Good neighbor policy sees tangible results

JAPAN TIMES : Uzbekistan Independence Day Special

On Aug. 31, 1991, the people of Uzbekistan secured their right to determine their destiny, giving birth to a new sovereign and independent state — the Republic of Uzbekistan.

This year, our multiethnic nation celebrates the 34th anniversary of independence under the motto “For the Homeland, for the Nation, for the People!” Independence remains the foundation for implementing the Uzbekistan-2030 strategy, strengthening peace and harmony in society, ensuring human rights, fostering good neighbourly relations in the region and deepening cooperation with the world.

Under the leadership of President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, democratic reforms have opened the country to the world, enabling Uzbekistan to take its rightful place in the family of free nations and pursue modern development. These achievements are increasingly recognised by the international community.

Economic growth has been substantial. According to the International Monetary Fund, Uzbekistan’s gross domestic product reached $115 billion in 2024, with a growth rate of 6.5%. Over the past eight years, GDP has doubled, and the country aims to reach $200 billion by 2030. Investment inflows and exports are also rising — in 2023, investments totaled $35 billion and exports $27 billion. More than 5,500 enterprises with foreign capital were established in the last two years, bringing the total number to over 16,000.

Uzbekistan has also advanced in international rankings. Over the past five years, it has climbed 48 places in the Index of Economic Freedom and 28 places in Harvard University’s Economic Complexity Index. Rating agency Standard & Poor’s has upgraded Uzbekistan’s sovereign credit outlook from “stable” to “positive.”

Among the country’s landmark projects is the construction of New Tashkent, envisioned as a hub with modern infrastructure, financial centres and an international airport capable of serving 20 million passengers annually. International investors and financial institutions are actively involved in this project.

In Central Asia, Uzbekistan’s good neighbour policy has brought tangible results. On March 31, 2024, the presidents of Uzbekistan, Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan signed a historic border delimitation agreement in Khujand, resolving long-standing issues. The newly opened Friendship Stele monument now symbolises trust and cooperation among our brotherly nations.

Uzbekistan is also proud of its recent achievements in sports. For the first time in history, the national soccer team qualified for the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico, while Uzbek boxers continue to dominate international competitions.

Uzbekistan pursues an open and balanced foreign policy, including deep and time-tested ties with Japan. Japan was among the first countries to recognise Uzbekistan’s independence in December 1991. Since the establishment of diplomatic relations in January 1992, bilateral ties have steadily developed.

Today, cooperation spans trade, investment, energy, infrastructure, education and cultural exchanges. In 2024, bilateral trade grew by 35%, while the joint project portfolio with Japanese companies and banks exceeded $12 billion. Nearly 100 joint ventures and institutions are operating in Uzbekistan, including the Uzbekistan–Japan Centre for Human Development.

This year saw active exchanges of delegations between our countries, including visits from the Japan International Cooperation Agency, the Japan Bank for International Cooperation and other leading institutions to Uzbekistan, and reciprocal visits by Uzbek parliamentary and government delegations to Japan.

Regional ties are also strengthening, with initiatives linking the cities of Tashkent and Nagoya, Samarkand and Nara, Samarkand and Gifu, Namangan and Dazaifu, and Rishton and Maizuru. In 2024, a Samarkand delegation visited Nara for the first time, holding business forums and cultural events.

At the Osaka Expo, Uzbekistan presents its pavilion under the theme “The Garden of Knowledge: A Laboratory for a Future Society.” The pavilion, combining national architecture with Japanese traditional elements, was awarded the Red Dot: Best of the Best prize in the Exhibition Stands category. On May 18, the Uzbekistan National Symphony Orchestra and the Richter Trio performed a gala concert at the expo, while the Uzbekistan National Day event was widely celebrated on Aug. 17.

Looking ahead, Uzbekistan and Japan are preparing for the first summit of the Central Asia plus Japan dialogue. We are confident that the profound historical and cultural bonds, built on mutual trust and shared interests, will further consolidate our strategic partnership and elevate the friendship between our nations to a new stage.

Mukhsinkhuja Abdurakhmonov

Ambassador of Uzbekistan