Visit by Professor, Doctor of economic sciences, Ambassador Bakhtiyor Anvarovich Islamov

Bakhtiyor Anvarovich Islamov, Professor of the Tashkent Branch of the REU named after G.V. Plekhanov and the Tashkent State University of Economics in Uzbekistan, and a member of HUPRA, visited Hokkaido University on June 10 and 11.

A prominent scholar in transitional economics, Professor Islamov has maintained strong ties with Hokkaido University since 1997. His contributions include journal articles, working papers, and conference papers; active participation in the Slavic-Eurasian Research Center (SRC) Forums; and collaboration with the Center for Regional Economic and Business Networks (REBN) at the Faculty of Economics and Business, where he has served as a Specially Appointed Researcher. He was a visiting professor at the Slavic-Eurasian Research Center (2013–2014) and at the Graduate School of Economics (2015–2016). In 2018, he was appointed a Hokkaido University Ambassador and now continues his role as a Hokkaido University Global Public Relations Ambassador (HUPRA).

In his home country, he has held key positions, including Ambassador to Russia and Belarus, as well as Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs. He has diplomatic rank – Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Ambassador of Uzbekistan.

During this visit, Professor Islamov delivered a lecture titled “Uzbekistan’s Economy and Trade Relations with Russia” at a seminar hosted by the Slavic-Eurasian Research Center on June 10.

The following day, he met the University’s public relations representatives and shared valuable insights and advice on enhancing its international outreach. He noted that Uzbekistan places strong emphasis on English and mathematics education, fostering highly skilled students—many of whom he hopes will study at Hokkaido University. Professor Islamov has long supported the University by introducing it to students in Uzbekistan and assisting its faculty and students visiting the country.

Before concluding his visit, he also shared a warm message for the University’s upcoming 150th anniversary: “Boys and girls! Be ambitious, innovative, creative, and open to a new globalized world and science.”

We look forward to welcoming him back again soon.

Public Relations & Communications Division