future of Kazakhstan’s economic diversification includes the Unlocking the Great Potential initiative, which aims to broaden the economy. Upcoming events will showcase Swedish enterprises’ initiatives in Kazakhstan, potentially including the establishment of a Volvo factory in Almaty and innovative investments in sustainable practices, solidifying the partnership between the nations as Kazakhstan seeks sustainable growth and integration.
In conclusion, the evolving partnership between Kazakhstan and Sweden signifies a commitment to mutual growth, particularly in sectors such as trade, healthcare, and education. The collaboration aims to foster a knowledge-based economy while empowering women and driving innovation. Both nations are poised to unlock opportunities that will enhance their economic partnership, ensuring a future built on shared values and collective aspirations.
Original Source: astanatimes.com
