Japan eyes deeper Central Asia links

Japan and five Central Asian countries are set to release a joint statement on sustainable economic development during an upcoming summit. The statement will cover areas like reducing carbon emissions and fostering talent.

Prime Minister Fumio Kishida will visit Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Turkmenistan from August 9-11 to meet with their leaders.

These countries, rich in energy and mineral resources, are strategically located near China, Russia, and Iran, leading to a competition for influence in the region.

During the summit in Kazakhstan, Kishida will express Japan’s support for regional initiatives aimed at achieving carbon neutrality. Japan will offer technology from its companies, including low-carbon emission fossil-fuel power plants.

Tokyo is considering assisting countries in manufacturing value-added exports like hydrogen and fertiliser made from natural gas. The agenda includes a proposed Caspian Sea shipping route connecting Central Asia and Europe, bypassing Russia.

Japan plans to offer intangible support by introducing digital technology in customs procedures. Additionally, Japan will promote the use of its specified skilled worker programme for training and fostering person-to-person exchanges.

Central Asia has a significant number of workers in Russia, with 1.2 million from Tajikistan and one million from Kyrgyzstan residing there. Remittances from Russia make up around 20 per cent and 30 per cent of the GDP of these two countries, respectively.

With Russia facing economic sanctions, the region is exploring alternative destinations for its workforce.

The five Central Asian countries hold a strategic position between eastern Asia and Europe, maintaining strong economic and security connections with Moscow.

Three of them are part of the Russia-led Collective Security Treaty Organisation, while China has increased its economic presence in the region through the Belt and Road initiative.

Attribution: The Nikkei Asia