The Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy of the Republic of Korea (Minister Dukgeun Ahn) and the Embassy of the Republic of Uzbekistan in Korea (Ambassador Alisher Abdusalomov) co-hosted the Korea-Uzbekistan Insight Forum at the Embassy of Uzbekistan in Korea on Tuesday, May 13.
This forum, joined by the two governments and representatives from relevant institutions, was prepared to review the progress of ongoing bilateral cooperation projects and devise ways to further enhance economic collaboration between the two countries.
Participants agreed on the significance of the relationship between Korea and Uzbekistan as Special Strategic Partners, and emphasized the need for practical cooperation around new industries including supply chains, energy, infrastructure, and advanced technologies, in addition to mutual trade and investment.
Jongchul Kim, Director General of the Bureau of International Trade Relations, stated that given the rapidly changing global trade environment, we will continue to build a future-oriented cooperation framework between our two countries to review our economic partnership and achieve tangible outcomes. Concurring with DG Kim, Ambassador Abdusalomov suggested developing a Joint Long-Term Strategic Program for High-tech and Innovative Partnership. This program would encompass key sectors such as critical mineral resources, semiconductors, chemical industry, automotive production, smart agriculture, infrastructure and urban development, and green energy. Furthermore, the Uzbek ambassador emphasized the importance of continuing the implementation of joint ODA projects focused on strengthening Uzbekistan’s industrial capacities. These initiatives are expected to create opportunities for Korean companies to strengthen and expand their participation in regional and global supply chains.
The Korean and Uzbek governments will actively utilize their cooperation platforms such as 「the Korea-Uzbekistan Joint Committee on Trade and Economy」, and enhance policy communication and collaboration across a wide range of sectors going forward.