Japanese companies consider opening offices and launching IT projects in Uzbekistan

Uzbekistan's Minister of Digital Technologies, Sherzod Shermatov, and the CEO of IT Park Uzbekistan, Abdulahad Kuchkarov, participated in a roundtable discussion with representatives from Japanese companies in Tokyo. The meeting resulted in an agreement to pursue practical discussions regarding the establishment of offices in Uzbekistan, the initiation of outsourcing and creative projects, and the fostering of long-term collaboration between the IT ecosystems of Uzbekistan and Japan.

Approximately 30 representatives from various Japanese companies attended the event, including Graphinica, Stone System, Looop, Genz, Persol Excel HR Partners, TV Tokyo Corporation, Teikyo University, StudioZ, Indo-Sakura Software Japan, Fudo, Daisei Veho Works, HeadLock, Soft Hyperion, and Orion Computer.

During the event, the IT Park Uzbekistan team showcased Uzbekistan as a promising destination for growth for Japanese businesses. Their presentation highlighted tax and customs incentives for IT firms, opportunities for attracting technical talent, workforce training initiatives, and the country's potential in export-oriented outsourcing.

Minister of Digital Technologies Sherzod Shermatov encouraged Japanese companies to set up operations in Uzbekistan, actively utilize local talent, and underscored that Uzbekistan represents an open, stable, and appealing digital market for foreign investors.

Additionally, Akihiro Sakurai, Advisor to the Minister of Digital Technologies, remarked that the cooperation between Japan and Uzbekistan is progressively strengthening, particularly through the expansion of partnerships with various Japanese organizations, including JETRO.

The meeting also provided a comprehensive overview of the incentives available to IT Park members, such as tax and customs advantages, support mechanisms for export-oriented businesses, and opportunities for startups.

During the discussions, Japanese companies expressed interest in establishing offices and legal entities in Uzbekistan in 2025–2026, launching IT outsourcing operations, creating animation and game development studios, and developing localization and technical support services. Several companies also indicated their willingness to view Uzbekistan as a gateway to CIS markets.

As part of the event, a memorandum of understanding was signed with Graphinica to implement an initiative focused on developing digital human resources in Uzbekistan.

During the roundtable, Mr. Kotaro Okada was designated as IT Park Uzbekistan’s Ambassador in Japan.

He will aid in enhancing international collaboration by utilizing his professional knowledge and connections.

During the panel discussion, Orion Computer highlighted that it had established a company in Uzbekistan in a brief timeframe and is currently operating successfully as a member of IT Park.

Additionally, representatives from Stone System, Sunflower, Daisei, and several other firms announced their intentions to open offices in Uzbekistan, broaden their operations, and conduct export activities from the country. They specifically pointed out the favorable business climate in Uzbekistan—including the streamlined company registration process and the benefits of IT Park membership—as crucial elements for future growth.

After the meeting, a networking session was arranged, providing participants the opportunity to engage informally, share perspectives, pose additional questions, and receive direct responses from experts.

GENZ: Launch of QA Outsourcing and Potential Office Establishment

During the visit, Abdulahad Kuchkarov, CEO of IT Park Uzbekistan, met with representatives from the Japanese firm GENZ, headed by CEO Ikuru Itagaki. The discussions focused on the potential for launching QA outsourcing services in Uzbekistan and the possibility of establishing a branch or subsidiary of GENZ with the assistance of IT Park Uzbekistan.

GENZ is a Japanese IT company established in 2016 and located in Tokyo. The firm specializes in software and systems testing, quality assurance (QA), security and performance testing, and QA consulting. GENZ generates an annual revenue of approximately USD 14 million and employs around 250 individuals.

Stone System: Establishing a Development Office in Tashkent

Abdulahad Kuchkarov also engaged with representatives from the Japanese IT company Stone System, led by President Motoyasu Matsumaru. During their discussions, the parties agreed to further investigate the establishment of a Stone System development office in Tashkent, initiate outsourcing projects, and involve Uzbek IT professionals.

Stone System Co., Ltd. is a Japanese IT company founded in 1990 and headquartered in Tokyo. The company specializes in software development, fintech solutions, web and mobile development, system integration, and IT consulting, and also undertakes projects in artificial intelligence and Web3.

Graphinica: Talent Development and the Animation Industry

During the visit, a meeting took place between IT Park Uzbekistan CEO Abdulahad Kuchkarov and Nao Hirasawa, President of the Japanese animation firm Graphinica. The two parties engaged in an in-depth discussion regarding the practical areas of collaboration specified in the signed memorandum.

Specifically, they reached an agreement to facilitate the creation of a joint development and training center in Uzbekistan, which will integrate educational programs with practical training for IT professionals in fields such as creative industries, animation, artificial intelligence, web design, related disciplines, and Japanese language education. The joint development and execution of educational curricula will involve experts from Graphinica.

Particular emphasis was placed on initiating an internship program for Uzbek professionals at Graphinica studios located in Japan (Tokyo, Sapporo, Kyoto, and Fukuoka). The number of interns and the duration of the program will be established through mutual consent. This initiative aims to cultivate a community of creators in Uzbekistan who can fulfill the demands of the Japanese production landscape and to foster the growth of the animation sector in both nations.

IT Park Uzbekistan will extend comprehensive support to Graphinica in areas such as company registration and business establishment in Uzbekistan, navigating the legal and regulatory framework, and forming partnerships with educational institutions and industry associations. Additional support is anticipated for marketing the training center, recruiting and selecting program participants, organizing internships for top graduates, and developing Graphinica’s export-oriented operational model as part of IT Park membership.

Graphinica will be involved in creating curricula, teaching materials, and evaluation systems, as well as supplying experts and mentors for both in-person and online training sessions. Furthermore, the company will manage the design and execution of in-person training programs in Japan, which will include safety protocols and curriculum content.

The execution of these initiatives will represent a significant advancement in the development of Uzbekistan’s creative and animation ecosystem and will enhance technological and educational collaboration between Uzbekistan and Japan.

The roundtable discussion and the following meetings create fresh opportunities for IT Park Uzbekistan to draw in Japanese investment, enhance the export capabilities of the IT sector, generate employment, and bolster Uzbekistan’s standing as a dependable technology partner for Japanese firms.