Uzbekistan and Japan sign $12bn cooperation portfolio

Uzbekistan and Japan have agreed a cooperation portfolio worth more than $12 billion in bid to advance economic, educational and regional ties.

The agreement was signed following all important talks between President Shavkat Mirziyoyev and Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi in Tokyo on Saturday.

Discussions covered broad areas of mutual interest, including energy transition, technology, critical minerals, healthcare and tourism development.

To support the implementation of the agreed portfolio, officials proposed the creation of a joint investment platform.

Such a mechanism is expected to attract and coordinate private and public investments into priority projects in both countries.

Among the initiatives outlined was the plan to establish a special economic zone in the Samarkand region, designed in accordance with Japanese development standards.

The partners also agreed to expand the One Village – One Product programme, a collaboration that aims to strengthen rural entrepreneurship and regional value chains.

Leaders also discussed ways to boost bilateral trade and deepen interregional cooperation. In this context, they proposed hosting the first Uzbekistan–Japan Regions Forum in Samarkand next year, a forum intended to highlight subnational partnerships and promote business exchange.

On education, the two sides reached an agreement to establish the first Uzbek–Japanese university in Tashkent, in cooperation with the University of Tsukuba.

The institution is expected to provide advanced academic programmes and foster research collaboration between the two countries.

Discussions also included plans to expand cultural cooperation, with proposals for regular cultural exchange events such as joint festivals, exhibitions, youth forums and film showcases.

The visit concluded with the signing of a Joint Statement on an Expanded Strategic Partnership for Future Generations.

The declaration is designed to elevate bilateral cooperation across a range of areas and broaden prospects for shared development.

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