The already excellent bilateral relations between Japan and Serbia were strengthened further by the visit of Japanese Foreign Minister Kamikawa Yoko. During her visit, talks on an investment agreement were opened, creating an exceptional opportunity to strengthen economic ties between our two countries
Mariko Kaneko, Deputy Press Secretary, Deputy Director-General for Press and Public Diplomacy, and Deputy Assistant Minister for Evidence-based Policymaking at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan, accompanied Japanese Foreign Minister Kamikawa Yoko on her first visit to Serbia on 17th July. Serbia is just one of the countries that Minister Kamikawa is visiting on her tour, along with Italy, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Kosovo. We took the opportunity to interview Ms Kaneko about bilateral relations between Japan and Serbia.
“The purpose of Minister Kamikawa’s visit is to reaffirm our commitment to stability in Europe and to underscore the importance of the Western Balkans and Serbia for fostering peaceful relations within the region and beyond. Japan is committed to the sustainable development of Serbia and this is the message she is going to reiterate in her meetings with representatives of the Serbian government,” says our interlocutor.
With diplomatic relations between Serbia and Japan lasting more than 140 years to date, what steps are being taken to further strengthen political dialogue and high-level exchanges aimed at deepening cooperation in various fields?
We celebrated the 140th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Japan and Serbia in 2022, thus marking a significant milestone in our longstanding partnership. I believe that our nations are well aware of the strong relationship between us, but there is always room to share more about how the bonds between our two countries have evolved. Minister Kamikawa’s decision to visit Serbia first during her tour of several Western Balkan states underscores Japan’s commitment to the sustainable development of Serbia and the region. This visit also highlights our ongoing support for reconciliation and stability within the region.
We live in a deeply divided world that’s facing numerous complex challenges, such as the wars in Ukraine and Gaza, and a severe global security environment. North Korea’s unprecedented pace of ballistic missile launches and China’s expansionist policies in the South China Sea and East China Sea pose significant threats to our security. Amidst these global tensions, it is crucial to emphasise the importance of peace, stability and human dignity.
Minister Kamikawa’s visit to Serbia reflects our understanding of the region’s ongoing struggles to overcome past conflicts. We believe Serbia and its neighbours have the potential to exemplify the value of peace, drawing from the experiences of the past 30 years. Japan has been a dedicated partner since the end of the civil war, providing assistance for reconstruction and supporting sustainable development in Serbia and other countries around the region. We remain fully committed to continuing this support and fostering a peaceful and stable international community in which every individual can live with dignity.
How have the initiatives launched during the mandate of former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe contributed to excellent bilateral relation between the two countries?
In 2018, then-Prime Minister Shinzo Abe visited Serbia, marking the first visit by a Japanese Prime Minister. During his visit, he launched the Western Balkan Cooperation Initiative, which has since become a cornerstone of our diplomacy towards Serbia and the region. This initiative focuses on supporting social and economic reforms, as well as promoting reconciliation among the people and countries of the Western Balkans.
Under this framework, Japan has been extending assistance through its Official Development Assistance (ODA). This includes promoting social and economic reforms, stabilising Serbia’s economy and contributing to the region’s sustainable development.
We are seeing a growing number of prestigious Japanese companies recognising Serbia as a prime destination for significant investments. What factors have driven this positive shift? What strategies do you believe are essential to ensuring the continued success of existing investors and an increase in FDI from Japan to Serbia?
Japanese companies have increased their investments in Serbia significantly over recent years. We’ve seen major investments from three prominent Japanese companies: Nidec, Japan Tobacco International (JTI) Corporation, and Toyo Tire. Nidec, a leading manufacturer of electrical components used in electric vehicles and semiconductors, has established a strong presence in Serbia. JTI Corporation, one of Japan’s largest tobacco and vaping companies, has set up a branch here, and Toyo Tire, a renowned tire manufacturer, has also invested in Serbia.
Minister Kamikawa’s decision to visit Serbia first during her tour of several Western Balkan states underscores Japan’s commitment to the sustainable development of Serbia and the region
These examples illustrate the growing trend of Japanese investment in Serbia, which is likely to continue. Serbia offers a conducive business environment that attracts Japanese companies, notably through its high-quality workforce. Serbian workers are well-educated, particularly in the IT and science and technology sectors, which is highly beneficial for Japanese companies. Additionally, the Serbian government provides substantial support to foreign investors, such as corporate tax reductions and partial coverage of social welfare costs for employees of foreign companies. These measures are crucial to fostering a favourable investment climate.
Moreover, Minister Kamikawa Yoko and Serbian Foreign Minister Marko Đurić have just agreed to commence negotiations on a bilateral investment treaty. This agreement will further encourage investment between our two countries, promoting mutual economic growth and strengthening our bilateral relations.
Could you elaborate on the details of the current Japanese support programmes for Serbia, particularly in the fields of infrastructure development and education, and how these initiatives contribute to strengthening bilateral relations?
I already mentioned some of the examples of our support to Serbia. Here I would like to add some more details about particular projects. For instance, one major project involved the desulphurisation of the Nikola Tesla Thermal Power Plant, which aims to improve environmental standards. Another ongoing project, initiated by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), involves a feasibility study for a water pumping project, which is crucial for the energy sector.
The energy sector is particularly important for the stability and sustainable development of Serbia and its neighbouring countries. In addition to energy, Japan has also been supporting the welfare and healthcare sectors, reflecting our comprehensive approach to development and our commitment to the wellbeing of the region’s people.
Japan has been extending its technical cooperation in various areas. Japanese companies investing in Serbia also engage in technical cooperation and human resource development projects. One recent initiative is a waste management project undertaken by Itochu Corporation in collaboration with a French company. This project is part of our broader technical cooperation efforts for waste management.
These efforts reflect our commitment to the social and economic development of Serbia and the region. Japanese companies will continue to provide assistance, contributing to sustainable development and fostering stronger bilateral ties.
I hope that more people in Serbia become aware of our approach and commitment.
What role do women play in Japanese politics today, and what plans does the Japanese government have to improve the representation of women in political life?
Minister Kamikawa has been actively promoting the participation of women in society, particularly through the Women, Peace and Security (WPS) agenda, a concept adopted by the United Nations Security Council in 2000. This initiative is not only being championed in Japan, but also internationally, highlighting its global importance.
Significant progress is still needed in Japan. The ruling Liberal Democratic Party, to which Minister Kamikawa belongs, has set a numerical target to have 30% of politicians be women. The current average stands at approximately 15%. Similarly, the government aims for 35% of its officials to be women, which has not yet been achieved. Despite these challenges, efforts to improve gender representation and inclusion are ongoing.