BAKU, Azerbaijan, October 6. Uzbekistan and the
Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) signed a 2026–2030
partnership program covering 15 projects during a meeting in
Tashkent on Oct. 5.
This was reflected in the statement by the Ministry of
Investment, Industry and Trade of Uzbekistan, following a meeting
between Uzbek Investment, Industry and Trade Minister Laziz
Kudratov and Katsura Miyazaki, Senior Vice President of JICA, to
review ongoing joint projects and prospects for launching new
initiatives.
“Particular attention was paid to the development of free
economic zones and creating conditions to attract foreign
investment, including from Japanese companies,” Uzbekistan’s
Ministry of Investment, Industry and Trade said.
Additionally, the sides discussed JICA’s technical assistance in
developing master plans for free economic zones (FEZs), which
Uzbekistan said is aimed at improving conditions for investment and
supporting the development of industrial activity in the zones.
The new Partnership Program for 2026–2030 includes 15
prospective projects covering transport and energy infrastructure,
human capital development, health care, agriculture, private-sector
support and green growth.
The agreement is expected to provide a framework for
implementing new joint projects and expanding practical cooperation
between Uzbekistan and JICA across key areas of economic and social
development.
JICA has been cooperating with Uzbekistan since 1993, supporting
the country’s economic and social development through technical
cooperation, ODA loans, human-resource development and
infrastructure projects. Its work in Uzbekistan has covered areas
including energy, transport, health care, agriculture, industrial
development and climate resilience. In 2026, JICA signed new
ODA loan agreements with Uzbekistan to promote
energy efficiency in industrial and public buildings, while its
existing portfolio also includes projects in livestock, health
care, transport connectivity and human capital development.
