Björn Söder’s speech at the seminar Exploring Central Asia: New horizons for trade, investment and tourism in the Swedish Parliament on May 5, 2026.
Members of Parliament,
Your Excellencies,
Ladies and gentlemen,
and dear friends of Central Asia,
A very warm welcome to the Swedish Riksdag.
My name is Björn Söder, and I have the honour of serving as Chairman of the Sweden–Central Asia Friendship Group in Parliament.
Today’s seminar is organized together with the embassies of Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan, and I would like to begin by expressing my sincere appreciation for our close and constructive cooperation.
This is the third consecutive year that we are hosting a seminar on Central Asia here in the Riksdag. Our previous seminars, focusing on investment climate and business opportunities, attracted strong interest from Swedish companies. They helped put Central Asia more clearly on the map – and, importantly, encouraged more businesses to start exploring the region.
This year, we take the next step.
Our theme is “Exploring Central Asia: New horizons for trade, investment and tourism.” And for the first time, we are also highlighting tourism as a key dimension of our cooperation.
Those of you who have visited Central Asia will understand why. The region offers not only vast natural resources, but also extraordinary landscapes, rich cultures, and – perhaps most importantly – remarkable people.
I have personally been struck by the diversity of nature and the genuine hospitality. It is something that leaves a lasting impression. And for those of you who have not yet been there, I can only warmly encourage you to experience it for yourselves.
Today, we are gathered here as representatives of politics, government, business, and diplomacy. That in itself, is a strong signal. It reflects a growing recognition that Central Asia is not only a region of the future – but increasingly a region of the present.
With Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan at the forefront, we see countries that are undergoing important transformations. Reforms are being implemented, economies are opening up, and there is a clear ambition to strengthen ties with Europe and Sweden. At the same time, the region’s natural resources, combined with a young and growing population, create significant opportunities for long-term partnerships.
This is in Sweden’s interest. And it is in Europe’s interest.
During today’s program, we will hear more about the tourism potential of Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan, as well as insights from leading experts on the region. I am also very pleased that the Chair of the Committee on Industry and Trade in the Riksdag is joining us today.
The seminar will once again be moderated by Mr. Heinz Sjögren, CEO of the Swedish Chamber of Commerce for Eurasia. Heinz – thank you for taking on this role.
Finally, I would like to extend my sincere thanks to the embassies of Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan for kindly hosting a reception after the seminar. It will take place just two floors down, and you are all warmly invited to attend.
Let me conclude by once again welcoming you all. I look forward to an engaging, insightful, and forward-looking discussion.
Thank you.
