Over the past week, significant developments of historic significance were observed not only in Uzbekistan but also across the region’s political landscape. In particular, it would not be an exaggeration to say that the “Central Asia + Japan” summit has become a significant initiative and a platform for dialogue for the countries of the region. Notably, these dynamic processes were also closely followed by the international community.

UzA correspondent recorded the views of Professor Kevin Fernandez, Deputy Executive Director of the Asia-Europe Institute in Malaysia, on the key initiatives proposed and the beneficial agreements reached during the summit.

– First of all, it should be noted that the “Central Asia + Japan” dialogue, established under an initiative put forward in 2004, has since held nine meetings of foreign ministers, along with various forums involving scholars and business representatives. As part of these dialogues, the parties have regularly exchanged views on strengthening mutual trust, ensuring regional stability, and promoting sustainable development.

The “Central Asia + Japan” dialogue format has expanded over the years to encompass not only political dialogue but also economic cooperation, investment projects, infrastructure development, environmental protection, and human capital development. In particular, aligning Japan’s advanced technologies and financial resources with the natural and human potential of the Central Asian countries has emerged as a key priority for the dialogue. Joint programs across education, healthcare, the green economy, and digitalization clearly demonstrate the practical effectiveness of this cooperation.

It should be emphasized that since assuming office, the President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev has consistently implemented progressive institutional and fiscal reforms. The President’s political reforms – including opening vast opportunities for foreign direct investment, promoting openness, reforming labor migration policy, and advancing regional rapprochement initiatives – have attracted the attention of the international community.

Moreover, as the most populous country in Central Asia, Uzbekistan plays a critical role in transregional initiatives. In particular, its investments in modernizing the domestic railway network, including the Angren – Pap railway line, which expands economic connectivity, underscore the country’s strategic position as an emerging regional logistics hub.

At the first “Central Asia – Japan” summit, President Shavkat Mirziyoyev’s participation and key initiatives further enriched the proceedings. Welcoming the adoption of the Tokyo Declaration to strengthen cooperation, the Leader of Uzbekistan proposed several initiatives. These included holding summits at the level of heads of state once every two years and hosting the next meeting in Uzbekistan, developing the “Central Asia – Japan 2040” cooperation strategy, expanding the support of Japanese financial institutions for trade, economic, and investment projects in Central Asia, and establishing the “Central Asia – Japan” digital hub – a multilateral cooperation platform in the areas of digital solutions, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and the innovative economy – along with nearly ten other vital initiatives. All participating heads of state supported these ideas and initiatives.

Overall, the initiatives proposed by President Shavkat Mirziyoyev at the first “Central Asia + Japan” summit represent a well-considered, forward-looking strategic program not only for Uzbekistan but also for the region as a whole.

Guzal Sattorova, UzA