The Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) continues to actively support the development of Turkmenistan through a series of initiatives and programs aimed at strengthening infrastructure, improving statistical methods, studying transportation potential, and enhancing seismic safety. Several key events were held in the first half of 2024, demonstrating the growing cooperation between Japan and Turkmenistan.

Training for Representatives of the State Statistics Committee of Turkmenistan

A 10-day training for the staff of the State Statistics Committee of Turkmenistan was held in Tokyo from 5 to 15 February 2024. This series of seminars was conducted under the Knowledge Co-Creation Program organized by JICA. As part of the program, Turkmen specialists studied Japanese approaches to improving national statistical systems, which should contribute to improving the quality of macroeconomic assessments in Turkmenistan.

Such seminars are an important element of JICA's technical cooperation, allowing partners from Turkmenistan to directly adopt Japan's experience in statistics, which will help modernize and improve the efficiency of statistical methods.

JICA delegation visits Turkmenbashi International Seaport

On March 7, 2024, JICA representatives visited Turkmenbashi International Seaport to discuss prospects for further cooperation. During the visit, Japanese experts got acquainted in detail with the infrastructure of the port, which plays a key role in regional logistics and the development of the Trans-Caspian transport corridor. Particular attention was paid to the possibilities of using the "customs storage" mode, which reduces the costs and time for handling transit cargo.

The visit to the port of Turkmenbashi highlights JICA's interest in the development of Turkmenistan's transport infrastructure, which in turn helps strengthen economic ties between the countries of the region.

Discussion of Turkmenistan's transport potential

During its visit to Turkmenistan on March 7, 2024, the JICA delegation also met with representatives of the Turkmendemiryollary Agency (Turkmenistan Railways). During the talks, the prospects for developing transport corridors passing through Turkmenistan were discussed. Particular attention was paid to the Ashgabat Agreement and the Lapis Lazuli Corridor, which can enhance regional integration and enhance the importance of Turkmenistan as a transit hub at the intersection of Eurasian routes.

This visit highlights the strategic importance of Turkmenistan in international transport projects and JICA's readiness to support the country's efforts in developing its transport potential.

Participation in a Seminar on Seismic Safety

A seminar on seismic safety, organized by JICA jointly with the Kazakhstan International Development Agency (KazAID), was held in Almaty from 16 to 19 April 2024. It was attended by specialists from Turkmenistan and other countries of Central Asia and the Caucasus. Japanese experts shared their experience in developing earthquake-resistant technologies and measures that could be useful for countries with a high risk of earthquakes.

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