During his state visit to South Korea, President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev, in an article published in The Chosun Ilbo, proposed that major Korean corporations such as Samsung, LG, Hyundai, Kia, Lotte, and others transition from import to creating localized high-tech hubs with a full production cycle in Uzbekistan. The initiative is expected to elevate cooperation with the Republic of Korea to the level of a "new Silk Road" and ensure deep integration of the two countries in high technology, industry, and processing of critical minerals.
In his publication, Shavkat Mirziyoyev emphasized that the economic interests of Tashkent and Seoul perfectly align: Uzbekistan seeks deep integration into global value chains, while South Korea is interested in diversifying resource supplies and stable markets. This strategic vision defines the long-term perspective of bilateral relations.
The article notes that the foundation of the partnership is already solid: Korean investments in Uzbekistan's economy have exceeded $8 billion, more than 700 joint projects are being implemented in the country, and bilateral trade turnover has grown fivefold in recent years. Joint programs through KOICA and the Korean Eximbank (EDCF) have exceeded $3.5 billion, and Uzbekistan became the first country in the region to purchase South Korean high-speed trains.
Priority areas for the technology hubs include artificial intelligence, semiconductors, microelectronics, electric vehicle manufacturing, robotics, biopharmaceuticals, and "smart" agriculture. Special emphasis is placed on combining Uzbekistan's rich resources with Seoul's advanced technologies to create new supply chains.
The publication also highlights the importance of human capital development: expanding academic exchanges, opening R&D centers, and joint training of personnel. "One horse won't raise dust," the head of state cited an Uzbek proverb, comparing it with Korean wisdom that joint work makes any task easier.
Furthermore, the article pays attention to the cultural closeness of the two peoples, shared values, support for Seoul's efforts to establish peace on the Korean Peninsula, and includes a personal invitation for South Koreans to visit Samarkand, Bukhara, Khiva, Termez, and Tashkent. As part of the visit, Shavkat Mirziyoyev will hold talks with President Lee Jae-myung and on September 16 will participate in the first "Central Asia – Republic of Korea" summit, which is expected to adopt the Seoul Declaration.
Source: podrobno.uz