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 enhancement of long-term collaboration between the IT ecosystems of Uzbekistan and Japan.

The event attracted approximately 30 representatives from various Japanese companies, 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 proceedings, 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 urged Japanese companies to set up operations in Uzbekistan, take advantage of local talent, and underscored that Uzbekistan is an open, stable, and appealing digital market for foreign investors.

Additionally, Akihiro Sakurai, Advisor to the Minister of Digital Technologies, remarked on the steady strengthening of cooperation between Japan and Uzbekistan, facilitated by 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, which include 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, initiating IT outsourcing operations, creating animation and game development studios, and developing localization and technical support services. Several companies also indicated their willingness to consider Uzbekistan as a gateway to the 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 appointed 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 within a brief timeframe and is thriving as a member of the IT Park.

Moreover, representatives from Stone System, Sunflower, Daisei, and various other firms revealed their intentions to set up offices in Uzbekistan, broaden their operations, and conduct export activities from the nation. They particularly pointed out the advantageous business climate in Uzbekistan—including the streamlined company registration process and the benefits associated with IT Park membership—as crucial elements for future growth.

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

GENZ: Launch of QA Outsourcing and Potential Office Opening

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 centered on the possibilities of initiating QA outsourcing services in Uzbekistan and the potential creation of 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 focuses on software and systems testing, quality assurance (QA), security and performance testing, and QA consulting. GENZ’s annual revenue is around USD 14 million, and the company employs approximately 250 individuals.

Stone System: Opening a Development Office in Tashkent

Abdulahad Kuchkarov also conferred with representatives from the Japanese IT firm Stone System, led by President Motoyasu Matsumaru. During their discussions, the parties agreed to further investigate the possibility of opening a Stone System development office in Tashkent, initiating outsourcing projects, and involving Uzbek IT professionals.

Stone System Co., Ltd. is a Japanese IT company founded in 1990 and headquartered in Tokyo. The firm 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 Abdulahad Kuchkarov, CEO of IT Park Uzbekistan, and Nao Hirasawa, President of the Japanese animation firm Graphinica. The two parties thoroughly discussed 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 sectors such as creative industries, animation, artificial intelligence, web design, related fields, and Japanese language studies. The joint development and execution of educational curricula with the participation of Graphinica experts is anticipated.

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

IT Park Uzbekistan will extend comprehensive support to Graphinica in terms of company registration and business initiation in Uzbekistan, navigating the legal and regulatory landscape, and forming partnerships with educational institutions and industry associations. Additionally, support is planned for marketing the training center, recruiting and selecting program participants, organizing internships for top graduates, and developing Graphinica’s export-oriented operational model within IT Park membership.

Graphinica will engage in the development of curricula, teaching materials, and evaluation systems, as well as providing experts and mentors for both in-person and online training. Furthermore, the company will manage the design and execution of in-person training programs in Japan, including safety protocols and curriculum content.

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

The roundtable discussion and the following meetings create new avenues 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.