In recent years, the geography of Central Asia has gained greater prominence than in the past. The multifaceted repercussions of the Russia-Ukraine War and the environment engendered by the energy crisis have rendered the nations of the area appealing on the global stage. Central Asian nations are advancing their national objectives while enhancing their cooperation in response to the aforementioned impacts. Consequently, an extensive interaction process occurs.
Interest in the region is rising not only within the Western bloc, which is pursuing new alliances, but also among several Asian nations. Japan, a pivotal nation in the Asia-Pacific Region, exemplifies this scenario as it pursues the development of relations with Central Asian countries. Tokyo is enhancing its influence in the region through several measures in regional and bilateral ties.
As an instance, during the regular meeting of the intergovernmental commission on economic, technical, and scientific cooperation held in Dushanbe in 2023, the topic of seeking Japanese investment in the Tajik economy was addressed. The parties have agreed to enhance collaboration in commerce, economy, investment, agriculture, industry, energy, transportation, communication, and contemporary technologies.[1]
The discussion primarily focused on the formation of cooperative industrial ventures, including free economic zones in Tajikistan, involving Japanese investors. Tajikistan is recognized as a prominent partner in numerous operations undertaken by Tokyo. Japan contributes grant monies to Tajikistan for the execution of infrastructure investments, as well as medical and agricultural initiatives. Tajik personnel educated in Japan actively participate at multiple levels in Tajikistan, including ministerial positions. In December 2022, under the auspices of the Central Asia-Japan Dialogue, the parties convened at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs level and instituted the “2023-2025 Cooperation Program”.[2]
Following the initial visit by former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe in 2015, the frequency of high-level exchanges between Tajikistan and Japan has progressively escalated. This situation is essential in illustrating the evolution of bilateral relations. During the visit, Abe committed $7.5 million in grant assistance to enhance water infrastructure and agricultural efficiency in Tajikistan. Moreover, Tokyo has assisted Dushanbe in enhancing border security between Tajikistan and Afghanistan.[3]
The Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) has been engaged in Tajikistan for numerous years. JICA implements diverse grant, financial assistance, and technical cooperation initiatives to enhance the living conditions of the Tajik populace in areas including agriculture and rural development.[4]
Furthermore, Japan collectively aims to undertake substantial investments in Central Asia. In December 2022, Turkmen businesspeople attended the International Apparel Industry and Textile Equipment and Systems Fair in Osaka, where they engaged with Japanese suppliers. Consequently, prospective avenues for collaboration have been established.[5]
Kyrgyzstan offers the potential to emerge as a focal point for Japanese investments in hydroelectric power. A memorandum of understanding and a roadmap have been executed between the parties for the advancement of hydroelectric projects, specifically the establishment of small hydroelectric power plants, to foster the development of renewable energy sources.[6]
Kazakhstan is a crucial partner for Japan regarding economic collaboration. Tokyo endorses the reform initiatives undertaken by Astana and the endeavors to deliver humanitarian assistance to the Afghan populace. In April 2022, an Action Plan for the years 2022-2023 was executed by the Ministries of Foreign Affairs of both nations.[7]
Japan’s position is crucial for Central Asian nations seeking to recruit investors. Consequently, the nations in the region express satisfaction with Tokyo’s measures and seek to augment collaboration.
Conversely, it might be asserted that Tokyo’s growing interest in Central Asia is also connected to Japan’s connections with the United States (US). Japan is a prominent ally of the United States in Asia, contending with Russia and China. The established linkages with Central Asian nations also aim to diminish Russian and Chinese influence in the region.
Recently, Japan’s growing inclination towards the Central Asia region has been significant. Tokyo’s interest is perceived as advantageous by the regional countries. The relationship between the parties is being reinforced through the Central Asia+Japan Dialogue. Japan’s creation of the C5+1 arrangement positions it as a pivotal player in enhancing Central Asia’s international relations.[8] Consequently, Tokyo has been instrumental in the multifaceted interactions established among the regional countries.
