Representatives of Uzbekistan and JBIC discussed financing of infrastructure projects

The Minister of Investment and Foreign Trade of Uzbekistan, Laziz Kudratov, held talks with the advisor to the Prime Minister of Japan, Uno Yoshimasa, on October 5. The parties discussed the further development of strategic partnership between the two states.

Particular attention was paid to the implementation of agreements reached during the high-level visit in December 2025. Furthermore, the meeting participants reviewed opportunities to expand industrial cooperation and organize the production of high value-added goods.

In 2025, trade turnover between Uzbekistan and Japan amounted to approximately 400 million US dollars. Since the beginning of 2026, bilateral trade turnover has increased by 11%, reaching 228.8 million US dollars.

The portfolio of joint projects with Japanese partners exceeds 12 billion US dollars. Currently, 144 enterprises with Japanese capital are operating in Uzbekistan.

A separate part of the negotiations was dedicated to implementing major projects in the fields of energy, transport, and infrastructure. The Japanese side also proposed strengthening cooperation within the framework of the 'Free and Open Indo-Pacific' concept. This initiative aims to strengthen resilience, support economic development, and expand regional connectivity.

Uzbekistan and Japan held discussions on the further development of the JDS scholarship program, aimed at enhancing the professional level of civil servants.

Cooperation issues were discussed by U. Khusainova, the current director of the Agency for Improving Management Efficiency, and Tomomi Igarashi, regional project manager of the JDS JICE office in Uzbekistan.

One of the key topics of the meeting was defining the admission requirements for civil servants to JDS master's programs for the 2027–2028 academic year. The parties also reviewed the need to adapt the program's educational fields to current priorities, including sustainable environmental development and climate change.

Special attention was paid to studying Japan's experience in seismic risk management and the creation of resilient infrastructure. Other areas planned for study include Digital Twin technologies, Geographic Information Systems (GIS), and intelligent transport systems.

Participants also discussed the effective utilization of the potential of JDS program graduates within the public administration system. Following the meeting, the parties agreed to continue cooperation to align the JDS program with Uzbekistan's strategic priorities and integrate advanced Japanese experience into public administration practice.

The Agency for Improving Management Efficiency serves as the national partner in international scholarship programs that provide civil servants with opportunities to study abroad.

The Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economy and Finance of Uzbekistan, Jamshid Kuchkarov, met with a delegation from the Asian Development Bank (ADB), led by Takeo Koike, Head of ADB's Office for Market Development and Public-Private Partnerships. This meeting took place on September 25. According to a statement from the Information Service and Communications Department of the Ministry of Economy and Finance, the main goal of the gathering was to accelerate public-private partnership projects in Uzbekistan and expand cooperation in new areas.

Participants discussed the current status of PPP projects being implemented in Uzbekistan, as well as measures aimed at increasing their pace of execution and prospects for further expanding interaction in various fields.

During the meeting, PPP projects in the education sector were reviewed, including plans to increase the network of preschool educational institutions in the regions. Additionally, initiatives in healthcare, construction of water supply and wastewater treatment facilities, and modernization of district heating systems were discussed.

Special attention was paid to the possibilities of implementing agreements concluded between Uzbekistan and the ADB regarding public-private partnerships in various sectors. The parties also considered the possibility of receiving expert and advisory assistance from the Asian Development Bank to accelerate projects for modernizing district heating systems using modern methods.

Furthermore, participants discussed the development of new PPP projects and the further strengthening of institutional capacity in this area. At the end of the meeting, both sides expressed readiness to bring cooperation to a new level, increase the effectiveness and efficiency of PPP projects, accelerate their implementation, and continue bilateral interaction in priority areas.