Uzbekistan and JICA Review Investment and Education Projects

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — On 31 March, Laziz Kudratov, head of the Ministry of Investments, Industry, and Trade of Uzbekistan, met with a JICA delegation led by Fusato Tanaka.

The parties confirmed that all projects agreed upon during the high-level visit in December 2025 are progressing on schedule, including programs in livestock development, small business support, and investment cooperation.

In the energy sector, discussions focused on projects to enhance energy efficiency in industrial and social facilities. Collaborative work continues with JICA and JETRO on the development of Uzbekistan’s free economic zone, with agreements to accelerate technical preparations and present the country’s investment potential to Japanese businesses.

In STEM education, the sides discussed establishing laboratories and launching joint programs with Japanese universities to train engineers.

The importance of expanding direct private sector financing through the PSIF program was also emphasized.

Following the meeting, the Japanese delegation was invited to participate in the Tashkent International Investment Forum, scheduled for 16–19 June 2026.