TOKYO, September 1. /Dunyo IA/. Sojitz Corporation President and CEO Kosuke Uemura gave an interview to Dunyo IA, conveying his sincere congratulations and best wishes to the people of Uzbekistan on the country’s 35^th anniversary of independence.

This year, Uzbekistan marks the 35^th anniversary of its independence and the 10th anniversary of the launch of the large-scale reforms of New Uzbekistan. Which recent changes in Uzbekistan’s business and investment environment do you consider the most notable?

— During my visit in June this year, I took part in the Tashkent International Investment Forum and a meeting of the Council of Foreign Investors, where I met with many government representatives.

What impressed me most was the confident transition from discussing reforms to implementing them.

The dialogue with investors in Uzbekistan is very open, and when problems arise, the relevant authorities work together to find solutions.

During meetings with representatives of the Ministry of Investment, Industry and Trade, the Ministry of Transport, the Ministry of Energy, the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, I was once again convinced that the public and private sectors are working toward the same goals.

Which “Sojitz” projects is the company currently implementing or developing jointly with Uzbekistan, and what results or achievements of the current cooperation would you particularly highlight?

— “Sojitz” is currently advancing four priority projects in Uzbekistan.

First is the project to construct a new international airport in Tashkent. During the latest investment forum, a public-private partnership agreement was signed, marking an important milestone. Once completed, the airport is expected to become one of Central Asia’s leading hub airports, capable of serving up to 20 million passengers annually.

Second is the construction of a 1,000-megawatt wind power plant in Navoi Region. A project development agreement was signed in 2024, and active work is now underway to conclude the main agreements, including a power purchase agreement (PPA). This project will make a significant contribution to Uzbekistan’s green energy goals.

In addition, a PPP project is being implemented in Samarkand to construct an 800-bed multidisciplinary hospital. The project involves not only the construction of the hospital, but also the provision of management know-how and the training of medical personnel.

The Syrdarya-2 gas-fired power plant project is also progressing successfully, with completion planned by the end of the year. Once commissioned, it is expected to make a significant contribution to the country’s stable energy supply.

Uzbekistan is actively promoting the green economy, digital transformation and innovation as priority areas. What new opportunities do you see for launching or expanding “Sojitz” projects in these fields?

— Renewable energy has the greatest potential. Uzbekistan has set a goal of significantly increasing the share of green energy by 2030.

There are also major opportunities in areas such as electricity transmission infrastructure and infrastructure management using energy-saving and digital technologies.

In healthcare, we exchanged views with the Ministry of Health on the training of doctors and nurses, high-tech medicine, PET centers and cancer diagnostics. We believe we can contribute to improving the quality of life by applying Japanese technologies and know-how.

You also had an opportunity to meet with the President of Uzbekistan. What expectations or common priorities regarding future areas of cooperation were outlined during that dialogue?

— We share the common idea of “creating long-term value.” Uzbekistan needs not simply financial resources, but also technology, human capital development, job creation and high-quality investment that contributes to the country’s development. This fully aligns with our company’s approach.

Therefore, we intend to focus particularly on developing infrastructure such as power plants, airports and hospitals, and seek cooperation in areas that will be essential to shaping Uzbekistan’s future.

Looking ahead, which sectors or specific projects have the greatest potential for expanding cooperation between “Sojitz” and Uzbekistan over the next few years?

— Transport, logistics, energy and healthcare have the greatest potential. The new international airport in Tashkent has significant potential to turn Uzbekistan into a Central Asian aviation and logistics hub.

We also believe that the Syrdarya-2 gas-fired power plant and the wind power plant in Navoi Region will make a significant contribution to ensuring the stable electricity supplies needed for economic growth, while also advancing the energy transition.

Through the Samarkand hospital project, we intend to contribute not only to the development of medical infrastructure, but also to personnel training and improving the quality of healthcare services.

At the same time, our company is highly interested in other promising sectors. During my visit to Uzbekistan, we discussed with government representatives ways to improve energy infrastructure, including power grids and energy efficiency, as well as modernizing gas transportation infrastructure.

We are also exchanging views on critical minerals and resources, including uranium and rare earth elements, and see new opportunities for cooperation between Japan and Uzbekistan.

Our company is committed to reliably implementing the projects currently underway. We will also continue expanding our activities into new areas and contributing to Uzbekistan’s sustainable development.

We are determined to grow together with Uzbekistan not simply as an investor, but as a long-term partner.

On the occasion of the 35^th anniversary of independence and the 10^th anniversary of the New Uzbekistan reforms, what message or wishes would you like to convey to the leadership and people of Uzbekistan?

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

Every time I visit Uzbekistan, I feel the warmth, sincerity and positive energy of the people of this country.

During my latest visit, I met with many government representatives, business partners and members of the younger generation, and I clearly felt that they all have deep confidence in and pride in the future of their country.

I believe that these qualities of the Uzbek people are a foundation for the development of modern Uzbekistan.

Japan and Uzbekistan have built strong relations over many years based on mutual trust and friendly ties.

I hope that in the future these relations will develop not only in the economic sphere, but also across broader areas such as human resource development, technical cooperation and cultural exchange.

As a bridge between Japan and Uzbekistan, “Sojitz” will continue to learn and grow together with Uzbekistan and contribute to strengthening friendship and promoting the development of both countries.

I sincerely wish continued prosperity to Uzbekistan and good health and happiness to the Uzbek people.