Uzbekistan and Japan are expanding their strategic economic cooperation, with both countries launching new initiatives focused on energy efficiency, agriculture, healthcare, and workforce development.

The plans were discussed during a meeting between Uzbekistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economy and Finance, Jamshid Kuchkarov, and a Japanese delegation led by Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Japan to Uzbekistan, Kenji Hirata, The Caspian Post reports via UzDaily.

The talks brought together senior officials from both countries, including representatives of the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), Uzbekistan’s Ministry of Economy and Finance, and the Ministry of Health.

The sides reviewed ongoing joint projects and explored new opportunities to strengthen cooperation in both economic and social sectors. Discussions focused on improving the effectiveness of existing programs while identifying promising areas for future collaboration.

Among the key priorities were energy efficiency initiatives, agricultural development, the expansion of the "One Village, One Product" program, healthcare modernization, and the training of highly qualified specialists.

Particular attention was given to energy-saving technologies and their implementation in social institutions and industrial facilities. The importance of reducing energy consumption while supporting sustainable economic growth was highlighted.

The meeting concluded with an exchange of diplomatic notes for two new JICA-backed projects aimed at boosting energy efficiency in public facilities and the industrial sector. The initiatives will combine modern technologies with preferential financing mechanisms to support long-term modernization efforts.

Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral cooperation and ensuring the successful implementation of joint projects.