Himasha Dissanayake, JadeTimes Staff
H. Dissanayake is a Jadetimes news reporter covering Asia
Image Source: KAZUHIRO NOGI/Pool via REUTERS
Japan has announced an ambitious US$19 billion business project target in Central Asia over the next five years, marking a significant step in strengthening economic and strategic ties with the resource-rich region.
At an inaugural “Central Asia plus Japan” summit hosted in Tokyo on December 20, 2025, Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi and the leaders of the five Central Asian nations — Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan — agreed on a roadmap to expand cooperation across multiple sectors.
Japan’s investment target is set at 3 trillion yen (approximately US$19 billion) and will focus on business projects designed to stimulate trade, strengthen supply chain security, and tap into abundant natural resources such as rare earths, uranium, gold and natural gas.
Prime Minister Takaichi described Central Asia as a region of growing economic and geopolitical importance, positioned at the crossroads of Europe and Asia, with strong potential for industrial growth and strategic partnerships. Cooperation under the initiative will emphasize green energy, resilience, connectivity, and human resource development.
The participating countries also agreed to support development of the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route, enhancing connectivity between East and West, and to pursue joint efforts on energy transition, climate action, and critical minerals supply chains.
Officials noted that Japan’s move mirrors similar efforts by the United States and the European Union to diversify sources of critical materials and reduce economic reliance on China.
A total of 158 public- and private-sector cooperation deals covering areas such as natural resources and digital technology were also announced alongside the summit’s main declaration, highlighting extensive engagement between Japan and Central Asian partners
