Japanese and Turkmen representatives convened in Tokyo on 27 March 2024 for a business forum focused on fostering partnerships between small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) from both countries.
The event, held at the Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO), brought together over 30 Turkmen leaders and around 100 Japanese participants.
Minister Begench Gochmollayev of Turkmenistan’s Ministry of Trade and Foreign Economic Relations led the Turkmen delegation. Other members included the Chairman of the Bank for Foreign Economic Activity, Deputy Minister of Textile Industry, representatives from the Agency for Transport and Communications, the Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and various Turkmen companies.
Opening remarks by Norihiko Ishiguro (JETRO Head), Kozuki Ryosuke (Japan’s State Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry), and Masumi Hara (Executive Director of the Turkmen-Japanese Organization) highlighted the growing Japanese interest in the promising Turkmen market.
Speakers from Turkmenistan emphasized their openness to comprehensive cooperation with Japan. Discussions centered on potential partnerships in diverse sectors, including
- Oil & Gas and Petrochemicals
- Chemicals & Textiles
- Food Industry
- Energy
- Agriculture
- Transport & Logistics
- Financial & Banking Services
- Technology
While major Japanese corporations are already active in Turkmenistan, the forum underlined significant opportunities for SMEs. Proposals included exploring the establishment of a Turkmen trade representative office in Japan and a JETRO office in Turkmenistan.
In order to facilitate direct ties between the Turkmen-Japanese business circles, it was proposed to hold business conferences, exhibitions, and business visits, and the Japanese side was invited to the Turkmen capital to hold the next Turkmen-Japanese business forum in Turkmenistan.
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Additionally, a presentation showcasing the design of Turkmenistan’s national pavilion for the upcoming World EXPO 2025 in Osaka was held.
Deputy Secretary General Ichinoki Manatsu of the Japan EXPO 2025 Organizers Association confirmed that construction is progressing smoothly, adhering to all exhibition requirements.
Belli Company, the official contractor, presented a visual tour of the pavilion design, highlighting the use of high-quality, environmentally friendly materials.
The pavilion will showcase Turkmenistan’s cultural heritage, hand-crafted carpets, industrial products, national achievements, cuisine, and souvenirs.
The business forum also witnessed the signing of a Memorandum of Cooperation between Turkmenistan’s Ministry of Trade and Foreign Economic Relations and JETRO. Additionally, bilateral meetings between delegations were held.
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A separate meeting took place between Minister Gochmollayev and Japan’s State Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry Kozuki.
At the meeting, State Minister Kozuki welcomed the deepening cooperative relationship between the two countries in both the public and private sectors.
In addition, the sides exchanged opinions on the composition of projects based on intergovernmental cooperation related to energy transition.
The anticipated “Central Asia + Japan” dialogue and summit meetings planned for later in the year were another topic of discussion. ///nCa, 28 March 2024