This project enlists the cooperation of experts in Japan and other Asian countries to identify ways to resolve political, economic, security, and other issues facing five Central Asian countries (Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, the Kyrgyz Republic, Tajikistan, and Turkmenistan) and the three countries of the South Caucasus (Armenia, Azerbaijan, and Georgia).
In fiscal 2007 researchers from these countries carried out research on the countries'foreign and security policies, economic cooperation, industrial policies, and trade issues. A workshop was held June 27-28, 2007, in the city of Urumqi in Xinjiang, China.
At the 13th SPF Issyk-Kul Forum held November 4-6 in Goa, India, 35 people involved in the project presented research findings pertaining to such matters as economic diplomacy policies and regional stability, and participants were also able to develop their personal networks. A website was established to publicize the activities and results of Central Asia and South Caucasus (www.centralasiasouthcaucasus. com) and to disseminate research findings.