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.