Kazakhstan is stepping up efforts to expand non-commodity exports to Sweden and strengthen its foothold in European markets as the two countries move to deepen trade and investment cooperation.

The initiative was discussed during talks between Kazakhstan’s Minister of Trade and Integration, Arman Shakkaliyev, and Sweden’s State Secretary for International Development Cooperation and Foreign Trade, Diana Janse, The Caspian Post reports via Kazinform.

The meeting focused on boosting bilateral trade, attracting new investment, and expanding business-to-business partnerships. Both sides explored ways to simplify market access for Kazakh and Swedish products by reducing technical barriers, improving logistics networks, streamlining customs procedures, and creating more favorable conditions for exporters.

A key priority for Kazakhstan is increasing shipments of domestic non-commodity goods to Sweden and the broader European Union market. To support this goal, officials reviewed opportunities for closer cooperation among QazTrade, the Swedish National Board of Trade, and Business Sweden, aimed at assisting exporters enter new markets and establish direct commercial links.

Industrial cooperation also featured prominently in the discussions. The sides welcomed the signing of a cooperation memorandum between Hyundai Trans Almaty and the Volvo Group, a project expected to strengthen Kazakhstan’s engineering sector, create new production facilities, attract investment, and enhance the country’s export capacity.

The talks further highlighted prospects for expanding the presence of Swedish businesses in Kazakhstan. Among the topics discussed was the possibility of IKEA entering the Kazakh market, reflecting growing interest from leading Swedish companies in the country’s economic potential.

Officials also underlined the importance of launching the Kazakh-Swedish Commission on Trade, Economic and Investment Cooperation, which is expected to serve as a platform for advancing joint projects and addressing business concerns.

At the conclusion of the meeting, both countries reaffirmed their commitment to expanding trade, strengthening investment ties, and pursuing new collaborative initiatives that could unlock fresh opportunities for businesses on both sides.