Japanese investment in Ukraine: the depth of the JICA issue

Japan is one of the important partners for Ukraine in the framework of international cooperation. Since the beginning of Russian aggression in 2022, Japan has demonstrated an extremely active position, providing significant assistance and investment in the economy and recovery of Ukraine.

1. Big projects of Japan in Ukraine: support and assistance.

The head of the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), Mr. Hideki Matsunagi, who heads the organization’s activities in Ukraine, is actively working on the implementation of numerous projects. Since February 2022, Japan has allocated more than $6.5 billion to support Ukraine, of which more than a billion dollars are grants, indicating the seriousness and scale of the assistance. In January 2024, the JICA office was officially opened in Kyiv, which once again confirms Japan’s attempts to ensure effective cooperation with Ukraine.

One of the largest projects implemented in recent years is the humanitarian assistance and infrastructure restoration program. Particularly important is the introduction of technological innovations in the energy sector and transport infrastructure of Ukraine. For example, JICA is actively involved in the development of water supply and sanitation in Ukraine, and also supports reforms in the agricultural sector.

2. Priorities of cooperation between Ukraine and Japan.

Ukraine and Japan identify several key areas for further cooperation within the framework of international cooperation. This is, first of all, the restoration of infrastructure, the agro-industrial sector, energy, education and ecology. Japan is also actively helping Ukraine in the development of new technologies, in particular in the field of renewable energy, which is facilitated by Japan’s environmental strategy.

Particular attention is paid to the restoration of the affected regions and the rehabilitation of ecosystems. Japan has extensive experience in the field of infrastructure modernization, in particular in the transport and energy sectors, which makes it possible to effectively introduce advanced technologies in Ukraine.

3. Rebuilding of Ukraine: Supporting of JICA during the war.

Since the beginning of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, JICA has implemented a number of initiatives aimed at supporting the country’s recovery and development. In addition to financial assistance, Japan provides technical support to eliminate the consequences of military actions, including the restoration of infrastructure in the affected regions, the restoration of energy networks, water supply and residential buildings.

JICA pays special attention to supporting humanitarian initiatives, in particular, it provides resources for organizations working with refugees and victims of the war. Japan also cooperates with international organizations to ensure sustainable development and support of social institutions in Ukraine.

4. Japan and Ukraine: economic relations and competitive activity.

Despite the great support of Ukraine, Japan’s interests in Ukraine also correspond to its own economic interests. Japan is actively considering opportunities for cooperation in areas that are important for the competitiveness of the Japanese economy in the international market. One of these areas is the automotive industry.

Japan, in particular, is developing its production capacity in Ukraine, in particular in connection with investments in the automotive industry. Thanks to this investment, Japanese automakers have the opportunity to reduce production costs, using the geographical advantages of Ukraine. In turn, Ukraine gets access to advanced technologies and modernization of its production capacity.

Japan also takes an active part in developing the competitiveness of the Ukrainian market, in particular through investments in innovative technologies and startups. This allows Japanese companies to win in competition in world markets, in particular in competitions with giants such as Tesla.

Conclusion

Japan’s investment in Ukraine is an important component of the strategy to support the country’s recovery and development after the war. At the same time, Japan uses this process to develop its own competitiveness in a global context. The joint work of the two countries in such areas as infrastructure, energy, ecology and technology shows the depth and prospects of bilateral cooperation for many years to come. I would also like to note the natural modesty of the Japanese, in particular Hideki Matsunagi, the contribution that this person made should be nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize!

To be continued…

Oleksiy Platonov – chief editor of the international news agency “UkrPress Info”