Main issues pertaining to international cooperation in the Far East and the Arctic between Russia and Japan were discussed by Alexei Chekunkov, head of the Russian Ministry of Foreign Economic Development, and Toyohisha Kojuki, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Japan to Russia.
The concept proposed by the Japanese side is aimed at intensifying trade and economic cooperation and suggests expanding cooperation in several areas, such as energy, logistics, fish processing, port and transport infrastructure, urban environment, and tourism. Export oriented agricultural projects are to be prioritized.
Additionally, Japanese side intends to participate in the development of the Northern Sea Route. According to Mr. Kojuki the Northern Sea Route improves the traditional sea transport logistics by 40%. Japanese tankers already carry LNG via the Northern Sea Route.
Map: Arctic Portal
Source: Roscongress Foundation