The first-ever C5+Japan Business Forum led to the signing of agreements for joint projects
The inaugural C5+Japan business forum, which took place on Aug. 9 in the Kazakh capital, brought together over 450 representatives of five Central Asian states and more than 100 major Japanese companies, including Toyota Tsusho Corporation, Mitsubishi Heavy Industries EMEA, Ltd., and Mitsui & Co., Ltd.
Kazakhstan's Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov, Marubeni Corporation Chairman Fumiya Kokubu, ROTOBO President Masami Iijima, and other key industry leaders participated in the forum. The event focused on enhancing economic ties and expanding cooperation in digitalization, transport and logistics, the agro-industrial sector, and heavy industry. In his address, Bektenov emphasized the significant potential for deepening collaboration between Central Asian countries and Japan.
“Japan is rightfully considered one of the world’s economic and technological leaders. Japanese products are known for their high quality, reliability and innovation. The country is always at the forefront of progress, contributing significantly to enhancing people’s quality of life all around the world. Central Asia, for its part, is a rapidly developing region with huge growth potential and all the conditions for comprehensive cooperation. I believe that the countries of our region and Japan have enormous potential for the gradual expansion of cooperation,” he said.(Source:astanatimes)
Kazakh Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov emphasized the potential cooperation between the Astana International Financial Center and the Tokyo Stock Exchange, highlighting its potential to enhance partnerships in the financial sector and strengthen interregional ties. He also focused on expanding partnerships in rare earth metal development and joint projects in transport and logistics, noting Central Asia's strategic transit potential for Japanese trade.
Following the forum, joint project agreements were signed, aiming to elevate the multifaceted partnership. Japan is a key investor in Kazakhstan, with over $7.9 billion in FDI since 1993. Last year, trade turnover between the two countries reached $2.1 billion.
