FEC

FEC and Kazakhstan embassy in Japan co-hosted the 1^st FEC Central Asia Forum on April 17 at Iwasaki Koyata Memorial Hall of the International House of Japan. About 100 FEC members and others participated. The Forum was held as the first memorable event of the FEC Japan- Central Asia Cultural and Economic Exchange Committee which was launched this year. His Excellency Mr. Akylbek Absatuly Kamaldinov was invited as the main guest and made a speech on “Current status and future prospects of Japan- Kazakhstan relationship”.

After the opening remarks of FEC president Mr. Matsuzawa, Mr.Kenichi Matsumoto, Chairman of FEC Japan- Central Asia Cultural and Economic Exchange Committee, CEO of Sakura Global Group, Sakura Global Holding Co., Ltd made a welcome speech ,” Central Asia countries, with rich tradition and history, has cultural heritages and recently receives reputation for its mineral energy resources in the world. I wish the participants’ interest on Kazakhstan will increase by today’s forum.”

Ambassador Kamaldinov stated on the foreign policy,” Kazakhstan has not serious diplomatic matters, performing stable foreign policy based on international cooperation and carries out security policy positively in the framework of the United Nations. Moving to the presentation session, Mr. Maxat Saliyev, First Secretary of Kazakhstan Embassy made a speech on the economic development and direct Investments environment, “Real GDP grew by 6% and per capita GDP exceeded $13000 in 2013 due to increase of domestic demand, active investment and high growth in agriculture, machinery and construction industry. Direct investment from overseas is also active, therefore we expect further increase of Japanese investment.” Dr. Miki Wajima, Deputy Director, ROTOBO Institute spoke on the current situation and future prospects of Japan- Kazakhstan economic relations, “Kazakhstan has been regarded as an export country of mineral resources. Recently it has also grown as a big market. For consistent economic growth and reciprocal relationship-building, it will be important to strengthen the industrial base, to develop the investment environment and to support small and medium-sized enterprises.”