(MENAFN- Trend News Agency)
BAKU, Azerbaijan, December 3. The Japan
International Cooperation Agency (JICA) is focused on supporting
the energy transition in Uzbekistan, Chief Representative of JICA
in Uzbekistan Bito Yoshibumi told Trend in an exclusive
interview.
“One of our proudest achievements is in the energy sector, where
JICA-supported projects are said to contribute 23 percent of
Uzbekistan's total power generation capacity. This effort is part
of our broader mission to help Uzbekistan achieve a sustainable and
resilient future. We are particularly focused on supporting the
energy transition in Uzbekistan. Currently, we are working in the
energy-saving sector, improving energy efficiency in both public
and private areas. Additionally, we promote research and
development in hydrogen utilization, with Japanese and Uzbek
universities collaborating on this research,” he said.
According to him, the agency also plans to introduce a system of
energy efficiency auditors in Uzbekistan. The similar system exists
in Japan and has proven effective in promoting energy efficiency
across various sectors. JICA aims to implement this system in
Uzbekistan.
Bito Yoshibumi highlighted the Inclusive and Resilient
Socio-Economic Development Program, for which JICA signed a $264.16
million loan agreement in August 2024.
"This program is intended to support Uzbekistan in advancing the
transition to a market economy and promoting the measures to
enhance social inclusiveness and environmental sustainability
through budget support, thereby contributing to sustainable
economic growth and the realization of an inclusive and resilient
society in Uzbekistan. The program aims to support Uzbekistan's
initiatives in such areas as creating markets, improving fiscal
risk management and public procurement, promoting social inclusion
and green resilience, investing in people, and enhancing
connectivity," Bito Yoshibumi noted.
He emphasized that it is crucial for the agency to work with
other partners, including multilateral and bilateral donors and
civil societies. JICA aims to complement each side's efforts and
create synergies. For example, in the education and health sectors,
JICA engages continuously with the central government and other
agencies such as the UN.
“Additionally, JICA has extended budget support to Uzbekistan
this year. We recently signed a loan agreement to provide this
support in partnership with the World Bank. The World Bank and JICA
have agreed on a joint action plan to guide the Uzbek government in
reforming economic and public policies, aligning our support with
that of the World Bank. We have also worked with the Asian
Development Bank (ADB) on rehabilitating irrigation pumping
stations. Such collaborations are essential for achieving
significant success and impact, and we strive to work with all our
partners to this end,” the chief representative of JICA said.
Bito Yoshibumi noted that JICA has been conducting various
activities in Uzbekistan, including financial cooperation,
technical cooperation, volunteer projects, and private-sector
partnership projects, under the three priority areas: sustainable
economic growth and industrial diversification and upgrading;
building an equitable and sustainable society; and strengthening
governance.
“In particular, I believe that in the coming years it will be
important to develop industrial human resources and create jobs,
realize an energy-efficient society, and improve public services in
the areas of healthcare and education,” he added.
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