C5+Japan Business Forum Signs Joint Project Agreements in Debut Event

12 Aug, 2024

C5+Japan Business Forum Signs Joint Project Agreements in Debut Event

The inaugural C5+Japan business forum in Kazakhstan brought together over 450 representatives from Central Asia and more than 100 major Japanese companies, including Toyota Tsusho, Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, and Mitsui & Co. Discussions centered on strengthening economic ties, with a focus on digitalization, transport, logistics, and heavy industry.

Kazakhstan's Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov highlighted the immense potential for collaboration between Central Asia and Japan, emphasizing advanced technology transfer, high-value manufacturing, and the creation of innovation clusters and technology parks.

The forum also explored opportunities in artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and agricultural technologies, reflecting the growing IT environment in Central Asia. Bektenov stressed the importance of cooperation between the Astana International Financial Center and the Tokyo Stock Exchange to boost financial sector partnerships.

The event concluded with the signing of joint project agreements to elevate the partnership to a new level. Japan is among Kazakhstan's top ten investors, with a cumulative investment exceeding $7.9 billion since 1993. Trade between Kazakhstan and Japan reached $2.1 billion last year, demonstrating strong bilateral economic ties.