- Astana will host the first summit as part of the “Central Asia + Japan” Dialogue
- Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida and Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev to hold bilateral meeting
- “Central Asia + Japan” Dialogue aims at expanding cooperation in areas such as transportation and logistics, the mining and metallurgical complex, renewable energy, waste processing, digitalization, and infrastructure
- PM Kishida will also be supported by a delegation of 50 Japanese business leaders,
- “Central Asia + Japan” Dialogue also focuses on establishing a trade route through the Caspian Sea, connecting Central Asia and Europe
- Prime Minister Kishida plans to announce an economic aid package for Central Asia at the Summit of Central Asia + Japan Dialogue in Astana
By: Muhammad Arif, Editor NSN.Asia
Astana: Kazakhstan’s capital city, Astana, will host the first summit as part of the “Central Asia + Japan” Dialogue on August 9,2024, to promote trade and economic cooperation and east-west connectivity.
The first-ever summit involving five Central Asian nations; Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan, aims to “further deepen the partnership and mutual cooperation that we have built,” the Japanese Foreign Ministry said.
“Central Asia + Japan” Dialogue will be attended by Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida who arrived in Kazakhstan at the invitation of the head of state Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, local media reported.
“At the invitation of the head of state Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida will pay an official visit to Kazakhstan on August 9-10,” according news reports.
The two sides see significant potential for expanding cooperation in areas such as transportation and logistics, the mining and metallurgical complex, renewable energy, waste processing, digitalization, and infrastructure
Japan is one of the major foreign investors in Kazakhstan, with total investments exceeding $7.8 billion since 1993.
PM Kishida is also set to hold bilateral meetings with the leaders of the five countries, while business forums are scheduled to take place both in Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan to encourage private investment.
At the summit, PM Kishida will also be supported by a delegation of 50 Japanese business leaders, will unveil a strategic $2 billion economic support package.
According to official sources, the political initiative dates back to 2004. The start of the dialogue was announced in Astana. In September 2023, Japanese Foreign Minister Yoko Kamikawa and Kazakh Foreign Minister Murat Nurtleu agreed to organize the Central Asia Plus Japan summit in Astana.
Bilateral talks between President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev and Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida are scheduled for August 10.
On the evening of August 7, Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev arrived in Astana. Tokayev personally met him at the airport. It is planned to hold bilateral talks at the highest level and sign a number of important documents.
“Astana and Tokyo have established an active political dialogue, achieved a high level of economic cooperation, and continue to strengthen cultural and humanitarian ties. Over 18 years, Japanese companies have invested over $7.8 billion in Kazakhstan’s economy, and we see great potential in expanding cooperation,” said Kazakh Deputy Foreign Minister Alibek Kuantyrov.
Also, Prime Minister Kishida plans to announce an economic aid package for Central Asia at the Summit of Central Asia + Japan Dialogue in Astana, reported The Japan Times.
The aid package is expected to focus on establishing a trade route through the Caspian Sea, connecting Central Asia and Europe. It will include initiatives for decarbonization, using Japanese technologies and loans, particularly in natural gas processing.
Moreover, Japan is set to accept skilled workers from the region for exchanges, enhancing people-to-people connections stated Japanese Ambassador to Kazakhstan, Jun Yamada.
Yamada also emphasized that Kazakhstan is a strategic partner for Japan, noting a growing interest among Japanese companies in establishing enterprises in the country.
Japanese envoy pointed out that Japan could contribute to Kazakhstan’s energy projects, the development of transport capacity, and the digitization of logistics processes. The ambassador also mentioned that the planned launch of direct flights between the two countries in 2026 will strengthen bilateral ties and expand opportunities for business and tourism.
“Central Asia + Japan”, the new initiative focuses on cooperation over decarbonization, strengthening supply chains and cultivating human resources, Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi told a press conference.
Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida will make a trip to visit Uzbekistan and Mongolia, the Japanese government said Thursday.
In Ulaanbaatar on Monday, Kishida will meet with Mongolian President Ukhnaa Khurelsukh and Prime Minister Luvsannamsrai Oyun-Erdene, respectively, to “affirm progress in multi-layered cooperation based on a special strategic partnership,” the ministry said.
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