Greetings from the Chief Representative

I was newly appointed to this position in June 2023. Until now, my career has focused on the South Asian region, where infrastructure is weak, and where I have worked to develop the national economic infrastructure, mainly of transportation and electricity, from the planning stage..

When I arrived in Uzbekistan, I was surprised to find that the capital has a well-developed public transportation network with a subway system, relatively little traffic congestion thanks to wide roads, a wide variety of models of cars produced within the country, a safe environment where women can walk alone at night, no shortage of daily necessities, and delicious fresh vegetables and fruits in the clean market.

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On the other hand, I also realized that Uzbekistan, with 36 million people, the largest population in Central Asia, has enormous needs to address sustainable development in preparation of global climate change and scarcity of natural resources, including water. The government of Uzbekistan has set a goal of doubling its GDP by 2030. In order to achieve this goal, I feel that there are endless areas in which JICA can contribute alongside with the efforts of the Uzbek government, including the use of renewable energy, balancing increased food production to accommodate the growing population while considering the risk of salinization, fostering new industries that will create jobs, and maintaining inclusive and equitable social services, particularly in the areas of health and education.

It is mentioned in the President's inaugural speech in July 2023 that Uzbekistan is now at a major turning point towards a new era. There is no doubt that Uzbekistan is a country with great potential for economic and social development.

The first potential I would like to point out is the population with a 100% literacy rate and high level of education. The second is a relatively balanced economic structure with a well-balanced transition from agriculture to manufacturing and services. The third is the progress of proactive economic reforms. The global ranking of the investment environment has been steadily rising over the past few years.

Finally, the fourth potential is its historical and cultural appeal. As represented by Samarkand, which flourished as the trading center on the Silk Road from ancient times and continues to attract people from all over the world with its beautiful and majestic Islamic architecture, I believe that this sublime cultural soil, though invisible to the eye, is a factor that will be a major force in economic and social development.

In light of this situation, JICA has been conducting various activities in Uzbekistan, including financial cooperation, technical cooperation, volunteer projects, and private-sector partnership projects, under the three priority areas of (1) sustainable economic growth and industrial diversification and upgrading, (2) building an equitable and sustainable society, and (3) strengthening governance. In particular, I believe that in the coming years it will be important to develop industrial human resources and create jobs, realize an energy-efficient society, and improve public services in the areas of healthcare and education.

This website introduces JICA's projects in Uzbekistan, which I hope that you will take a look to learn more about the current situation and future of Uzbekistan, as this is a country undergoing a period of change. It is our hope that you will be inspired to think and act together with us.

Although Uzbekistan is geographically distant and lacks opportunities for many exchanges with Japan, we believe that the economic and social development of this region, surrounded by major powers, will contribute to the stability and development of the surrounding area. I will do my best to ensure that Uzbekistan and Japan remain "close friends”.

July 2023
BITO Yoshibumi, Chief Representative, JICA Uzbekistan Office