The Japanese Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism (MLIT) and the Turkish Ministry of Trade held the 7th Japan-Turkey Overseas Construction Cooperation Conference in Istanbul on the 1st, reaffirming their cooperative relationship in the construction sector with a focus on Ukraine's post-war reconstruction and expansion into African markets. The conference aimed to realize joint construction projects involving both countries' construction-related companies. Approximately 30 Japanese private companies, including major general contractors, participated, engaging in business matching with local Turkish construction firms.

At the conference, Hirofumi Amakawa, Japan's Vice-Minister for Transport and Tourism of the MLIT, and Mustafa Tuzcu, Deputy Minister of Trade of Turkey, signed a memorandum of cooperation. This MoC renews a previously expired agreement, continuing provisions for workshops and technology sharing aimed at the realization of joint projects. It also newly emphasizes the promotion of exchanges and information sharing between companies of both nations, encouraging greater private-sector participation. The MoC is valid for five years.

The envisioned markets for cooperation include Ukraine, where Turkish companies have long operated, and African countries. Ukraine's Vice Prime Minister for Reconstruction, who also serves as Minister for Communities, Territories, and Infrastructure Development, delivered a video message to the conference.

The event attracted around 140 representatives from approximately 60 organizations, both public and private, from Japan and Turkey. Participants included the Overseas Construction Association of Japan, and the Turkish Contractors Association, along with Japanese construction companies. Around 20 Turkish construction firms were also present, engaging in information exchange with the Japanese companies. Government agencies, such as the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and the Japan Bank for International Cooperation (JBIC), were also in attendance. (2024/10/09)