Japan considers new directions to invest in Kazakhstan
The prospects for investment cooperation between Kazakhstan and Japan were discussed as part of the National Week at the Virtual Exhibition CAVEX II. The event, organized by the Japan Association for Trade with Russia and the Newly Independent States (ROTOBO), was attended by the representatives of the Embassy of the Republic of Kazakhstan in Japan, NC KAZAKH INVEST JSC, AIFC, ITC JSC, SK-Pharmacy LLP, Tau-Ken Samruk National Mining Company JSC, Kazakh Pharmaceutical Company Medservice Plus LLP, as well as businesses of the two countries. The goal is to develop business and encourage trade and investment between Japan and the countries of Central Asia.
Miki Wajima, Director of the ROTOBO Research Institute for Economics welcomed the participants. The speaker highly appreciated the steps to improve the investment climate in Kazakhstan and the ongoing economic reforms, as well as expressed support for expanding trade and economic cooperation between the two countries.
In turn, the Chairman of the Japan-Kazakhstan Committee for Economic Cooperation Ichiro Takahara stressed that Japanese business is still interested in the implementation of investment projects in Kazakhstan.
“An important component of the further development of the strategic partnership between Kazakhstan and Japan is the active promotion of cooperation in new sectors of the economy. The international situation is complex and changeable, but the business circles of Japan invariably, with great reliability and interest follow the possibilities of cooperation with Kazakhstan,” said Ichiro Takahara.
Zhandos Temirgali, Deputy CEO of NC KAZAKH INVEST JSC, said that Japan is one of the key trade and economic partners of Kazakhstan in Asia and among the top 10 countries - investors in Kazakhstan. Moreover, the speaker briefed the participants on the investment potential of Kazakhstan, the steps of state support of investors and the activities of KAZAKH INVEST.
“As part of the new economic course of the Head of State, a new concept of Kazakhstan's Investment Policy is being developed. It is planned to carry out a number of serious structural reforms of the economy, which are linked with the expectations of international investors. The social responsibility of business to create quality jobs and improving the skills of local specialists is crucial for the country. Kazakhstan is interested in the experience of Japanese partners concerning the development of processing and new sectors of the economy, in particular, we are talking about “smart” engineering, processing of solid minerals, pharmaceuticals, information technology and “green” energy. In turn, KAZAKH INVEST is ready to provide comprehensive support to Japanese companies interested in investing in Kazakhstan,” said Zhandos Temirgali.
The two-day event also presented the activities of the Astana International Financial Center, the opportunities for foreign investors to participate in the privatization of state assets, the implementation of IT projects based on the Astana Hub, the development of pharmaceuticals and healthcare jointly with SK-Pharmacy LLP and Kazakhstani manufacturers of medical equipment, as well as prospects for cooperation in the metallurgical industry with the assistance of Tau-Ken Samruk.