Kazakhstan–Japan Cooperation: Outcomes of Business Meetings and the Forum

The Chairman of the Management Board of the The Chamber of International Commerce of Kazakhstan, Murat Karimsakov, paid a working visit to Japan, during which a series of business meetings were held and participation in key international events aimed at developing trade and economic cooperation was ensured.

On December 19 in Tokyo, the Chairman of the Management Board of the Chamber held meetings with representatives of the Japan Chamber of Commerce and Industry (JCCI), including JCCI Chairman Mr. Matsuoka, Chairman of the Tokyo Chamber of Commerce and Industry Mr. Kawamoto, Executive Director and General Manager of the International Department Mr. Katsuya Igarashi, as well as other representatives of the Japanese business community.

During the negotiations, the parties discussed prospects for further development of bilateral trade and economic cooperation, expansion of direct contacts between business communities, and opportunities for implementing joint projects.

Following the meetings with JCCI, the business program of the visit continued with participation in a conference at the United Nations University (UNU) in Tokyo. Within the framework of the event, the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan delivered a lecture addressing issues of global development, sustainability, and international cooperation. The speech of the Head of State at a UN system university formed part of the official program of the visit and reflected the interest of the international academic community in Kazakhstan’s position on key global issues.

The business agenda continued on December 20 with participation in the “Central Asia – Japan” Business Forum, held with the participation of the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev. Alongside the Head of State, the forum was attended by the Prime Minister of Japan Sanae Takaichi, President of the Kyrgyz Republic Sadyr Japarov, President of the Republic of Tajikistan Emomali Rahmon, President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov, and President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev.

Within the framework of the business forum, thematic sessions were organized on “Green Development and Sustainability,” “Digital Transformation and Connectivity,” and “Finance, Human Resources, and Social System Development for Business.” In addition, meetings between representatives of the business communities of Central Asian countries and Japan were held, aimed at establishing new partnerships and promoting joint initiatives.

A significant outcome of the visit of the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev to Japan and the holding of the “Central Asia – Japan” Business Forum was the signing of more than 60 documents between the Kazakh side and Japanese business entities, with a total value of USD 3.72 billion. The agreements reached reflect a high level of mutual trust and interest in further deepening cooperation.

The Chamber of International Commerce of Kazakhstan will continue its systematic work to develop international business ties, facilitate investment attraction, and create new opportunities for Kazakhstani businesses in the Japanese market and the region as a whole.