Minister of Trade and Integration of Kazakhstan Arman Shakkaliyev met with Sweden’s State Secretary for Trade, Diana Janse, to discuss the current state and future prospects of bilateral trade and economic cooperation.
The talks focused on boosting trade turnover, attracting investment, and strengthening ties between the business communities of both countries. Particular attention was given to trade facilitation measures, including improving market access, reducing technical barriers, enhancing logistics and customs procedures, and creating favorable conditions for export and import activities.
The Kazakh side reaffirmed its interest in expanding exports of non-resource products to Sweden and the broader European Union market. In this context, the parties discussed closer cooperation between QazTrade, the Swedish National Board of Trade, and Business Sweden to support exporters and foster direct business engagement.
Industrial cooperation was also high on the agenda. The parties welcomed the signing of a Memorandum of Cooperation between Hyundai Trans Almaty and the Volvo Group, noting that the project is expected to strengthen Kazakhstan’s engineering sector, create new production capacities, attract investment, and enhance the country’s export potential.
The discussions also covered opportunities to increase the presence of Swedish businesses in Kazakhstan. Kazakhstan expressed interest in expanding cooperation with leading Swedish companies, including the potential opening of IKEA stores in the country.
Both sides highlighted the importance of establishing a Kazakhstan–Sweden Commission on Trade, Economic, and Investment Cooperation, which would serve as a dedicated platform for advancing joint projects and addressing key business issues.
The meeting concluded with both countries reaffirming their commitment to deepening trade and economic ties, expanding investment cooperation, and pursuing new joint initiatives.
