Representatives of the Japan–Uzbekistan Silk Road Foundation Visit UzSWLU

On October 11, representatives of the Japan–Uzbekistan Silk Road Foundation visited the Uzbekistan State University of World Languages (UzSWLU).

The delegation included:

• Minagava Yoshitsugu, Head of the Working Group on Agriculture and Regional Development under the Foundation;

• Kikuchi Shin, Mayor of Higashikawa City;

• Takabe Shuji, President of Higashikawa Promotion Corporation;

• Tabata Hiroshi, Advisor at Will Smart Co. Ltd.;

• Maishigi Shozo, Professor at Tamagawa University’s College of Tourism and Hospitality, and former official of the Japan Tourism Agency;

• Sato Masashi, Head of Trust Engineering Partners Co. Ltd.;

• Ishi Yasuhiro, Representative of Will Smart Co. Ltd.;

• Mansurbek Bakhriddinov, Executive Director of the Foundation.

From UzSWLU, the meeting was attended by:

• Rector Ilkhomjon Tukhtasinov;

• Vice-Rector for International Cooperation Akromjon Nasirov;

• Head of the International Cooperation Department Khikmatillo Yuldashev;

• Dean of the Faculty of Eastern Philology Dilmurod Juraev;

• Head of the Japanese Language Department Nargiza Khamidova.

Rector Tukhtasinov emphasized the dynamic growth of Uzbekistan–Japan relations in education and science, noting the special attention President Shavkat Mirziyoyev gives to the development of the education sector. He provided a detailed overview of UzSWLU’s activities, the teaching of the Japanese language, fruitful cooperation with Japanese universities, and support from the Japanese Embassy and JICA.

He also shared insights from his recent official trip to Japan (September 27 – October 4), which included visits and cooperation agreements with Meiji University and Tokyo College of Foreign Languages.

During the meeting, the two sides discussed expanding cooperation with leading Japanese educational institutions, launching academic exchange programs, providing scholarships for Japanese language teachers and students, organizing professional development courses for UzSWLU instructors in Japan, and inviting Japanese students to participate in summer schools and academic programs in Uzbekistan.

The delegation expressed great admiration for UzSWLU’s efforts in promoting Japanese language and culture. Following the meeting, they visited the Faculty of Eastern Philology, toured educational facilities, observed the teaching process, and interacted with Japanese language instructors and students.

About the Japan–Uzbekistan Silk Road Foundation

The Japan–Uzbekistan Silk Road Foundation is a non-governmental, non-profit organization based in Japan. Its primary goal is to expand cooperation between Japan and Uzbekistan in economic, cultural, scientific, and educational fields.

The Foundation works in the following areas:

1. Business and Investment Development:
   – Organizes forums and conferences such as the Silk Road Business Seminar;
   – Creates platforms for direct cooperation between Japanese and Uzbek entrepreneurs.

2. Support for IT and Outsourcing:
   – Signed an MoU with IT Park Uzbekistan;
   – Assists Uzbek IT companies in entering the Japanese digital market.

3. Culture and Education:
   – Supports cultural events, exhibitions, concerts, student exchanges, and teacher training programs;
   – Regularly organizes Uzbek culture exhibitions and concerts in Japan.

4. Healthcare and Tourism:
   – Facilitates cooperation in medical and telemedicine projects.

5. Smart Agriculture and Agrotechnology:
   – Promotes knowledge exchange, including participation in the Agro and Food Industry Forum held in Tashkent on June 24, 2024.

Over 90 major Japanese companies, small and medium-sized businesses, and educational institutions are part of the Foundation’s network.