Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry of Japan Akira Amari held negotiations with Uzbek senior officials on 28 April.

Mr. Amari met Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister of Uzbekistan Rustam Azimov. The sides noted gradual development of cooperation between Uzbekistan and Japan in politics, trade-economic and humanitarian spheres.

The sides exchanged opinion on development of mutual beneficial relation in oil and gas sector, transport communications, high technologies, mining, machinery, development and realization of new projects in future.

On the same day, Japanese minister held negotiations with Minister of Foreign Economic Relations, Investment and Trade Elyor Ganiev.

Within the framework of the visit, the sides signed bilateral agreements. Uzbekneftegaz (Uzbek oil and gas) national holding company and State Committee on Geology and Mineral Resources of Uzbekistan and Japan National Oil, Gas and Metal Corporation signed memorandums of cooperation.

These documents envisage to carry out geology exploration works in oil, gas and natural resource deposits in Uzbekistan.

Japan is one of largest investors in Uzbekistan. Japan invested over US$2 billion after establishment of diplomatic relations between Japan and Uzbekistan. Nine Uzbek-Japanese joint ventures operate in Uzbekistan. Over 20 large Japanese corporations, including Mitsui, Mitsubishi, Sumimoto, Nishe Ivai, NEC and Toyota Suse has representative offices in Uzbekistan. Offices of Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO) work in the country.