Japan and Uzbekistan expand partnership in the field of youth entrepreneurship: protocol on a new stage of cooperation signed

On June 26, Deputy Minister of Investment, Industry and Trade Shohrukh Gulamov held talks with a delegation of the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), headed by Yasuyo Okumoto, Senior Director of the Private Sector Development Group of the Department of Economic Development. The main topic of the meeting was support for youth entrepreneurship and development of the private sector in Uzbekistan.

The parties discussed in detail the state of bilateral economic cooperation, identifying key vectors of further cooperation — development of human capital, technical assistance and expansion of business contacts. Special attention was paid to projects aimed at stimulating entrepreneurial initiative among young people and improving the quality of business education.

The Uzbek-Japanese Center for Human Resource Development (UJC), supported by JICA, plays a key role in this effort. The Center organizes specialized courses on entrepreneurship, advanced training programs, and cultural and educational initiatives aimed at developing practical business skills among young professionals.

During the meeting, proposals were considered to modernize the educational infrastructure of the Center and expand educational content. It is planned to develop new formats of training programs and consulting support, including the participation of Japanese experts and entrepreneurs.

Following the talks, a Protocol on technical cooperation was signed within the framework of the project " Developing the potential of entrepreneurs and establishing business ties through the Uzbek-Japanese Center for Human Resource Development (Phase 3)". The document provides for the implementation of educational and institutional initiatives aimed at strengthening the entrepreneurial ecosystem, especially in the youth segment.

The project reflects a strategic focus on the long-term development of human capital and the formation of an environment that can support innovation and sustainable growth of small and medium-sized businesses. Deepening cooperation with Japan in this direction creates an additional impetus for the economic transformation and expansion of international business ties of Uzbekistan.