Uzbekistan proposes industrial cooperation program with South Korea, Central Asian states
Uzbekistan has put forward a proposal for an industrial cooperation program with South Korea and Central Asian states, centered on high-tech projects, localization and regional value chains, at the first meeting of industry ministers in Seoul.
Held on September 14 under the theme “Future Cooperation between Korea and Central Asia for Growth and Innovation,” the meeting brought together Uzbekistan’s Minister of Investment, Industry and Trade Laziz Kudratov, South Korean Minister of Trade, Industry and Resources Kim Jung-kwan, and representatives of relevant government agencies from Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Turkmenistan.
The ministerial gathering took place ahead of the first Central Asia–Republic of Korea Summit. The new consultative format is designed to advance cooperation in industry, trade and technology, while also strengthening ties between Central Asian enterprises and South Korean companies. Economic relations between Uzbekistan, other Central Asian countries and South Korea have grown in recent years. In 2025, Uzbekistan’s total trade turnover with Central Asian countries and South Korea surpassed $10bn, rising by nearly 10%.
From January to July 2026, trade amounted to $6.5bn, which was a 25% increase. More than 3,000 enterprises with capital from South Korea and countries in the region are currently operating in Uzbekistan. At the meeting, Uzbekistan put forward several steps aimed at expanding industrial cooperation. These included eliminating technical barriers to trade and introducing mutual recognition of certificates and test results.
The Uzbek side also suggested drafting an Industrial Cooperation Programme containing specific high-tech projects and creating a single digital platform for industrial initiatives. Another proposal called for setting up a permanent expert group at the deputy minister level to oversee cooperation. According to the information provided, the South Korean side backed the initiatives proposed by Uzbekistan.
The talks also addressed trade, investment, industrial infrastructure and critical minerals, along with the application of artificial intelligence in manufacturing and workforce training. Possible areas for technological cooperation include automated quality control, predictive maintenance of industrial equipment, energy efficiency and industrial data analytics.
The sides also discussed aligning the technological needs of Central Asian enterprises with the capabilities of South Korean companies. Plans include expanding professional internship programs for engineers and technology specialists. After the meeting, the participating countries signed a joint memorandum on cooperation in industry and supply chains. They also adopted the Joint Statement of the first meeting of the Republic of Korea–Central Asia Consultative Mechanism of Industry Ministers.
On the sidelines of the meeting, Kudratov held separate talks with Kim Jung-kwan on bilateral economic cooperation between Uzbekistan and South Korea. The two sides signed agreements to create an Uzbekistan–South Korea platform for the exploration and development of strategically important mineral resources. Agreements were also reached on measures aimed at boosting export potential and developing bilateral trade cooperation.