Japan looks beyond ASEAN to Uzbekistan, Bangladesh for more workers

TOKYO — Japan is eyeing South and Central Asian countries as sources of foreign talent, preparing for a decline in workers from Southeast Asia as economic growth in the region makes them less inclined to go abroad.

Japan’s Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare will appoint a private-sector organization to speak with dispatch agencies in South and Central Asian countries such as India, Sri Lanka and Uzbekistan. They will look at labor needs in Japan as well as systemic obstacles.