Photo/Illutration Prime Minister Fumio Kishida speaks at the Japan-Ukraine Conference for Promotion of Economic Growth and Reconstruction in Tokyo on Feb. 19. (Pool)

Japan pledged its continued support of Ukraine at a reconstruction conference it hosted with the war-torn country in Tokyo on Feb. 19.

In a keynote speech, Prime Minister Fumio Kishida described assistance to Ukraine as “an investment in the future.”

“With public and private sectors working together, Japan will provide strong support for Ukraine’s comprehensive economic development across primary through tertiary industries, such as agriculture, manufacturing and information technology,” Kishida said.

A joint statement said Japan will offer continued support in all phases--from initial emergency recovery to economic reconstruction.

In a speech, Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal expressed his appreciation for Japan’s assistance and invited Kishida for a second visit to his country. The Japanese prime minister had made a surprise visit to Ukraine last March.

The Japan-Ukraine Conference for Promotion of Economic Growth and Reconstruction was organized by the Japanese and Ukrainian governments, Keidanren (Japan Business Federation) and the Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO).

About 300 people, including government officials and corporate representatives from the two countries, attended.

More than 50 cooperation documents--mainly in seven areas that include land mine disposal, debris removal, agriculture and digital technologies--were concluded between the governments, companies and other organizations.

The two countries signed a new tax treaty to lower taxes on corporations and encourage Japanese investments in Ukraine.

JETRO, a government-affiliated organization for promoting trade and investment, will open an office in the Ukrainian capital of Kyiv.

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