Japan’s creation of the C5+1 arrangement positions it as a pivotal player in enhancing Central Asia’s international relations. Consequently, Tokyo has been instrumental in the multifaceted interactions established among the regional countries.[9] Measures are being implemented to improve regional collaboration via the Central Asia+Japan Dialogue. In this framework, collaborations in domains like as counter-terrorism, health, environment, scientific endeavors, energy, trade, and investment are being enhanced.
The measures to improve collaboration between the parties are not novel. The initial plan of Tokyo concerning Central Asia was introduced in 1997. Ryutaro Hashimoto, the former Prime Minister of Japan, introduced the “Silk Road Diplomacy Concept,” characterized by a three-tiered framework.[10] Subsequent years witnessed the implementation of many cooperative measures via established bilateral and regional partnerships. The offerings of assistance, technological investment, and economic benefits by Tokyo captivate the attention of Central Asian nations. The region concurrently presents substantial energy potential for Japan. In this context, it can be asserted that the parties confer benefits upon one another.
Ultimately, Japan is significantly crucial to the region due to its essential role in enhancing Central Asia’s international linkages and the bilateral contacts it has established with the countries in the area. Simultaneously, Tokyo is recognized as a favored partner regarding infrastructure and investment. The neighboring countries also present several chances for Japan. In this setting, it is anticipated that Japan-Central Asia relations will persist in their expansion and deepening.
[1] “Вопросы привлечения инвестиций обсуждены в ходе заседания таджикско-японской Межправкомиссии”, Avesta, https://avesta.tj/2023/03/14/strong-voprosy-privlecheniya-investitsij-obsuzhdeny-v-hode-zasedaniya-tadzhiksko-yaponskoj-mezhpravkomissii-strong/, (Access Date: 12.31.2024).
[2] “Japan-Tajikistan Foreign Ministers’ Meeting”, MOFA, https://www.mofa.go.jp/press/release/press4e_003200.html, (Access Date: 12.31.2024).
[3] “What did Abe Accomplish in Central Asia”, The Diplomat, https://thediplomat.com/2015/10/what-did-abe-accomplish-in-central-asia/, (Access Date: 12.31.2024).
[4] “Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) in Tajikistan”, JICA, https://www.jica.go.jp/tajikistan/english/office/about/about.html, (Access Date: 12.31.2024).
[5] “Turkmen Entrepreneurs Visited Japan in order to Expand Business Contacts and Exchange Experience”, Zemin, https://www.yerzemin.com/display/turkmen-entrepreneurs-visited-japan-in-order-to-expand-business-contacts-and-exchange-experience/227649, (Access Date: 12.31.2024).
[6] “Japan and Central Asia: Dynamics of the Current Partnership”, News Central Asia, https://www.newscentralasia.net/2022/12/21/japan-and-central-asia-dynamics-of-the-current-partnership/, (Access Date: 12.31.2024).
[7] “Kazakh President Discusses Expansion of Economic Cooperation with Minister of Foreign Affairs of Japan”, Astana Times, https://astanatimes.com/2022/04/kazakh-president-discusses-expansion-of-economic-cooperation-with-minister-of-foreign-affairs-of-japan/, (Access Date: 12.31.2024).
[8] “Japan in Central Asia: Declining Partner or Key Player?”, Carnegie Endowment, https://carnegiemoscow.org/2022/02/24/japan-in-central-asia-declining-partner-or-key-player-event-7821, (Access Date: 12.31.2024).
[9] “Japan’s Engagement with Central Asia: 15 Years of the Dialogue”, Eurasian Research, https://www.eurasian-research.org/publication/japans-engagement-with-central-asia-15-years-of-the-dialogue/, (Access Date: 12.31.2024).
[10] “Japan’s Silk Road Diplomacy Paving the Road Ahead”, Silk Road Studies, https://www.silkroadstudies.org/resources/pdf/Monographs/2008_12_BOOK_Len-Tomohiko-Tetsuya_Japan-Silk-Road-Diplomacy.pdf, (Access Date: 12.31.2024).
