Oriented on making people closer

On the second day of his visit to Japan, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov, during a meeting with representatives of the business community of the Land of the Rising Sun, made a speech in which he defined the main areas of long-term partnership.

The focus of both sides was the issue of strengthening economic partnership based on technological solutions, sustainable development and mutual investments. The statements and proposals made testify to Turkmenistan's desire to move to a new level of interaction with one of the key partners in the Asia-Pacific region.

As the head of state emphasized, Turkmen-Japanese relations are built on the principles of trust and mutual benefit. Japan is an example of high-tech and sustainable development, and Turkmenistan is interested in using Japanese experience in the fields of industry, science, management and ecology.

The words of President Serdar Berdimuhamedov about the favorable investment climate and economic growth of Turkmenistan were accompanied by specific figures that reasonably confirmed this.

For example, in recent years, Turkmenistan's GDP growth has consistently exceeded 6%. And according to IMF forecasts, in the coming years this figure will remain at the level of 6.3-6.8%.

Public and private investments account for over 40% of GDP, of which up to 15% are foreign. More than 65% of all investments are directed to the manufacturing sector, which creates the basis for deep industrialization. According to the data announced by the President, 44 investment projects with the participation of Japanese companies worth over $11 billion have been registered in Turkmenistan. In addition, projects worth 256 million euros and almost 190 billion yen are being implemented.

Among them are already operating key industrial facilities built with the participation of Japanese business: a gas chemical complex in Garabogaz, a polymer plant in Kiyanly, production of gasoline from natural gas in Ovadandepe and a power plant in the Charjev etrap.

President Serdar Berdimuhamedov separately identified promising sectors for expanding Turkmen-Japanese strategic cooperation. These are the oil and gas sector, including green and hydrogen energy, transport and logistics infrastructure, high-tech production, the water sector and education.

Turkmenistan is also ready to exchange experience in the field of waste management and water treatment, the head of state said.

Among the key initiatives of President Serdar Berdimuhamedov are the promotion of Japanese technologies on the Turkmen market, the active involvement of small and medium businesses of both countries and the development of joint ventures.

Turkmenistan is ready to begin practical discussions of these proposals today, the head of state noted. As a symbolic step, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov invited Japanese entrepreneurs to take part in the International Forum in Ashgabat dedicated to the 30th anniversary of Turkmenistan's neutrality.

President Serdar Berdimuhamedov noted the active role of Japanese government agencies, including the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry, JBIC and the NEXI agency, in supporting bilateral projects. And an important point in the head of state's speech is that the President confirmed Turkmenistan's readiness to offer Japanese companies all the conditions for long-term investment and stable work in the local market.

Thus, the speech of the President of Turkmenistan to representatives of the business community of the Land of the Rising Sun not only strengthens political signals at the highest level, but also offers Japanese business a clear agenda.

Based on the above, it is obvious that Turkmenistan clearly defines itself as a reliable partner open to investment, technology and industrial cooperation.

The answer is for Tokyo - and for Japanese business.

ORIENT

Photo: kantei.go.jp