On April 29 this year, Deputy Prime Minister - Minister of Investments and Foreign Trade of the Republic of Uzbekistan S.Umurzakov held a meeting with Minister for Foreign Affairs Yoshimasa Hayashi, who arrived in Uzbekistan on an official visit.

During the meeting, joint measures were discussed to dynamize the dialogue between the two countries in the political, trade, economic, financial, technical, cultural and humanitarian areas.

It was noted that the Uzbek-Japanese partnership, distinguished by its stable and long-term nature, is gaining momentum every year. Relations between the two states are built and developed on the unchanging principles of mutual respect, equality, support and consideration of each other's interests.

The parties noted with satisfaction the tangible growth of investment cooperation in the fields of energy, chemical industry, automotive industry, education and hotel business observed over the past 5 years. A special dynamic is being monitored in partnership with the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA). The Japanese side expressed readiness to support the implementation of new projects for the development of fruit and vegetable growing, animal husbandry and the introduction of water-saving technologies in remote and rural areas. Special attention was also paid to measures to attract Japanese companies to cooperation in the field of healthcare.

The commitment of the two countries to deepening cooperation on the implementation of new projects in the field of energy and infrastructure development was emphasized. In this context, the parties also considered further steps for cooperation aimed at reducing carbon emissions into the atmosphere and the introduction of "green" technologies, which corresponds to Uzbekistan's commitment to reduce greenhouse gas emissions under the Paris Climate Agreement. 

Further actions for the development of partnership and the implementation of new programs in the field of education and training of qualified personnel for state institutions of Uzbekistan were outlined. Plans to expand the list of Japanese universities participating in the JDS program and to increase quotas for participation of students from Uzbekistan in this program were noted.

For reference: JDS ("Human Resource Development Scholarship") is a grant aid project of the Government of Japan aimed at training highly qualified personnel for government agencies and structures.

As a result of the meeting, specific solutions on topical issues on the agenda of bilateral cooperation were worked out and further steps to promote joint projects and initiatives were outlined.