TOKYO, August 26. /Dunyo IA/.  Masayoshi Fujimoto, Chairman of the Board of Directors and Representative Director of Sojitz Corporation, gave an interview to Dunyo IA ahead of the 35^th anniversary of Uzbekistan’s independence, conveying his sincere congratulations and best wishes to the people of Uzbekistan.

– This year, Uzbekistan marks the 35th anniversary of its independence and the 10th anniversary of the beginning of the large-scale reforms of New Uzbekistan. You have observed the development of our country for many years. How do you assess Uzbekistan’s progress, and which changes do you consider the most significant?

– Ten years after the start of the large-scale reforms, Uzbekistan has reached a turning point in its development.

Under the leadership of President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, Uzbekistan has been pursuing economic liberalization, improving the investment climate, and strengthening engagement with the international community. As a result of these efforts, Uzbekistan has become one of the most attractive countries in the region.

When I first visited Uzbekistan, I was greatly impressed not only by the development of its infrastructure and cities, but also by the energy and enthusiasm of the younger generation.

One particularly important change is that the government not only announces reforms but also actually implements policies and achieves concrete results. I believe that this consistency and ability to implement reforms are winning the trust of many foreign companies.

– Sojitz Corporation’s cooperation with Uzbekistan has a long history and covers a wide range of industries. Looking back at the history of this partnership, which key stages or joint projects do you consider to have laid the foundation for the current level of cooperation?

– Relations between our company and Uzbekistan began in the 1990s. At one time, together with Uzbekneftegaz, we implemented projects such as the development of the Kokdumalak oil and gas condensate field and the construction of the Shurtan Gas Chemical Complex, which contributed to the development of Uzbekistan’s energy sector.

We also participated in the implementation of the Syrdarya Thermal Power Plant construction project. Through this project, our company demonstrated its strong commitment to the future of Uzbekistan.

In 2024, we opened a representative office in Tashkent. This was not simply the opening of an office, but a demonstration of Sojitz’s intention to move forward hand in hand with Uzbekistan over the long term.

In addition, in the same year, we signed a strategic “road map” with the Government of Uzbekistan. This framework agreement is aimed at specifying cooperation across a wide range of areas, including energy, healthcare, and transport, and serves as an important foundation for further partnership.

– You have had the opportunity to meet personally with the President of Uzbekistan. What impressions did this dialogue leave on you regarding his vision for the country’s future and the directions of the ongoing reforms?

– It was a great honour for me to meet with the President of Uzbekistan. What impressed me most was that he has a very clear vision for the future of Uzbekistan.

I clearly felt that factors essential to the country’s development, such as energy, healthcare, transport infrastructure, and human resources development, are being considered comprehensively, and that the government as a whole shares the overall direction of this work.

In addition, the President views foreign companies not simply as investors, but as long-term partners with whom Uzbekistan is jointly building its country. It is precisely this approach that inspires deep trust in us.

– To what extent have the reforms carried out in Uzbekistan over the past decade strengthened the confidence of long-standing partners such as Sojitz and created more predictable conditions for long-term investment?

– I believe that investment conditions have improved significantly. Large infrastructure projects to modernize and construct power plants and airports need to be implemented with a long-term perspective of 20–30 years.

Therefore, for businesses, the most important factors are the stability of the regulatory and legal framework and policy continuity.

Over the past 10 years, Uzbekistan has significantly strengthened the foundation for dialogue with investors. Thanks to open negotiations with government agencies, prompt responses to emerging issues, and decision-making at the highest level, I believe that the predictability of doing business has increased significantly compared with the past.

That is why, following the project in Syrdarya Region, our company is expanding its long-term commitments, including by opening a representative office in Tashkent and signing a strategic “road map.”

– In connection with these two important anniversaries, what message or wishes would you like to convey to the leadership and people of Uzbekistan? How do you see the long-term prospects for the Sojitz-Uzbekistan partnership?

– First of all, I would like to extend my heartfelt congratulations on these historic anniversaries – the 35th anniversary of independence and the 10th anniversary of the beginning of the reforms of New Uzbekistan.

What particularly impressed me in Uzbekistan was the sincerity of its people, their hard work, and their positive outlook toward the future. I believe that Uzbekistan’s greatest advantage is that the country has young and talented people.

Sojitz will continue to contribute to the country’s development in areas such as energy, healthcare, and transport, not simply as an investor, but as a long-term partner connecting Japan and Uzbekistan. We look forward to continuing to grow together and build a more prosperous future.