BAKU, Azerbaijan, September 10. Uzbekistan and
Japan’s Itochu Corporation discussed expanding cooperation in
geological exploration and the development of mineral deposits as
Tashkent seeks to attract international expertise and investment to
its mining sector.
This was reflected in the statement by the Ministry of Mining
and Geology of Uzbekistan.
Uzbekistan’s Minister of Mining and Geology B. Islamov met with
a delegation from Itochu Corporation led by Executive and Chief
Operating Officer Hisakazu Yamaguchi, the ministry said.
Representatives of the Ministry of Mining and Geology and
Navoiuran State Enterprise also took part in the meeting.
The sides discussed opportunities to expand cooperation on
geological exploration in prospective areas and the development of
mineral deposits in Uzbekistan.
Particular attention was given to bringing Uzbekistan’s
geological data into line with international standards, an area
that could facilitate greater participation by international
companies in exploration and mining projects.
The parties also reviewed other potential areas for cooperation
between Uzbekistan’s mining sector and Itochu.
“Expanding geological exploration and aligning geological data
with international standards are important steps toward
strengthening international cooperation and creating new
opportunities for the development of Uzbekistan’s mineral resource
base,” the Uzbek Ministry of Mining and Geology said.
The meeting highlights Uzbekistan’s efforts to strengthen
cooperation with international companies in geological exploration
and mining while improving the quality and international
comparability of geological information.
Itochu is a major Japanese trading and investment company with
business interests across multiple sectors, including natural
resources and energy. Its engagement with Uzbekistan could create
opportunities for further cooperation in mineral exploration and
resource development.
The sides agreed to continue discussions on the identified areas
and explore opportunities for further practical cooperation in
geological exploration, deposit development and related fields.
