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about 1800 km long . The construction of the TAPI pipeline began in December 2015 with a total value of US $ 10 billion . 19 It is expected that the TAPI project , dubbed the “ Peace Pipeline ”, will ensure peace and stability in the region through cooperation between the states of the region and interdependence in meeting energy needs . Due to this , the gas pipeline will connect South and Central Asia . 20
The other sphere of Japan ’ s economic interests in the region is the development of oil producing market . Since 1998 Japanese companies have engaged in developing the Kashagan field in Kazakhstan , which is considered as one of the largest fields in the world . Its total oil reserves are estimated at 38 billion barrels of which recoverable from 13 billion barrels . Production at the Kashagan oil field was supposed to begin in 2005 , but it had to be postponed several times . Thus , oil production was started only in 2013 . The reason for the delay in production at the Kashagan oil field is associated not only with the freezing of the North Caspian Sea during the winter , which complicates offshore production , but it is also located in the center a unique natural habitat . Due to the specific chemical composition of Kashagan crude ( with its high levels of poisonous H2S ( hydrogen sulphide )) and high oil pressure , field development can have a serious impact on the region ’ s ecosystem , including potential danger to birds , marine fauna and human health . 21
From a logistical standpoint , the lack of pipeline capacity for oil and gas exports is yet another key challenge for this project . It is important to note that due to the high cost of building pipelines from Central Asia to Japan , as well as the existing distance between two sides , the hydrocarbon resources of this region have not yet been exported to Japan . However , Japan is interested in construction of pipelines in
19
Bhutta Z ., “ Japan , China Companies Win Contracts for TAPI Project ,” The Express Tribune , August 24 , 2016 , http :// tribune . com . pk / story / 1169388 / energy-supplies-japanchina-companies-win-contracts-tapi-project / ( accessed August 11 , 2020 ).
20
Bhutta , “ Japan , China .”
21
Nadia Campaner , Shamil Yenikeyeff , “ The Kashagan Field : A Test Case for Kazakhstan ' s Governance of Its Oil and Gas Sector ,” International Nuclear Information System 42 ( 1 ), Issue 24 ( 1 ) ( October , 2008 ): 9 , https :// inis . iaea . org / collection / NCLCollectionStore /_ Public / 42 / 050 / 42050161 . pdf ( accessed August 11 , 2020 ).
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