Japan and CARICOM nations share the common vision of peace, prosperity and sustainable development and have engaged in cooperation in fields including trade and investment, disaster resilience and cultural exchange

This year is an important year in the relationship between Japan and the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) since it is the Japan – CARICOM Friendship Year. This commemoration testifies to the good diplomatic, economic and cultural links that have been created since. Japan and CARICOM nations share the common vision of peace, prosperity and sustainable development and have engaged in cooperation in fields including trade and investment, disaster resilience and cultural exchange.

Diplomatic and economic relations between Japan and CARICOM started from the 1990s. Japan has over the years emerged as a major development partner to the CARICOM states in terms of finance and technical assistance to support various initiatives. Of particular significance to their impact is in disaster risk reduction, climate change mitigation, human resource development and other such efforts. Due to the fragility of Caribbean nations to hurricanes and increasing sea levels, and other natural disasters, Japan’s disaster management expertise has really provided the capacity that the countries require to build resilience and preparedness.

Meanwhile, Japan-CARICOM relations have also been contributed by economic cooperation. As for Japan, it has been actively involved in the economic development of the Caribbean countries through the provision of aid and investment, and the building of trade partnerships with them. Through the Japan-CARICOM Economic Partnership Agreement, goods and services, shaping as well as the fisheries, agriculture and tourism industries, are exchanged. In addition, Japan has offered concessional loans as well as grants to finance infrastructural projects in the Caribbean region to update port, road, and energy systems.

Adding to economics, cultural exchange has been an integral component of Japan CARICOM relations. In the realm of cultural diplomacy, Japan tried to use the educational programs, the programs for student exchanges and the programs of artistic collaborations. Caribbean students have had opportunities to study in Japan under some various scholarship programs and have been exposed to Japanese technology, culture, and innovation. In a similar manner, Japan has begun to welcome expressions of Caribbean culture such as music, dance and cuisine, and this has resulted in an increase in mutual appreciation and understanding.

Year of Japan-CARICOM Friendship has a wider meaning than diplomatic expression, it characterizes genuine partnership based on mutual respect and common purposes between Japan and CARICOM

Japan has also played a key role in CARICOM’s engagement as it supports sustainable development. Japan and the CARICOM nations have common concerns and interests, such as the environment conservation, and the impact of climate change. Japan has been actively engaged in advocating for Small Islands Developing States (SIDS), not only in the name of SIDS but also on the global stage, recognizing their unique challenges and advocating and building up initiatives to build resilience. Many projects have been carried out under the auspice of the Japan-CARICOM Friendship and Cooperation Fund to deal with issues like renewable energy, biodiversity conservation and waste management.

Year of Japan-CARICOM Friendship has a wider meaning than diplomatic expression, it characterizes genuine partnership based on mutual respect and common purposes between Japan and CARICOM. Reaffirmed at high level meetings and in dialogues between Japanese officials and CARICOM leaders are commitments to further deepening cooperation in all kinds of areas. Both the Japan-CARICOM Summit Meetings have served as venues for positive and proactive engagement on critical global subjects such as economic recovery, global health challenges and security issues.

The parties have also agreed to expand their collaboration on digital transformation, maritime security, as well as public health

Moreover, strengthening Japan-CARICOM ties has depended upon the public diplomacy dimension. Both regions have also endeavoured to increase people to people interaction and goodwill by means of cultural festivals, culinary events or media exchanges. Also, the introduction of Japanese language and culture programs in Caribbean schools and universities has also helped in the development of more cross-cultural engagement in the facilitation of deeper connections between citizens.

The many CARICOM-Japan Friendship motivated initiatives and programs are unfolding throughout the course of the Japan-CARICOM Friendship 2018 Year. The activities that come under this project incorporate cultural exhibitions, business forums, academic symposiums, and diplomatic engagements in a bid to further foster the ties between the countries of the CARICOM and Japan. In this light, these celebrations serve to not only mark past successes but more importantly to put into motion future cooperation and new ideas.

For instance, there is a positive outlook as it pertains to the future of Japan CARICOM relations looking forward. The parties have also agreed to expand their collaboration on digital transformation, maritime security, as well as public health. This continues to demonstrate Japan’s interest in supporting CARICOM’s development agenda and contributing to the development of a resilient and prosperous Caribbean region. But at the same time, CARICOM nations regard Japan as a valuable partner in the complexities of a fast-changing global world.

The current year of Japan CARICOM Friendship is not a symbolic commemoration, it is an affirmation of the spirit of partnership, solidarity and mutual growth. As the world continues to face new challenges, the close partnership between Japan and CARICOM symbolizes how ‘international cooperation is an effective way toward sustainable progress and shared prosperity.’ Japan and CARICOM are seeing their relationship grow stronger with continued efforts through diplomacy, trade, culture and development for future generations to come.

Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in this article are solely those of the author. They do not represent the views, beliefs, or policies of the Stratheia.