“Korea–Uzbekistan CSR 2025” Forum Highlights Contribution of Korean Companies to Social and Educational Projects

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — Two significant events aimed at strengthening bilateral cooperation between the Republic of Korea and Uzbekistan were held in Tashkent: the “Korea–Uzbekistan CSR 2025” Forum and Award Ceremony, and a Meeting on Supporting Korean Companies and Developing Energy Infrastructure.

The CSR Forum, held annually since 2019, for the seventh time recognized companies that have made a substantial contribution to corporate social responsibility. With the support of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Uzbekistan, the laureates of this year were announced.

The events were attended by representatives of the Uzbek government, including Deputy Ministers of Investment, Industry and Trade — Ilzat Kasimov, and Energy — Umid Mamadaminov.

The Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Ambassador of the Republic of Korea, Won Do-Yeon, emphasized the importance of socially oriented initiatives by Korean companies: “It is my great pleasure today to congratulate companies that have made significant contributions to public welfare. Just like on Christmas, when Santa Claus gives gifts to children who have done good deeds, today we honor companies supporting socially vulnerable groups, promoting IT education, and contributing to environmental projects, including the protection of the Aral Sea. These initiatives demonstrate the strength of relations between our countries. I am confident that next year even more companies will choose to invest in Uzbekistan, making an important contribution to implementing the outcomes of the Korea–Central Asia Summit. The Embassy will continue comprehensive support for businesses, creating platforms for practical coordination and resolving emerging issues.”

Deputy Minister of Investment, Industry and Trade of Uzbekistan Ilzat Kasimov noted the strategic nature of cooperation and economic prospects: “Uzbekistan and Korea share a special strategic partnership based on trust and respect. Over the past year, interaction between our countries has increased fivefold, and in the coming years, we hope to achieve new record levels in investment. Today we discuss projects across a wide range of sectors — from industry to infrastructure and vocational education. We welcome the construction of the ‘Pharma Cluster,’ the delivery of the first Hyundai Rotem high-speed train, as well as KOICA projects in vocational training, which create new opportunities for Uzbekistan’s economic and social development.”

The CSR 2025 award recipients included:

• East Telecom — internship and employment programs for IT specialists, management of an AI training center;
• GKD — support for socially vulnerable groups and organization of a K-POP competition;
• Uz-Kogas Chemical — provision of educational equipment to schools and donation of a motorboat for environmental monitoring;
• Korean Development Bank (KDB) — support for social institutions for people with disabilities and assistance to a logistics science conference.

In the afternoon, the Meeting on Supporting Korean Companies and Developing Energy Infrastructure was held, discussing current and planned projects, infrastructure support, and investment facilitation mechanisms.

It was announced that a specialized “Korea Desk” would be established to help Korean companies implement projects and promptly address any challenges.

These events demonstrate the growth of the strategic partnership between the two countries, combining economic interests, social initiatives, and infrastructure development, while opening new opportunities for Korean investment in Uzbekistan’s economy.