Tokayev’s Japan visit yields over 60 agreements worth $3.7 billion

More than 60 bilateral documents were signed during the visit of Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev to Japan.

“During my visit to Japan, more than 60 bilateral documents have been signed, including commercial agreements totalling more than $3.7 billion,” Tokayev said on December 20 while speaking at the first Central Asia–Japan Dialogue Summit in Tokyo.

The president’s remarks were cited by his press service.

Addressing the summit, the head of state emphasised the need for particular attention to intensifying trade, economic, and investment ties.

“Last year, mutual trade reached approximately $2 billion. Kazakhstan supplies uranium, rare earth metals, and oil to the Japanese market. Japan has become one of the main investors in Kazakhstan’s economy, with total investments exceeding $8.5 billion,” the president said.

“Kazakhstan has for many years successfully cooperated with leading Japanese corporations and actively supports the activities of Japanese small and medium-sized enterprises in our country,” Tokayev noted.

President Tokayev also welcomed the decision of the Japanese government to participate in improving customs procedures at the port of Aktau.

According to him, Central Asia’s transit and logistics potential opens significant opportunities for Japan, as the region plays a key role as a crossroads of major trade routes between East and West, and North and South.

“More than 80% of overland cargo transportation between Asia and Europe passes through Kazakhstan’s territory. The development of the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route is of particular importance. We welcome the decision of the Japanese government to participate in improving customs procedures at the port of Aktau on the Caspian Sea. We consider the future involvement of Japanese companies in the development of railway, port, road, and logistics infrastructure along the Middle Corridor to be beneficial,” Kassym-Jomart Tokayev said.

By Tamilla Hasanova