TASHKENT, Uzbekistan, May 30. Governor of
Uzbekistan's Fergana region Khayrullo Bozorov met with Governor of
Japan's Tochigi Prefecture Tomikazu Fukuda during an official visit
to Japan to discuss the expansion of regional cooperation and the
advancement of joint investment and innovation initiatives,
Trend reports via the
Fergana Regional Administration.


The meeting focused on strengthening economic relations between
Fergana and Tochigi, with discussions addressing industrial
cooperation, agriculture, tourism, education, workforce
development, and digital transformation.


Fukuda commended the recent business forum held between the two
regions, characterizing it as a significant step toward enhanced
bilateral cooperation. Bozorov expressed appreciation for the
hospitality extended by the Japanese side and underscored the
importance of further developing ties between Fergana and Tochigi
within the broader context of expanding Uzbekistan–Japan
relations.


Representatives of the Fergana region presented information on
its investment opportunities, industrial zones, agricultural export
potential, and human capital development initiatives. The Japanese
side expressed interest in the region's ongoing reforms, improving
business environment, and measures aimed at attracting foreign
investment.







The parties examined prospects for cooperation in automotive
manufacturing, industrial partnerships, the implementation of
advanced agricultural technologies, tourism infrastructure
development, and smart city projects. They also emphasized the
importance of expanding business-to-business engagement,
establishing sister-region partnerships, and organizing regular
business forums and exchange programs.


The meeting concluded with an agreement to develop a long-term
partnership framework and identify priority areas for practical
cooperation. The parties further agreed to establish working groups
tasked with preparing project proposals, while a delegation from
Tochigi Prefecture was invited to visit the Fergana region.


Located north of Tokyo, Tochigi is one of Japan's leading
industrial and agricultural regions, with strengths in automotive
manufacturing, electronics, food processing, logistics,
agriculture, and tourism. The prefecture ranks among Japan's top
industrial producers and has remained the country's leading
strawberry-growing region for more than five decades. Its historic
shrines and temples in Nikko, including Nikko Toshogu Shrine, were
designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1999.