Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) – Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida is set to visit Uzbekistan on an official trip, according to The Japan Times.

The visit, which will take place from 9 to 12 August, will also include stops in Kazakhstan and Mongolia. In Kazakhstan, Kishida is expected to meet with the leaders of the five Central Asian countries.

One of the key topics of the visit will be the announcement of a new economic aid package for Central Asian nations. The program is expected to focus on the creation of a new trade route through the Caspian Sea, connecting the region with Europe, thereby providing Central Asia with a stable export path and reducing its dependency on Russia.

Additionally, the economic package will address issues related to decarbonization and the promotion of intercultural exchanges. Japan plans to leverage its technology and financial resources to support natural gas processing projects in the region and facilitate the employment of skilled workers from Central Asia.

The Japan Times also notes that Central Asia is a geopolitically significant region, rich in natural resources, where China has significantly expanded its economic influence in recent years. Meanwhile, the U.S. and the EU are also seeking to strengthen their presence in the region.