Stockholm, 5 May, 2026 – The third seminar on the investment and tourism potential of Central Asian countries was held at the Swedish Parliament (Riksdag). The event was organised by the Sweden–Central Asia Friendship Group, in collaboration with the Embassies of the Republic of Kazakhstan and the Republic of Uzbekistan in Sweden. The session was moderated by Heinz Schögren, Chair of the Swedish Chamber of Commerce for Eurasia.

Members of the Riksdag, representatives of the Swedish Ministry for Foreign Affairs, including Stefan Eriksson, Ambassador of Sweden to Kazakhstan, representatives of financial development institutions, the business and expert communities, the tourism industry, the academic and diplomatic communities, as well as members of the diplomatic corps, took part in the seminar.

Björn Söder, Chair of the Friendship Group, and Tobias Andersson, Chair of the Swedish Parliament’s Committee on Industry and Trade, addressed the participants with welcoming remarks. The Swedish side noted the growing interest of Swedish business in Central Asia and emphasised that Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan are at the forefront of the region’s economic and institutional reforms. The growing strategic importance of Central Asia, with its significant resource, logistical and demographic potential, was also highlighted. According to Swedish parliamentarians, the region is increasingly viewed in Sweden as a promising area for long-term cooperation in the fields of trade, investment and tourism.

In his speech, Olzhas Suleimenov, Ambassador of Kazakhstan to Sweden, briefed the participants about the political and economic reforms ongoing in Kazakhstan, including the adoption of a new Constitution following a nationwide referendum. Particular attention was paid to Kazakhstan’s policy of economic diversification, the development of green energy, digitalisation, artificial intelligence and sustainable transport links between Europe and Asia.

Talgat Gazizov, Chairman of the Board of JSC “Kazakh Tourism”, delivered a separate presentation on Kazakhstan’s tourism potential. He noted that Kazakhstan combines a unique natural heritage, a rich nomadic culture and modern tourism opportunities, offering a wide range of destinations – from ecotourism and active holidays to cultural and educational tours of UNESCO World Heritage sites. It was emphasised that Kazakhstan is consistently developing sustainable tourism and promoting the country as a new destination for European travellers.

The participants were especially interested in the talk given by the well-known Swedish traveller and explorer, Ambassador of the Snow Leopard Foundation in Kazakhstan, Johan Ernst Nilsson, who, based on his experience of travelling through 196 countries around the world, highlighted the unique combination of untouched nature, cultural heritage and authenticity found in the countries of Central Asia. Mr. Nilsson praised the efforts of the region’s countries to conserve biodiversity and restore the snow leopard population, and also spoke about his upcoming horseback expedition across Kazakhstan, dedicated to promoting the country’s nature and culture.

Presentations by company representatives gave the event a practical focus. In particular, Christina Stark, member of the Board of Directors at Väderstad, announced the signing of an agreement to localise the production of high-tech agricultural machinery in Kazakhstan at the facilities of AgromashHolding KZ JSC. It was emphasised that the project was the result of active cooperation between the Kazakhstani and Swedish sides, including the support of the Embassy of Kazakhstan in Sweden. Ms. Stark also noted the favourable investment climate, the sustainable development of the agro-industrial sector and the growing interest of Swedish businesses in expanding their presence in the Kazakhstani market.

Dr. Svante Cornell, Director of the Institute for Security and Development Policy (ISDP), presented an analytical overview of the transformation of Central Asia as a region of emerging ‘middle powers’. In his view, despite the complex geopolitical situation surrounding the region, Central Asia remains one of the few areas in Eurasia demonstrating stability, pragmatism and a sustained positive development trajectory.

The event served as an important platform for open dialogue, the exchange of experience and the formation of new promising partnerships between Sweden and the countries of Central Asia.

Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/mfa-stockholm/press/news/details/1215859?lang=kk