Prime Minister Shinzo Abe said Tuesday that Japan sees economic potential worth more than ¥3 trillion in infrastructure and other projects in Central Asia.

"The Japanese government will push for private investment and will support infrastructure building as well as human resource development. By doing so, business opportunities surpassing ¥3 trillion will be created," Abe said in a speech in Astana, the capital of Kazakhstan, as he wrapped up a weeklong, five-nation tour of Central Asia, where Japan is hoping to boost its presence.

Abe made the remarks after holding talks with Kazakh President Nursultan Nazarbayev, during which the two leaders agreed to step up cooperation in bringing nuclear power to the Central Asian country.