Uzbekistan Eyes Strategic Food Industry Boost with Japan’s Ajinomoto

Uzbekistan is poised to strengthen its food industry through potential collaboration with Japan’s global conglomerate Ajinomoto, following high-level talks held between the country’s Minister of Investments, Industry and Trade, Laziz Kudratov, and senior executives from the Japanese corporation, including Masai Yoshiteru, Ajinomoto’s Senior Vice President and Executive Director.

During the meeting, the parties discussed Ajinomoto’s possible entry into the Uzbek market, with particular emphasis on the local production and distribution of high-quality food additives, The Caspian Post reports via Uzbek media.

Broader industrial cooperation opportunities were also explored, reflecting Uzbekistan’s ambitions to modernize and diversify its food processing sector.

Both sides acknowledged the strategic importance of such a partnership, citing its potential to boost domestic manufacturing, foster technology transfer, and promote greater localization in the national food industry. The meeting concluded with a mutual agreement to initiate practical steps toward the implementation of joint projects.

Ajinomoto, founded in 1909 and headquartered in Tokyo, is a globally recognized enterprise operating across multiple sectors including food products, seasonings, chemical goods, pharmaceuticals, and cosmetics. The corporation manages over 65 subsidiaries worldwide, with assets totaling $9.6 billion and an annual turnover of approximately $10 billion. Its global workforce exceeds 33,000 employees.