Uzbekistan, South Korea Boost Semiconductor and AI Ties

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — High-level talks between Uzbekistan and the Republic of Korea focused on expanding economic and technological cooperation, including the development of the semiconductor industry and the introduction of digital solutions in public finance management, according to discussions held on May 3, 2026, in Samarkand.

The negotiations took place during the 59th Annual Meeting of the Board of Governors of the Asian Development Bank (ADB), which is being held in Samarkand.

Participants included Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economy and Finance of the Republic of Korea Koo Yun-cheol, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economy and Finance of Uzbekistan Jamshid Kuchkarov, and Deputy Prime Minister of Uzbekistan Jamshid Khodjaev.

The sides discussed further development of economic and financial cooperation, implementation of joint projects, and expansion of experience-sharing in priority areas. Special attention was given to ongoing bilateral initiatives.

A key focus of the talks was the development of Uzbekistan’s semiconductor industry, with an emphasis on leveraging South Korea’s technological expertise. Participants noted that the sector is strategically important for modernizing the industrial base, increasing the share of high value-added production, and building a modern technological ecosystem.

The discussions also covered prospects for cooperation in digital public finance management. In particular, the sides examined the phased introduction of artificial intelligence technologies in budget management processes, including planning, budget execution monitoring, financial risk assessment, and decision-support systems.

The Korean experience in improving fiscal efficiency and advancing digital transformation of financial systems was also highlighted as a model for potential adaptation.

At the conclusion of the talks, Uzbekistan and South Korea agreed to continue strengthening cooperation, expand knowledge exchange, and develop new joint initiatives in high technology and digital governance.