KOICA Uzbekistan Office Celebrates 30th Anniversary at “Development Cooperation Partner’s Day”

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — The KOICA Uzbekistan Office hosted Development Cooperation Partner’s Day to commemorate the 30th anniversary of KOICA’s presence in Uzbekistan and to thank partner organizations for three decades of support. The event also looked ahead to deepen Korea-Uzbekistan collaboration in human capital, innovation, and digital transformation.

Senior officials from both countries attended, including Salikhov Jasur Shavkatovich, Rector of Academy of Public Policy and Administration, Muratov Alisher Akmalovich, Deputy Minister of Employment and Poverty Reducion, and Komilov Temurjon Kalandarovich, Deputy Minister of Preschool and School Education, along with H.E. Won Do Yeon, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Korea to the Republic of Uzbekistan.

“Korea provides ODA in many fields, but our number one priority is capacity-building and human resources development,” Ambassador Won said. “Uzbekistan is one of Korea’s most important strategic partners. Korea will continue to support cooperation across all sectors, including industry-specific skills and AI-based programs, so that our partnership delivers practical benefits for our peoples.”

Shin Myung Seop, Country Director of KOICA Uzbekistan, thanked stakeholders for three decades of cooperation and outlined KOICA’s forward agenda. “None of our achievements would have been possible without the strong support of the Government of Uzbekistan and our partners,” he said. “Looking ahead, KOICA will align more closely with Uzbekistan’s national strategies, nurture talent tailored to future industries such as automotive and ICT, and accelerate digital transformation through practical, problem-solving initiatives.”

Speaking on behalf of the Government of Uzbekistan, Zokhidov Botir Erkinovich, Minister of Employment and Poverty Reduction, conveyed his congratulations to KOICA on its 30th anniversary in a video message, highlighting the tangible value of the partnership: “Modern Vocational Training Centers have been established in four regions thanks to a generous grant of KOICA’s US$43 million. The employment rate of over 92% demonstrates the effectiveness of our partnership. New skills center in Urgench and Tashkent, built with KOICA’s support, continues this initiative. Together with KOICA, we’re creating opportunities for future generations -  not just a project. This partnership exemplifies long-term cooperation based on trust and friendship.”

Since opening in 1995 - with training programs launched as early as 1991 - KOICA has implemented 98 projects, dispatched 682 volunteers, and invited 2,688 Uzbek officials to Korea for training and graduate study (as of 2025). Over the past five years, Korea’s ODA to Uzbekistan has grown from US$60 million (2021) to an expected US$96 million (2025), placing Korea among Uzbekistan’s top five donors and second in grant assistance.

The program also featured a concise session by the KOICA Alumni Association, established last year and now led by Mr. Komiljon Akhrorov (Uzbekneftegaz). About 150 officials and alumni joined this year’s event. The association continues to strengthen bilateral ties through knowledge-sharing, volunteer initiatives, and project-bridging roles, helping disseminate Korea’s development experience and support sustainable partnershipsbetween the two countries.

The 30th-anniversary celebration served not only as a moment of reflection but as a strategic launch point, cementing KOICA’s role as an indispensable partner in realizing Uzbekistan’s ambitious national development goals and fostering shared prosperity in Central Asia.