Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.uz) — President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev has proposed a new format of cooperation with South Korea based on advanced technologies, production chains, digital infrastructure, and transport and energy corridors, The Chosun Daily reported.
In an interview with the South Korean newspaper, Mirziyoyev described Uzbekistan and South Korea as long-standing partners and close friends and expressed readiness to deepen cooperation in promising areas.
He said combining South Korea’s technological capabilities with Uzbekistan’s resource and economic potential could create new sources of growth in such sectors as artificial intelligence, semiconductors, electric vehicles, biopharmaceuticals and smart agriculture.
The president said Uzbekistan seeks deeper integration into global value chains, while South Korea is interested in diversifying its supply chains. In this context, Tashkent is ready to support Korean companies in establishing modern production centres in Uzbekistan covering various stages, from component procurement to finished products.
Mirziyoyev compared the prospective cooperation between the two countries with the formation of a “new Silk Road” for the 21st century. While the historical Silk Road enabled the exchange of goods, ideas, knowledge and technologies, he said the modern model could be built around production networks, digital infrastructure, and transport and energy corridors.
The president stressed that combining Korean technology and capital with the resources and geographical advantages of Central Asia could create new value chains and logistics networks.
Uzbekistan has more than 100 types of mineral resources, including gold, copper, natural gas and uranium. More than 700 joint and cooperation projects involving Korean companies are being implemented in the country, with total investment exceeding US$8 billion.
According to Mirziyoyev, bilateral trade has increased fivefold in recent years. Cooperation through KOICA, the Korea Eximbank and the Economic Development and Cooperation Fund (EDCF) has exceeded US$3.5 billion.
Among major Korean companies operating in Uzbekistan, the president named Samsung, LG, Hyundai, Kia, Korea Gas Corporation, Lotte, Youngone Corporation and Bomi Construction. Their activities cover industry, transport, healthcare and digital infrastructure.
Mirziyoyev said South Korea’s economic transformation was of particular interest to Uzbekistan. He noted that within one generation, Korea had developed from an agrarian society into a global industrial power, while Uzbekistan is now pursuing its own large-scale transformation.
Over the past decade, Uzbekistan’s economy has grown more than 2.5 times, while industry’s share of GDP has reached 30%. The country’s domestic market is home to nearly 40 million people.
The president also highlighted the importance of South Korea’s experience for implementing the Development Strategy–2030. He identified artificial intelligence, semiconductors, robotics, electric vehicles, biopharmaceuticals, smart agriculture and smart cities among the priorities.
Mirziyoyev separately emphasised the development of human capital. Uzbekistan intends to expand academic exchanges, joint educational programmes and research centres with Korean institutions. He said exchanges among students, researchers, entrepreneurs, engineers and government officials should strengthen ties between the two countries.
The president also highlighted the role of the Korean diaspora in Uzbekistan. According to him, the country is home to one of the largest Korean communities outside South Korea, numbering about 170,000 people. Members of the diaspora have contributed to Uzbek society and strengthened ties between the two countries over generations.
Mirziyoyev described relations between Uzbekistan and South Korea as a “special strategic partnership”, noting their high level of trust and practical cooperation. He also highlighted cultural ties, saying Korean films and music are popular in Uzbekistan, while interest in Uzbekistan’s history and culture is growing in South Korea.
The president separately addressed the first Korea–Central Asia Summit, which is expected to establish a new stage of cooperation between South Korea and the countries of the region. He said the “Seoul Declaration” would formalise the parties’ political commitment and outline areas for future cooperation.
Uzbekistan plans to propose initiatives to develop dialogue, expand infrastructure projects, support innovation and promote cultural exchanges.
Mirziyoyev also expressed support for South Korean President Lee Jae Myung’s efforts to resume inter-Korean dialogue and establish lasting peace on the Korean Peninsula.
Speaking about the prospects for cooperation, the Uzbek president stressed the importance of joint efforts. He cited an Uzbek proverb: “A lone horse running does not raise dust,” noting that achieving major results requires concerted efforts.
Mirziyoyev also invited South Korean citizens to visit Uzbekistan, highlighting the tourism potential of Samarkand, Bukhara, Khiva, Tashkent, Jizzakh Region and Termez.
He said Central Asia and South Korea could build a new space for cooperation, peace, innovation, trust and shared prosperity.
