Prioritize Investment in Human Resource Development and Multilateral Cooperation for Stronger Japan-Central Asia Relations Suggested
A modern spin on ancient diplomacy: The first-ever expert dialogue in Central Asia+Japan format, hosted in Astana on March 6, is a breath of fresh air in the evolving dynamics of cooperation between the region and Japan, regional integration, and foreign policy.
Paving the way for dialogue: Organized by Kazakhstan's Institute for Strategic Studies (KazISS), the Japanese Embassy in Kazakhstan, and Maqsut Narikbayev University (MNU), the event brought together leading experts, diplomats, and policymakers eager to discuss pressing issues.
The C5+1 Format: A Trailblazing Collaboration
Japan made history by being the first nation to initiate a dialogue with the five Central Asian countries in the C5+1 format way back in 2004, setting the stage for other countries to follow suit.
Harkening back to the Silk Road: Ambassador of Japan to Kazakhstan, Yasumasa Iijima, shared that this dialogue has fostered collaboration in politics, economics, culture, and human exchange, with roots tracing back to the Silk Road diplomacy launched in 1997 by then-Prime Minister Ryutaro Hashimoto.
The Japanese Way: Sustainable Support and Stability
Japan's objective in Central Asia involves ensuring peace and stability in the region and strengthening economic foundations. Ambassador Iijima reiterated Japan's commitment to supporting the sovereignty, peace, and sustainable development of Central Asia. Despite a planned presidential summit in Astana in August 2024 being postponed due to a Japanese earthquake, the ambassador expressed determination to hold the summit this year.
Kazakhstan's Unfulfilled Potential
According to Yerkin Tukumov, director of KazISS, the current state of relations between Japan and Central Asia does not meet their potential. Tukumov emphasizes the urgent need to shape the world we want to live in and ensure that the voices of middle and small powers are heard.
Tukumov noted several areas where Japan can make an impact, particularly in education, becoming a key driver of modernization for Central Asia:
- Quality Education: Japan has the potential to offer top-notch education to students from Central Asia and can increase the number of scholarships.
- Non-Resource Sector Investment: It's crucial for Kazakhstan and Central Asia as a whole to attract Japanese investment into high-tech and non-resource sectors of the economy to avoid stagnation and decline.
- Transport and Logistics: Japan's expertise can play a pivotal role in developing the transport and logistics industry, much like with the Shinkansen high-speed rail system.
- Digital Sector and Urban Planning: Opportunities abound in these spheres, with Kazakhstan particularly interested in Japan's Satoyama concept promoting the harmonious coexistence of humans and nature.
Central Asia: The Key to Japan's Global Footing
Tomoyuki Yoshida, the chief executive director of the Japan Institute of International Affairs, believes the dialogue in C5+1 format is evolving, expanding the scope of cooperation between Japan and Central Asia. As the global order faces unprecedented challenges, Yoshida sees potential for Central Asia to gain a stronger voice on both bilateral and global issues while upholding the rule of law.
Championing Multilateralism: A Shared Responsibility
Tomohiko Uyama, a professor at the Slavic-Eurasian Research Center at Hokkaido University, underlines the importance of Japan and Central Asia championing a more balanced, multilateral world order. By supporting each other's multi-vector diplomacy, mutual understanding, and initiatives in the UN and other international organizations, the two regions can contribute to a world order based on multilateralism and equal relations among all countries. Uyama also highlights the areas where both can deepen relations, granting particular attention to students and universities specializing in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.
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- The upcoming dialogue between Japan and Central Asia, rooted in education, self-development, and general news, promises to foster insightful discussions about quality education, non-resource sector investment, transport and logistics, digital sector, and urban planning, potentially leading to a modernized Central Asia and a stronger bond between the regions.
- With both Japan and Central Asia championing a more balanced, multilateral world order, their synergistic efforts in policy, international relations, and economic development have the potential to capture the rule of law, human exchange, and regional integration, shaping a world where the voices of middle powers like Kazakhstan are heard and respected.
