Aukrust in Tokyo: ‘Japan is an important partner for Norway’

The Norwegian Government is currently preparing a new white paper on development policy through the Turning Point initiative. Creating more and better jobs will be a central priority. The visit to Japan, forms parts of this effort, including dialogue on how public policy instruments can help reduce risk and mobilize private investment in developing countries. 

Japan is one of the world’s largest development actors and the largest aid donor in Asia. In 2025, Japan was the fourth-largest bilateral donor among OECD DAC members, measured by total bilateral official development assistance (ODA). The country has extensive experience in linking development cooperation with infrastructure, investment, technology and private sector development. This was one of the reasons why Aukrust wanted to use the visit to learn more about Japanese experiences. 

'Japan has been successful in using development policy strategically to mobilise private capital and build long-term partnerships and support private sector development. These are experiences Norway can learn from as we further develop our own development policy,' said Minister of International Development, Åsmund Aukrust. 

During the visit, Aukrust met with Japanese government representatives, the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), representatives of development banks, UN organisations, academia and the private sector. 

More international cooperation 

Norway and Japan share a number of international priorities. Both countries support a rules-based international order, a strong multilateral system and international financial institutions such as the World Bank and the Asian Development Bank. Cooperation on Ukraine, digitalisation, artificial intelligence, and women, peace and security was also discussed during the visit. 

'Those of us who care about international cooperation need to engage more closely with one another at a time when international cooperation is under pressure. Japan is an important partner in this regard as well,' said Aukrust. 

Met with students 

Aukrust also met Norwegian students in Tokyo. Academic exchange and people-to-people contacts are an important part of the broader relationship between Norway and Japan. 

'Norway and Japan have different experiences, but many shared interests. We want a closer dialogue on how development policy can deliver greater impact in an increasingly challenging world,' said Aukrust.