Central Asia and Korea Target $20 Billion: Mirziyoyev Proposes Five New Directions
President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev put forward proposals in five strategic areas of cooperation at the first "Central Asia — Republic of Korea" summit, which took place in Seoul on September 16. The summit, chaired by South Korean President Lee Jae-myung, was attended by the leaders of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan. One of the key proposals was the formation of a long-term vision for "Central Asia [...]
Central Asia and Korea Target $20 Billion: Mirziyoyev Proposes Five New Directions
President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev presented proposals in five strategic areas of cooperation at the first "Central Asia — Republic of Korea" summit, which took place in Seoul on September 16.
The summit, chaired by South Korean President Lee Jae-myung, was attended by the leaders of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan.
Among the key initiatives was the formulation of a long-term vision: "Central Asia — Republic of Korea: Partnership for Advanced Development." This document is expected to address challenges such as the development of artificial intelligence, climate and water risks, digital security, education, and human capital development.
In the economic bloc, Uzbekistan proposed establishing a platform for meetings of the ministers of industry and trade of the region's countries and Korea. One of the goals of this initiative is to bring mutual trade turnover to $20 billion by 2030.
In addition, the idea was put forward to establish the "Central Asia — Korea" Industrial and Technological Park in Uzbekistan, which is intended to become a platform for industrial cooperation, the introduction of innovations, and the manufacture of products for the regional market.
Critical minerals were designated as a separate area. Uzbekistan proposed the creation of a Regional Investment Alliance for Critical Minerals. It is expected to facilitate the formation of production chains — from geological exploration and extraction to the deep processing of raw materials and the manufacture of high-value-added products.
The fourth proposed direction is climate cooperation. This involves launching a Central Asia — Korea Climate and Carbon Partnership format, focused on joint solutions in the field of green development and adaptation to climate change.
The fifth direction is related to human capital development and youth. Uzbekistan proposed a long-term partnership based on the "order — training — employment" principle, which implies a closer link between economic needs, specialist training, and their subsequent employment.
A special emphasis is proposed on training young specialists in the field of artificial intelligence and other technological areas.
The summit also raised issues of security, practical economic cooperation, and humanitarian exchanges. Following the meeting, the Seoul Declaration and a number of documents on priority areas of cooperation were adopted.
Uzbekistan also announced its readiness to host events next year to mark the 35th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations with South Korea and the 90th anniversary of the Korean diaspora living in Central Asia.