New panel on Japan, Russian economic cooperation www3.nhk.or.jp
NHK has learned the Japanese government has decided to set up a high-level task force on economic cooperation with Russia.
The decision comes ahead of a bilateral meeting between Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and Russian President Vladimir Putin, scheduled for December.
The plan is for government officials and private-sector experts to flesh out the details of an 8-point plan proposed by Japan.
The package covers energy development and industrial cooperation between the 2 countries, and is aimed at improving the lives of Russian people.
The task force is to be co-chaired by Japan's Trade and Industry Minister, Hiroshige Seko, and Russia's Economic Development Minister, Alexei Ulyukayev.
Russian officials are requesting 68 items, including the building of infrastructure including harbors and airports in the country's Far East. They are also calling for the construction of hospitals and laying of undersea cables to send electricity to Japan.
Japanese officials say the task force plans to hold its first meeting when Seko visits Russia in early November. The agenda will include loans to Russian banks from lenders backed by the Japanese government.
Published Date:2016-11-01