Uzbekistan–Japan ICT Forum within ICT Week Uzbekistan attracted over 100 guests

On September 24, 2025, the Uzbekistan–Japan ICT Forum took place at CAEX, marking a significant event during ICT Week Uzbekistan aimed at enhancing the digital partnership between Uzbekistan and Japan. The forum attracted over 100 attendees, including officials from government agencies, businesses, educational institutions, and international organizations.

The event was organized by the Ministry of Digital Technologies of Uzbekistan, IT Park Uzbekistan, and prominent Japanese corporations, with backing from international associations.

Naohiro Yamanaka, Deputy Director General for International Cooperation at the Bureau of Global Strategy of the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications of Japan, welcomed the participants with opening remarks.

“Uzbekistan offers many advantages for outsourcing: a young and talented workforce, tax incentives, and a time difference of only four hours with Japan, facilitating communication. The opening of the IT Park Tokyo office and the increasing presence of Japanese companies clearly demonstrate the potential for collaboration.

Of course, challenges exist, such as aligning business practices and ensuring quality. Nevertheless, through open dialogue, mutual trust, and continued cooperation between our governments and the private sector, we can overcome these obstacles and establish a strong, long-term partnership.”

IT outsourcing from Uzbekistan to Japan: opportunities and challenges

The forum's agenda was crafted to give participants an in-depth understanding of the prospects for IT outsourcing from Uzbekistan to Japan. The event included two panel discussions centered around the theme “IT outsourcing from Uzbekistan to Japan: opportunities and challenges.” The first panel featured public sector representatives who shared their vision and initiatives for fostering bilateral cooperation, along with strategies to support and create conducive conditions for international partnerships. The second panel session included private sector leaders and experts from IT companies who exchanged practical insights, addressed existing challenges, and pinpointed essential directions for successfully developing export services in the Japanese market. Both sessions were facilitated by Akihiro Sakurai, Advisor to the Minister of Digital Technologies.

Rustam Karimdjanov, Deputy Minister of the Ministry of Digital Technologies of Uzbekistan, discussed the preparation of IT talent for the Japanese market:

“Uzbekistan is increasingly becoming a desirable location for Japanese businesses. We currently have Japanese language schools, companies, and universities that are playing a vital role in building a strong ecosystem. In the next five to ten years, Japan will need almost one million IT engineers, and Uzbekistan is ready to cultivate talent for Japan’s digital and AI-driven economy. Uzbekistan offers an excellent environment for individuals to discover their ikigai. Many Japanese visitors express that it is here they finally find their ikigai in life.”

Sadami Suto, Principal Deputy Director of the Trade Policy Bureau for Russia, Central Asia, and the Caucasus at METI, spoke about the potential for mutually beneficial collaboration:

“Collaborative efforts between Uzbekistan and Japan can foster a mutually beneficial cycle of growth and opportunities. The memorandum of cooperation signed in October 2024 laid a solid groundwork aimed at developing digital talent, exchanging expertise, and encouraging practical collaboration. A prominent example is the ICT Talent Development Program executed by FPT Japan, which trains Uzbek youth in software development, artificial intelligence, and data science.”

Makhliyo Muksinova, Services Export Development Director at IT Park Uzbekistan, highlighted IT Park’s mission and its support for foreign enterprises:

“My message to Japanese companies is straightforward: if you plan to engage in business in Uzbekistan concerning IT services or products, IT Park can be your partner, offering assistance at every step—from getting acquainted with Uzbekistan and registering a legal entity, which takes just three days, to hiring staff. We will be with you throughout all stages of your operations.”

Yuta Ichinose, Director of the Tashkent office of JETRO, emphasized Uzbekistan’s advantages in IT and its potential for Japanese firms:

“Uzbekistan has distinctive IT advantages that set it apart from other nations. The government shows strong initiative and dedication, and the country boasts a multilingual, highly skilled workforce with a solid grounding in mathematics and IT education. Additionally, the country’s favorable attitude towards Japan enhances collaboration opportunities for Japanese companies.”

