Experts in Astana discussed key aspects of cooperation
between Central Asia and Japan, including bilateral and regional collaboration
as well as foreign policy topics. The dialogue, organized for the first time by
the Kazakhstan Institute for Strategic Studies under the President of
Kazakhstan (KazISS) and the Japanese diplomatic mission, brought together
representatives of leading think tanks from the region and Japan. During the
meeting at Maqsut Narikbayev University (MNU), participants addressed
cooperation in economics, politics, security, education, science, and
investment. The KazISS Director emphasized that Kazakhstan views Japan as a key
investor in the region’s economy and a
generator of technology in the transport and logistics industry. Another
crucial topic was urban infrastructure development, where Japan has unique
expertise in balancing urban growth, improving transport infrastructure, and
integrating modern technologies into city management. Meanwhile, Kazakhstan,
ranked 24th among 193 countries in e-government development, can offer Japan
its digital products.
«This expert meeting is focused on specific projects. Our
task is to align our perspectives, identify common ground, and determine the
issues that need to be addressed. It is crucial for middle powers to
collaborate. In terms of bilateral relations, we can expand cooperation in
education, infrastructure, human capital, and climate-related matters, among
other areas,» said Tomohiko Uyama, professor at the Slavic-Eurasian Research
Center at Hokkaido University.
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