President Karimov Receives Japan’s Economy Minister

At the Oqsaroy on August 6, President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Islam Karimov received Toshimitsu Motegi, Japan’s Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry.

Welcoming the guest, the head of our state noted that the meeting constituted a logical extension of the dynamically advancing dialogue with Japan with regard to consolidation of relations of strategic partnership between our two nations, and that it provided a good opportunity to assess the current state and exchange views on the priority aspects in the enhancement of mutually advantageous cooperation, first and foremost in the economic realm.

It is noteworthy that the official visit by the President of Uzbekistan to Japan in February 2011 afforded a potent impetus to the development of bilateral trade and economic, investment and financial ties. Moreover, it stimulated the political interaction and filled the strategic cooperation with new practical content.

Japan has traditionally been one of Uzbekistan’s key economic partners. In 2013, the trade turnover between the two countries exceeded 215 million US dollars. The aggregate volume of financial-technical assistance provided by Japan to Uzbekistan has surpassed 2 billion dollars.

Japanese companies have been energetic in the implementation of major investment projects in Uzbekistan, including the construction of a compressor station at the Kokdumalak Field and the Bukhara Oil Refinery, the modernization of Ferghana Oil Refinery and airports in Samarkand, Bukhara and Urgench. Joint projects are currently in progress to enhance the Navoi and renovate the Talimarjan heat power plants.

The talks helped the two parties discuss the prospects of expansion of cooperation in the energy sector, hydrocarbon, mining, chemical and electrical engineering industries, as well as the telecommunications sphere.

It was stressed with satisfaction that the Japanese delegation includes officials of leading corporations like Itochu, Mitsubishi, Marubeni, JOGMEC, NEC, and that a joint business forum is scheduled as part of the visit.

Toshimitsu Motegi extended his sincere gratefulness to the head of our state for a warm welcome and confirmed the willingness of the Japanese government to further consolidate the multifaceted and mutually advantageous economic bonds with Uzbekistan.