These elements collectively present significant opportunities for enhancing business relations and forming a lasting IT partnership between Uzbekistan and Japan.”

Ravshanbek Mamanjonov, Rector of Japan Digital University in Tashkent, commented on training personnel to meet Japanese standards and the prospects for students:

“Our curriculum is completely in line with Japanese university standards, and all our graduates find employment in Japan after graduation. The Japanese IT market offers a ‘blue ocean’ of opportunities for both Uzbekistan and our students. Visitors to Uzbekistan will value collaborating with professionals who are not only proficient in Japanese but also trained in IT.”

Tomonori Nakamura, Project Manager at Toyota Tsusho Corporation, discussed the company’s experiences in Uzbekistan and the potential for the country to become an IT hub:

“Our activities in Uzbekistan began in 2014 with projects focused on telecommunications infrastructure, and currently, we are involved in data center development and preparing to launch IT service businesses. Over the last ten years, we have witnessed significant changes in Uzbekistan’s digital environment and its growing regional influence. We believe that Uzbekistan has the capability to emerge as the IT hub of Central Asia. As a result, Toyota Tsusho is eager to collaborate closely with Uzbek companies to establish partnerships that promote digital advancement and future growth.”

Hisako Ishikawa, CEO of Orion Computer, shared insights on plans to enhance educational initiatives in Uzbekistan:

“We aim to broaden our educational framework in Uzbekistan to offer more young individuals the chance for successful careers in Japan. Our initiatives focus on three main goals: first, to foster strong collaboration with Uzbekistan’s IT and educational sectors; second, to create sustainable career pathways for youth, enabling study and work opportunities in Japan; and third, to develop mutually beneficial partnerships.”

Masatoshi Yamaguchi, Director of Soft Hyperion CA, spoke about forming multilingual teams and enhancing IT outsourcing between the two nations:

“By attracting multilingual offshore talent and merging our development centers in Uzbekistan and Japan, we create diverse, borderless teams. This strategy guarantees quality, security, and flexibility while expanding IT outsourcing and strengthening cooperation between our countries.”

Our goal is not only to provide dependable outsourcing services but also to facilitate the exchange of products and services between Uzbekistan and Japan, generating value in both directions. Through sustainable partnerships, we aspire to enhance the development of industries and societies in both Uzbekistan and Japan.”

Timur Miyasarov, Director of International Business Development at Uzinfocom, on the company's efforts to broaden its reach in international markets:

“We rank among the largest IT firms in Uzbekistan, with over 24 years of experience, and have created more than 1,000 digital products for the government. In 2023, we made the decision to venture into international markets. We see significant opportunities for collaboration between Japan and Uzbekistan — not only among businesses but also at the governmental level.”

Damir Galiyev, Regional Director of Wyn Enterprise, on establishing a technological connection between Uzbekistan and Japan:

“At Wyn Enterprise, we believe that through collaborative efforts, Uzbekistan and Japan can forge a robust IT partnership that will foster both business development and the progress of the public sector. This collaboration allows for the merging of the strengths of two innovation-oriented nations, introducing advanced technologies, best practices, and shared expertise.”

Otabek Abduhamanov, Project Manager at BeproDevhub, on the company’s entrance into the Japanese market and its initial contract:

“Our company was established in 2019 as an IT service provider. In 2023, we took part in the ‘IT Sector Japan Trip’ program organized by IT Park Uzbekistan and UJC, where we interacted with companies such as SRA, CAL, Digital Knowledge, Acro, and others. In 2025, we showcased our company at the Japan IT Week exhibition in partnership with IT Park Uzbekistan, which led to our first contract with SRA.”

The forum acted as a vital venue for discussing collaborative projects in IT outsourcing, educational programs, and talent development. It solidified Uzbekistan’s role as a strategic digital ally for Japan and unveiled new avenues for enhancing bilateral cooperation.

Media partners: Aniq.uz, Daryo.uz, Frank.uz, Kursiv, Nova 24, The Tech, UzbekFintech, Weproject, Vzglyad.uz, Oriat Dono radio station.