Japan Eyes Kyrgyz Antimony and Silicon: Negotiations in Tokyo

Japanese entrepreneurs are considering the possibility of purchasing antimony and silicon from Kyrgyzstan. The negotiations were conducted by Speaker of Kyrgyzstan's Parliament Marlen Mamataliiev in Tokyo as part of an official visit, according to a statement from parliament's press office.

The meeting took place with representatives of major Japanese companies, led by the Chairman of the Board of Directors of Mitsui O.S.K. Lines Takeshi Hashimoto. The parties discussed expanding trade and economic cooperation and opportunities for attracting investment. Specific supply volumes, raw material costs, and contract timelines have not yet been announced.

Mamataliiev presented Kyrgyzstan's investment opportunities in logistics infrastructure, energy, and rare earth metal processing. He proposed including a route through Kyrgyzstan among pilot shipments along the Transcaspian International Transport Corridor, citing Mitsui O.S.K. Lines' experience in maritime and logistics transportation. The Speaker also noted that the country's geographical location and membership in the Eurasian Economic Union open access for foreign business to Central Asian markets and union member states.

Hashimoto emphasized the importance of informing Japanese entrepreneurs about Kyrgyzstan's economic potential and business conditions in the country.

Separately, Mamataliiev met in Tokyo with the President of the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) Akihiko Tanaka. The parties discussed cooperation in healthcare, education, and infrastructure development. Mamataliiev highly praised JICA's participation in updating medical equipment in Bishkek, Chuy Region, and other areas, and expressed interest in expanding such projects throughout the country. Special attention was devoted to the implementation of PET-CT, joint oncology initiatives, as well as attracting Japanese specialists and companies to create a modern medical complex.

The Speaker recalled that following the Kyrgyz-Japanese business forum held during President Sadyr Japarov's official visit to Japan, the parties signed more than 20 documents in the spheres of energy, education, healthcare, tourism, and digitalization.