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My name is Mamoru Sakai, Chief Representative of the JICA Uzbekistan Office. I assumed my position in May 2026.
The Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) is the Government of Japan’s development agency, guided by the mission of “Leading the world with trust.” JICA works in partnership with governments and private sector entities around the world, offering a wide range of cooperation schemes, including the dispatch of volunteers, technical cooperation for institutional development and human resource capacity building, as well as financial assistance for infrastructure development and private sector initiatives.
In Uzbekistan, JICA began technical cooperation in 1993 and financial cooperation in 1994. For government-directed financial cooperation, the period from 2000 to 2020 was largely focused on the power sector, including projects such as the construction of the Turakurgan, extension of Talimarjan and modernization of Navoi Thermal Power Plants. Since 2020, we have also provided financial support to enhance value addition in agriculture—such as horticulture and livestock—and to promote energy efficiency. In addition, we have started implementing projects such as the construction of a state-of-the-art neurosurgical hospital in Tashkent. For the private sector, JICA has supported renewable energy generation projects and provided financing to improve access to capital for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), including those led by women entrepreneurs.
Current technical cooperation initiatives include the provision of a Mini MBA program for business executives and Japanese language courses for the general public at the Uzbekistan-Japan Center. We are also working jointly with Uzbek counterparts to develop products based on the “One Village One Product” concept, utilizing locally produced materials from various regions of the country. In the health sector, JICA supports the development of rehabilitation systems and human resources, while in the education sector, we promote joint research in science and engineering between Japan and Uzbekistan. In addition, more than 20 JICA Volunteers are actively working alongside the people of Uzbekistan in areas such as Japanese language education in schools and nursing services in clinics.
When I first arrived in Tashkent in May 2026, I was positively surprised in several respects. First, the people and the city itself made a strong impression on me. The streets are orderly and clean. The metro and bus networks are highly convenient, supported by credit card and smartphone-based applications, and taxis are easy to use. Even late at night, children’s voices can still be heard outdoors, and women can walk alone without feeling unsafe. There is also a strong culture of respect, such as immediately offering one’s seat to the elderly on public transportation.
Second, I was impressed by both the direction and speed of reforms led by the President of Uzbekistan. Built upon stable relations with neighboring countries and the broader international community, the government is creating an environment where people can realize their full potential by strengthening health and education systems. While essential infrastructure has initially been developed under government leadership, innovation is being actively introduced through the market by engaging private sector actors, including foreign investors. The government’s commitment to these reforms is demonstrated swiftly and decisively. Compared to other countries where I have worked, I find Uzbekistan’s performance in this regard to be particularly strong. At the same time, it is appropriate that policies aimed at enabling balanced regional development are also being emphasized. I was deeply impressed by the diligence of government staff who are supporting these wide-ranging and rapid reforms.
As a Japanese national, I am also very pleased by the favorable impression that the people of Uzbekistan hold toward Japan. I believe this positive perception is the result of the long-standing, sincere relationships built between the peoples of our two countries. Uzbekistan is one of the key partner countries with which Japan seeks to further strengthen its ties globally. As Chief Representative of the JICA Office, I intend to align our efforts with the Uzbekistan government’s policy of pursuing market-based growth, while working together with Japanese companies to support the advancement of the country’s industries. At the same time, I will ensure that Uzbekistan’s development remains inclusive by continuing cooperation in areas such as health, education, and regional development.
Uzbekistan is a country with a proud history and rich traditions, having produced figures such as Amir Temur, who ruled a vast Eurasian empire, and Mirzo Ulugbek one of the world’s greatest astronomers. As the country now follows a sound path of growth, I am committed to doing my utmost to ensure that Japan and JICA can play a meaningful role in its continued development.
July 2026
SAKAI Mamoru, Chief Representative, JICA Uzbekistan Office