President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev and President of the Republic of Korea Yoon Suk Yeol continued their talks in the presence of official delegations from both countries.

Issues concerning the further development and deepening of the strategic partnership between Uzbekistan and Korea, encompassing all spheres of cooperation, were discussed. President Mirziyoyev noted that the state visit of the President of Korea to Uzbekistan is an important confirmation of significant attention to the development of cooperation between the two countries and the region.

The Republic of Korea plays a key role in the dynamic and innovative development of Uzbekistan. There are 726 joint ventures operating in various sectors such as energy, chemistry, automotive, electrical engineering, textiles, food, and others. The total volume of Korean investments exceeds $7.5 billion, and trade turnover last year reached $2.5 billion.

During the talks, the importance of creating a new high-tech agenda for the Uzbek-Korean strategic partnership over the next three years was emphasized. The head of Uzbekistan proposed to declare this period "A New Era of High-Tech and Innovative Cooperation between the Two Countries."

In this context, the governments were tasked with developing a Strategic Program to create a regional high-tech hub in Uzbekistan. The strategic directions highlighted as "anchor" areas of cooperation include:

1. Partnership in critical mineral resources with deep processing and the creation of a full value-added chain.
2. Strategic cooperation in semiconductors with plans to establish a full-fledged scientific and production cluster for semiconductor products in Uzbekistan.
3. Comprehensive partnership in the chemical industry, including the production of green hydrogen, ammonia, and finished rubber products.
4. Deepening cooperation in mechanical engineering, including the launch of KIA car production in the Jizzakh region and plans for full-scale sedan production.
5. Technology transfer for the creation of "smart" agriculture and the implementation of "smart" and "green" technologies, including modern greenhouses based on renewable energy sources.
6. Modernization of infrastructure and an urban development program focusing on the modernization of transport infrastructure and the construction of residential and commercial real estate based on public-private partnership principles.
7. Modern and safe energy. To develop promising projects in green energy and enhance energy efficiency, the parties agreed to resume the strategic dialogue at the level of energy ministers, with their next meeting to be held in Uzbekistan soon.

Successful partnerships with the Korea Eximbank and the EDCF Fund were noted, with a joint project portfolio already exceeding $3 billion. An agreement was reached on new projects worth $2 billion through the EDCF Fund, including the supply of high-speed electric trains, the implementation of the second phase of the "Tashkent Pharma Park" project, and the equipping of educational institutions.

In preparation for the current summit, a new project portfolio worth $9.6 billion in the specified areas was formed. Particular attention was paid to further expanding cultural and humanitarian exchanges. An example of successful partnership is the creation of a modern multidisciplinary children's clinic in cooperation with the Korean side. An agreement was reached to accelerate the preparation and implementation of medical cluster projects, including the creation of a university, an adult hospital, and an oncology clinic.

A long-term program will also be launched to improve the qualifications of medical workers in specialized centers in Korea. Significant experience in cooperation in the field of education has already been accumulated, including the holding of the first Uzbek-Korean forum of rectors and support for the creation of an institute based on the model of the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST).

Work continues on opening a center for digital technology and artificial intelligence training in partnership with the Korea Institute of Public Administration and the National Institute of Human Resources under the Academy of Public Administration in Tashkent.

Special attention is also given to expanding Korean language study programs and supporting Uzbek citizens in vocational training centers established with KOICA's assistance in various regions of Uzbekistan. The parties agreed to hold extensive celebrations for the 90th anniversary of the Korean diaspora's residence in Uzbekistan in 2027, including the opening of a museum and library at the House of Korean Culture and Art in Tashkent.

The head of Uzbekistan also noted the significant contribution of the Korean side in the development of "e-Government," the formulation of the "Digital Uzbekistan" strategy, as well as strengthening the IT park's capabilities and creating U-Enter business incubators.

In the context of this agreement, the parties agreed to expand cooperation in artificial intelligence, business process outsourcing, and digital technologies. Specific proposals were also discussed on combating corruption, environmental issues, labor migration, and other important areas.

As a result of the negotiations, the heads of state instructed the development of "roadmaps" for each of these areas with clearly defined timelines and implementation mechanisms.

Source: https://www.uzdaily.uz/ru/post/86900