Uzbekistan signs $12 billion worth of agreements with Japan

During President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev’s visit to Japan, a portfolio of new cooperation projects worth more than $12 billion was signed, the Presidential Press Service reported.

It was noted that following the visit, Uzbekistan–Japan relations were elevated to the level of an expanded strategic partnership.

“President Shavkat Mirziyoyev’s official visit to Japan marked a qualitatively new stage in the development of bilateral relations. Negotiations and meetings held with the Emperor of Japan, the Prime Minister, the leadership of both chambers of parliament, government members, as well as representatives of the business community and academic circles clearly demonstrated that cooperation between the two countries has moved beyond its traditional format and acquired a long-term strategic dimension.

The main feature of the visit was its focus on filling the economic partnership with practical content. For many years, relations between Uzbekistan and Japan were largely based on humanitarian cooperation and technical assistance projects. Today, as a result of the Uzbek president’s pragmatic and consistent policy, the bilateral agenda has been reshaped to encompass all areas of trade, economic, and investment cooperation,” the statement said.

The agreements exceeding $12 billion cover sectors such as education, healthcare, ecology and water resources, transport and urban development, tourism, agriculture, and disaster risk management. Special attention was given to joint projects in green energy, energy storage systems, and the expansion of industrial cooperation. Proposals were also made to adopt long-term cooperation programs with leading Japanese corporations.

According to the Presidential Press Service, another significant event during the visit was President Mirziyoyev’s participation in the first summit of the Central Asia + Japan Dialogue.

“Initiatives aimed at deepening regional connectivity, developing the green economy, expanding investment and digital partnerships, and enhancing human capital potential reflect Uzbekistan’s aspiration to actively participate in shaping a new architecture of cooperation in Central Asia. The adoption of the Tokyo Declaration at the conclusion of the summit reinforced this approach at the multilateral level.

Overall, the results of the official visit to Japan demonstrate Uzbekistan’s gradual transition toward a full-fledged strategic partnership with one of the world’s leading centers of technology and investment. This confirms the country’s strategic policy aimed at attracting advanced technologies, implementing large-scale infrastructure and industrial projects, and strengthening its position in regional and global economic processes,” the statement said.

As previously reported, following the conclusion of events in Japan, the Uzbek leader departed on a working visit to the Russian Federation. In St. Petersburg, events with a significant agenda will take place, including the regular meeting of the Supreme Eurasian Economic Council and an informal meeting of CIS heads of state.