Uzbekistan and Japan set long-term investment agenda

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.uz) — Uzbekistan and Japan discussed the implementation of joint investment projects and prospective areas of bilateral cooperation at the 18th meeting of the Uzbekistan-Japan and Japan-Uzbekistan Committees for Economic Cooperation in Tashkent on 9 September.

The meeting was co-chaired by Uzbekistan’s Minister of Investment, Industry and Trade Laziz Kudratov and Masayuki Tanimoto, chairman of the Japan-Uzbekistan Committee and senior adviser to the president of Mitsubishi Corporation.

Japan’s State Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry Kenji Yamada, Japanese Ambassador to Uzbekistan Kenji Hirata, representatives of relevant government agencies, financial institutions, business associations and companies also attended the meeting. The Japanese delegation included more than 130 participants, including representatives of major corporations and development organisations.

The increased interest from Japanese businesses is linked to agreements reached in December 2025 during the Central Asia-Japan summit and a state visit. Following those events, a portfolio of 75 projects worth US$12 billion was formed.

At the current stage, the sides focused on the consistent implementation of the agreements reached and moving the project portfolio into practical implementation.

Uzbekistan’s economic performance has also created conditions for further cooperation. The country’s GDP grew by 7.7% in 2025, while economic growth reached 8.5% in the first half of 2026.

The sides identified several sectors that could form the basis for further investment cooperation, including energy, chemicals, mechanical engineering, critical minerals, healthcare and information technology.

Priority areas are expected to include the modernisation of production facilities, localisation of manufacturing, deep processing of raw materials, digitalisation of enterprises and expansion of companies’ presence in foreign markets.

Participants also discussed conditions needed to accelerate the launch of sector-specific projects, including expanding opportunities for non-sovereign financing and establishing a special economic zone.

The combination of financial instruments, prepared production sites and infrastructure is expected to create additional opportunities for Japanese investors.

The digital sector received particular attention. More than 20 Japanese companies already operate as residents of IT Park Uzbekistan.

Uzbekistan’s IT services exports have exceeded US$1 billion. Participants said the existing foundation creates opportunities for further development of outsourcing, promotion of Uzbek digital solutions in the Japanese market and implementation of technology projects.

The practical part of the meeting included presentations by representatives of relevant Uzbek agencies, Japanese companies, educational institutions and financial organisations.

The discussions covered industrial cooperation, digital transformation, mineral resource development, workforce training and business support mechanisms. The format allowed participants to compare the needs of individual sectors with the technological solutions and expertise of potential Japanese partners.

Following the meeting, a ceremony was held to sign bilateral documents.

Representatives of companies from the two countries then held direct negotiations and business meetings aimed at agreeing on further steps for joint projects and establishing new business contacts.