Tokyo has set a target to implement approximately $19 billion worth of business projects in Central Asia over the next five years. To achieve this goal, Japan has organized a summit with leaders from the five Central Asian countries for the first time.
The summit, held in Tokyo on Saturday, was attended by leaders from Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan. Japan’s Prime Minister Sana Takaichi hosted the event.
According to a joint statement released after the meeting, Japan aims to implement 3 trillion yen ($19 billion) worth of business projects in Central Asia over the next five years. The statement emphasized the importance of expanding access to international markets for Central Asian countries, which are rich in natural resources and energy reserves.
To accelerate economic growth in the region, Japan will focus on increasing private sector investment, infrastructure development, industrialization, and technology cooperation. Japan, along with the US and EU, has long been interested in Central Asia’s natural resources. The region is considered strategically important, particularly in reducing dependence on China for rare minerals and energy resources.
The participating leaders agreed to work together to strengthen critical mineral supply chains, ensure sustainable economic growth, and promote environmentally friendly development. They also discussed expanding the Trans-Caspian Transport Route, which connects Europe while bypassing Russia.
Analysts say that Central Asia’s geopolitical importance has increased after China’s recent restrictions on rare mineral exports. Japan is taking steps to strengthen its economic and strategic presence in the region. However, experts note that despite being rich in mineral resources, Central Asian countries still face challenges in fully utilizing these resources due to their remote geographical location and infrastructure limitations.
Sources: Japan Today, AFP.