BAKU, Azerbaijan, August 20. Uzbekistan discussed with Japan opportunities to expand cooperation in the fields of geology, mining, and metallurgy, including investment in promising mineral deposits.
This was reflected in the statement by Uzbekistan’s Ministry of Mining Industry and Geology, following a meeting between officials of the Ministry, led by First Deputy Minister F. Khamidova, and representatives of Japanese trading company ITOCHU, the Japan Organization for Metals and Energy Security (JOGMEC) and Japan’s Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI).
According to the Ministry, in the course of the meeting, the Japanese representatives highlighted the strategic importance of relations between Uzbekistan and Japan and stressed the potential for further cooperation in geological exploration and the development of Uzbekistan’s mining and metallurgical sector.
''The discussions focused on opportunities to attract Japanese companies to the development of promising mineral sites in Uzbekistan, as well as potential investment projects in the country’s mining industry,'' the Ministry notes.
Uzbek side expressed its readiness to involve ITOCHU, JOGMEC and other Japanese companies in the exploration and development of promising deposits and sites, according to the ministry.
“Uzbekistan is ready to attract ITOCHU, JOGMEC and other Japanese companies to the development of promising sites and provide the necessary support and assistance for their investment projects,” the ministry said.
The sides also discussed the importance of strengthening practical cooperation between government institutions and businesses to translate the strategic partnership between Uzbekistan and Japan into concrete projects.
For Uzbekistan, cooperation with Japanese companies could provide access to investment, advanced technologies and international expertise in geological exploration and mineral development. For Japanese companies, Uzbekistan offers opportunities to participate in the development of its mineral resource base and expand their presence in Central Asia.
The meeting underscored the two countries’ interest in deepening economic ties in the mining and geological sectors and creating conditions for greater Japanese participation in Uzbekistan’s resource development.
The ministry declared that it remains ready to provide the necessary assistance to Japanese investors interested in participating in projects in Uzbekistan.
