Kazakhstan and Japan Strengthen Economic and Strategic Ties in High-Level Talks
President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev of Kazakhstan recently met with Special Advisor to the Japanese Prime Minister Akihisa Nagashima on Jan. 31 to discuss opportunities to strengthen trade, investment, and scientific collaboration between the two nations. The meeting highlighted Japan’s crucial role in Kazakhstan’s economic development.
During the meeting, President Tokayev emphasized the significant potential for enhancing trade, economic, investment, and scientific-technical cooperation with Japan. Japanese investments in Kazakhstan’s economy have already surpassed $8 billion, showcasing the strong commitment of both countries to fostering favorable conditions for foreign investors, particularly leading Japanese companies.
Special Advisor Nagashima reaffirmed Tokyo’s dedication to enhancing bilateral relations, emphasizing the importance of high-level political dialogue. The officials also discussed the prospects of deepening cooperation in various sectors such as trade, energy, transportation, education, climate change, and cultural-humanitarian collaboration.
In a separate meeting, Special Advisor Nagashima held discussions with Kazakh Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Murat Nurtleu in Astana to further strengthen the strategic partnership between Kazakhstan and Japan. They focused on trade, investment, and cultural cooperation, with plans for the upcoming Central Asia + Japan Summit in 2025.
Both officials expressed interest in expanding collaboration in energy, ecology, and critical minerals, recognizing Japan’s advanced technologies and innovations as valuable assets in various sectors of the economy. They highlighted the potential for developing joint projects in these areas to boost mutual trade and investment growth.
Since the establishment of diplomatic relations in 1993, Japanese companies have significantly invested in the Kazakh economy, with direct investments exceeding $8 billion. In 2024, the volume of direct investments from Japan saw a 6% increase, surpassing $300 million. The trade turnover between the two countries in January-November of the previous year reached $1.6 billion, underscoring the robust economic partnership between Kazakhstan and Japan.
