Russia: Economic ministers agree on plan for Russia-Japan business cooperation

Japan and Russia are planning “to actively participate in joint projects” Russian Minister of Economic Development Alexei Ulyukayev stated in Moscow on Thursday. Ulyukayev was speaking during a press conference with the Japanese Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry Hiroshige Seko. The ministers met to discuss the so-called eight-point plan intended to increase cooperation between the countries.
Seko praised the “magnificent” project, saying it could “develop relationships between Russia and Japan dramatically.” According to Ulyukayev, “The goal of our group is to create conditions for Russian and Japanese businesses,” adding “We prepared a lot of them, they are expected to be very productive and beneficial for the both sides.”
The eight-point plan for cooperation was first proposed when Russian President Vladimir Putin and Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe met in Sochi this May. It focuses on strengthening the partnership in a wide range of areas including energy, advanced technologies, and small and medium business.
Putin’s agenda for his upcoming visit to Japan will reportedly also be discussed during Seko’s stay in Russia. The Russian President’s trip to Japan is scheduled for December 15.