On January 20, 2025, Minister of Investment, Industry and Trade Laziz Kudratov hosted the Ambassador of Japan, Takashi Hatori. They signed the Yen Loan Exchange Notes (Note 1) of the "Healthcare and Medical Services Improvement Project" for a total of 22.953 billion yen. This Yen Loan Project applies the Special Terms for Economic Partnership (STEP, Note 2).
Amid lifestyle changes accompanied by economic development in Uzbekistan, mortality from non-communicable diseases such as stroke, etc. is increasing. However, there is a shortage of hospitals in Tashkent that can cope with the growing number of patients with neurological diseases. In addition, due to the fact that medical equipment for the treatment of neurological disorders in regional tertiary care hospitals is outdated or unavailable, patients face difficulties in receiving timely and qualified medical care.
In order to overcome such difficulties, this project involves the construction and equipping of the Neurology and Stroke Center in Tashkent, as well as the provision of equipment to tertiary care institutions in Samarkand and Bukhara. This will improve the system of providing high-quality medical services, primarily non-communicable diseases, strengthen the functions of the Center as a basic training center for training medical personnel, and contribute to improving the health of the population of Uzbekistan.
The repayment period of loan is 40 years, with a grace period of 10 years. While the fixed interest rate is at 0.50%, and consulting rate of 0.40%.
Note 1: Yen loans are cooperation under which necessary financial resources are lent to various countries under favorable conditions (low interest rates and long repayment periods).
The funds provided are intended to be returned to Japan, and are expected to lead to effective utilization and independent development.
Note 2: The Special Provisions for Economic Partnership (STEP) is a mechanism established in 2002 to promote Japan’s “visible assistance” through technology transfer using Japan’s advanced technologies and know-how.
