Uzbekistan and Petrocas Energy Group Discuss Development of Gas Station Network

The Minister of Investment and Foreign Trade of Uzbekistan, Laziz Kudratov, held talks with the advisor to the Prime Minister of Japan, Uno Yoshimasa, on October 5. The parties discussed the further development of strategic partnership between the two states.

Particular attention was paid to the implementation of agreements reached during the high-level visit in December 2025. Furthermore, the meeting participants reviewed opportunities to expand industrial cooperation and organize the production of high value-added goods.

In 2025, trade turnover between Uzbekistan and Japan amounted to approximately 400 million US dollars. Since the beginning of 2026, bilateral trade turnover has increased by 11%, reaching 228.8 million US dollars.

The portfolio of joint projects with Japanese partners exceeds 12 billion US dollars. Currently, 144 enterprises with Japanese capital are operating in Uzbekistan.

A separate part of the negotiations was dedicated to implementing major projects in the fields of energy, transport, and infrastructure. The Japanese side also proposed strengthening cooperation within the framework of the 'Free and Open Indo-Pacific' concept. This initiative aims to strengthen resilience, support economic development, and expand regional connectivity.

Deputy Prime Minister of Uzbekistan Jamshid Khojaev announced the expansion of practical cooperation between Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan in the fields of trade, industrial interaction, and transport connectivity following the meeting in Astana.

At the meeting, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Economy of Kazakhstan Serik Zhumangarin participated. The parties discussed the implementation of a joint program for economic and trade cooperation, which covers projects in areas such as agriculture, tourism, petrochemicals, logistics, energy, and industry.

Particular attention was paid to eliminating obstacles to bilateral trade, increasing the capacity of border crossings, developing transport infrastructure, and promoting specific industrial initiatives.

One of the key outcomes of the meeting was the signing in Astana of a trilateral memorandum of understanding on the CASA project between Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, and the United Arab Emirates.

This project envisions the creation of an economic route between South and Central Asia through Uzbekistan, Afghanistan, and Pakistan, providing access to Indian Ocean ports.

According to Khojaev, integrating this route with Kazakhstan's transport network will form the basis for the China-Kazakhstan-Uzbekistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan corridor. The goal of this route is to expand the region's opportunities to access South Asian markets.

Uzbekistan views the planned route not only as railway infrastructure but also as an integrated economic ecosystem. Its development is expected to include digital solutions, terminals, warehouses, industrial sites, and service infrastructure.

Attracting private investment and financing from international financial institutions for the implementation of these projects is also planned. Khojaev noted that projects of this scale can shape a new architecture of regional connectivity, where transport infrastructure supports the growth of trade, industrial cooperation, and access to new markets for the countries of the region.

Uzbekistan and APT Satellite Limited (APSTAR) are strengthening their partnership in the fields of satellite communications, telecommunications infrastructure, and related projects in Central Asia.

The discussion took place during a meeting between the Minister of Digital Technologies of Uzbekistan, Sherzod Shermatov, and the Executive Director and President of APT Satellite, Van Hoonbin, as part of the ICT WEEK Uzbekistan 2026 event.

Market Development Prospects

The parties reviewed the potential for developing the satellite communications market in Uzbekistan, as well as APT Satellite's business plans in the country. Opportunities to utilize the company's current and future satellite resources for the development of national telecommunications infrastructure were discussed.

One of the key outcomes of the negotiations was the signing of a cooperation agreement between APT Satellite and UZ-SAT in the presence of Sherzod Shermatov. This agreement provides for practical interaction in the areas of satellite communications and digital infrastructure.

Areas of Joint Work

Participants also analyzed the existing cooperation between APT Satellite and UZ-SAT and identified future directions for joint activities. These directions include using APT Satellite's satellite resources to provide satellite communication services, broadband internet access, television and radio broadcasting, as well as other digital and telecommunication services.

Representatives of APT Satellite presented the company's plans for further developing its satellite constellation and launching new spacecraft using modern technologies. It was noted that expanding satellite resources will open up additional opportunities for the development of satellite communications in Central Asia and improve the quality of relevant services.

Furthermore, the parties discussed the further development of satellite infrastructure in the region, the expansion of international communication capabilities, and potential joint projects involving APT Satellite, UZ-SAT, and representatives of Uzbekistan.