Baku, Azerbaijan, Jan. 24
By Nigar Guliyeva – Trend:
Kazakhstan and Sweden discussed issues of cooperation in the field of transport infrastructure as Kazakhstan's Vice-Minister for Investments and Development Erlan Khairov received a business delegation led by Swedish Ambassador to Astana Mats Foyer.
The sides in detail mulled issues of cooperation in transport infrastructure, in current and planned projects in Kazakhstan, requiring the introduction of innovative technologies for further improvement and development of transport infrastructure.
Khairov noted that Kazakhstan sees Sweden as one of its strategic partners in northern Europe.
He stressed that Kazakhstan is ready to further expand bilateral cooperation with Swedish companies in the implementation of joint projects, including within the framework of the One-Way, One-Way Initiative, which unites two projects - the Silk Road Economic Belt and the 21st Century Maritime Silk Road.
Kazakhstan's turnover with Sweden for 11 months of 2017 increased by 5 percent and amounted to $253 million. Export of Kazakhstan to Sweden totaled $153.2 million, which is 10 percent more than for the same period in 2016 ($138 million).
Currently about 50 enterprises with Swedish capital operate in Kazakhstan. These are Ericsson, ABB, TeliaSonera (Kcell), Scania, Tele2, Oriflame, Electrolux, Dia verum and others.
There are several agreements between the countries, including the agreement on the promotion and mutual protection of investments, the agreement on the international carriage of passengers and goods by road, and the intergovernmental convention on the avoidance of double taxation and the prevention of evasion of income and capital taxes.