Uzbekistan invited Japanese companies to join energy projects in the country, a Japanese official said.

Uzbek Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Rustam Azimov met Japanese Economy, Trade and Industry Minister Toshihiro Nikai for talks in Tokyo this week, Kyodo News Service reported. Azimov said Japan should engage in ongoing energy projects. He also called for the two countries to expand trade and tourism through direct flights.

Uzbekistan produces gold, oil, and natural gas, while Japan imports gold, chemical products and textiles from the Central Asian country and exports tires, communication equipment and vehicles.