At the first summit of the “Central Asia + Japan” Dialogue in Tokyo on December 20, President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev presented his vision for the development of cooperation in the “Central Asia + Japan” format.
The event, chaired by Prime Minister of Japan Sanae Takaichi, was also attended by President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, President of the Kyrgyz Republic Sadyr Japarov, President of Tajikistan Emomali Rahmon, and President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov.
Mirziyoyev proposed to hold summits at the level of heads of state once every two years, which would give an additional strong impetus to cooperation.
He spoke for the development of a “Central Asia – Japan 2040” Cooperation Strategy, including specific programs and projects to promote the sustainable development of the countries of the region and their deeper integration into global economic processes.
The leader of Uzbekistan welcomed the expansion of support by Japanese financial institutions for trade, economic, and investment projects in Central Asia.
“I am confident that by combining the rich natural and human resources of Central Asia with Japan’s industrial and technological potential, we will be able to achieve an effect of synergy,” stated Mirziyoyev.
He proposed to establish an Investment Fund for the Development of Infrastructure and Industry of Central Asia, launching on its basis a “Quality Infrastructure” Program, as well as to create a Central Asian network of Japanese technoparks – a regional platform for industrial cooperation, localization, and technology transfer.
The President of Uzbekistan spoke for the establishment of a “Central Asia – Japan” Digital Hub – a multilateral cooperation platform in the fields of digital solutions, artificial intelligence, the Internet of Things, cybersecurity, and innovation economy.
Interest was expressed in attracting Japanese investment, technologies, and expert support for projects to develop high-speed railways and highways, digitalize transport corridors, and construct airports and logistics centers.
Within the framework of cooperation in the field of green energy, the Uzbek leader emphasized the importance of implementing joint projects to introduce cogeneration technologies, reduce losses, and capture and utilize carbon dioxide. He proposed to establish a Regional Training Center for Renewable Energy Specialists in Tashkent.
In the ecological sphere, Mirziyoyev proposed to launch a joint Program to improve air quality in Central Asia, adopt a joint Action Plan on combating climate change, as well as establish, within the framework of the Dialogue, of a new format of meetings of heads of environmental authorities.
Taking into account Japan’s extensive experience in the field of seismic safety, he proposed to implement a joint Program for assessing and enhancing seismic resilience in the region and to open a Regional Advanced Training Center in Tashkent to train engineers, architects, and emergency response services in accordance with Japanese standards.
