Under a memorandum signed between Japanese Economy, Trade and Industry Minister Banri Kaieda and Uzbek Minister of Foreign Economic Relations, Investments and Trade Galina Saidova, the two countries also agreed to further enhance trade and investment.

To keep bilateral economic ties afloat, the memorandum also spelled out the establishment of a working group to address issues related to trade, investment and the business environment, Kyodo News reported.

The agreement was reached just prior to Uzbek President Islam Karimov's visit to Japan from Tuesday. The president is expected to meet Japanese Prime Minister Naoto Kan on Wednesday.

Strengthening ties with Uzbekistan is vital for resource-poor Japan, as the Central Asian country is known as a major producer and holder of uranium, rare metals and other resources.