Kazakhstan and Japan Strengthen Economic Partnership Prior to Visit from Japanese Prime Minister
Kazakh Deputy Foreign Minister Discusses Trade and Economic Cooperation with Japanese Ambassador Ahead of Prime Minister’s Visit
ASTANA — Kazakh Deputy Foreign Minister Alibek Kuantyrov met with Japanese Ambassador to Kazakhstan Jun Yamada on Aug. 2 to discuss trade and economic cooperation ahead of the upcoming visit of Japan’s Prime Minister Fumio Kishida to Astana.
During the meeting, Kuantyrov highlighted Kazakhstan’s significant potential for expanding investment cooperation with Japan in various sectors including transport and logistics, mining and metallurgy, renewable energy, waste recycling, digitization, and infrastructure. He expressed the government’s readiness to fully support Japanese companies interested in undertaking projects in Kazakhstan.
Yamada, on the other hand, emphasized Kazakhstan’s strategic importance to Japan as a partner. He noted a growing interest among Japanese companies in establishing enterprises in Kazakhstan and mentioned potential contributions to energy projects, transport capacity development, and digitization of logistics processes. The ambassador also highlighted the planned launch of direct flights between the two countries in 2026 as a step towards strengthening bilateral ties and expanding business and tourism opportunities.
In related news, Prime Minister Kishida is set to visit Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, and Mongolia from Aug. 9 to 12. During the Summit of Central Asia + Japan Dialogue in Astana, he is expected to announce an economic aid package for Central Asia, focusing on establishing a trade route through the Caspian Sea connecting Central Asia and Europe. The aid package will include initiatives for decarbonization using Japanese technologies and loans, with plans to accept skilled workers from the region for exchanges to enhance people-to-people connections.
The discussions between Kazakh and Japanese officials signify the strong and growing ties between the two countries, as they work towards mutual economic development and cooperation in various sectors.
