Government ministers ranging from Sergei Ivanov to Vladimir Putin have stopped by Sweden in spring 2011, and that’s just one sign that relations between the Scandinavian powerhouse and Russia are picking up steam. For this Russia-Sweden magazine, The Moscow Times went to Sweden and reported firsthand on cars, tourists and trade.

In Angelholm, at the southern tip of Sweden, we interviewed staffers at supercar designer Koenigsegg Automotive AB, including founder Christian von Koenigsegg. He is looking to Russia’s luxury car market as a possible outlet for sales of his high-speed autos.

At the less pricey end of the scale, Swedish automotive manufacturers are trying to get a bigger foothold in the overall car and truck market in Russia. Volvo Cars, Scania, Volvo Trucks and even beleaguered Saab want to sell more cars and trucking vehicles in Russia in 2011. With the market ramping up post-crisis, our article looks at the Swedish companies’ prospects.

Carmaking was one topic discussed with Ewa Bjorling, Sweden’s minister for trade, in an interview at the Ministry for Foreign Affairs in Stockholm. She also talked with The Moscow Times about clean technology, energy, customs duties and a new ferry service.

That service is building up the hopes of Swedish tour operators. The St. Petersburg-Stockholm route can transport about 2,400 people on each of its twice-a-week trips, and it already is bringing more Russians to sites in Sweden. Those frequented by Russians include cultural, family and nature locations. The typical Russian tourist to Sweden, one tour agent said, is an “educated traveler.” Read on to find out why Sweden will be a part of Russia’s business future.