2025: Landmark year for Uzbekistan-Korea exchanges

The preparation of a technological program for the Uzbekistan-Korea regional strategic partnership for the next three years has been commissioned. This was discussed today, June 14, in a meeting between President Shavkat Mirziyoyev of Uzbekistan and President Yoon Seok-yol of South Korea.

Governments have been invited to cooperate in several priority areas.

• Critical Mineral Resources: Plans include creating a complete value-added chain with deep processing of mineral resources.
• Semiconductors: Recognizing South Korea's leadership in this field, an integrated research and production cluster will be established in Uzbekistan.
• Chemical Industry: New projects will focus on producing "green" hydrogen and ammonia, as well as rubber-technical products.
• Mechanical Engineering: Following the launch of a KIA assembly line in Jizzakh this spring, production of over 60,000 sedans annually will begin next year.
• Smart Agriculture: Technologies will be introduced for "smart" agriculture and the digitization of the agricultural sector.
• Greenhouses and Horticulture: Modern greenhouses and horticulture complexes using renewable energy sources will be built.
• Infrastructure Modernization: Transport infrastructure modernization and urban planning, including public-private partnership projects, will be undertaken.
• Energy: To promote "green" energy and energy efficiency, strategic dialogue between energy ministers will resume.

An agreement was also reached for the delivery of high-speed electric trains worth $2 billion, the second phase of the "Tashkent Farma Park" project, and the equipping of educational institutions through the EDCF fund.

During the summit preparations, a portfolio of new projects worth $9.6 billion was reported.

Agreements were made to expedite medical cluster projects, including a hospital for adults and an oncology clinic, and to launch a long-term program for training medical personnel in Korea.

The proposal to establish an institute modeled after the Korean Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST) in Uzbekistan was supported. Additionally, a Digital Technologies and Artificial Intelligence training center will open at the Academy of Public Administration in Tashkent in cooperation with Korean institutions.

Special attention was given to expanding Korean language learning programs with Korean experts.

To strengthen ties between the Korean and Uzbek people, it was proposed that the following year be declared "the year of mutual exchanges between Uzbekistan and Korea" and that cultural events be organized. Additionally, in 2027, the 90th anniversary of the Korean diaspora in Uzbekistan will be celebrated, with a museum and a library opening in the House of Korean Culture and Art in Tashkent.

At the conclusion of the negotiations, the leaders instructed the adoption of "road maps" with specific deadlines and implementation mechanisms for each initiative.

"We welcome your state visit to Uzbekistan with your large delegation as a confirmation of the strong commitment to developing multifaceted cooperation with our country and region," stated Shavkat Mirziyoyev.