President of Uzbekistan puts forward proposals in five strategic areas of cooperation within Central Asia–Republic of Korea format

“Today, Central Asia is no longer merely a supplier of raw materials. Our countries are becoming increasingly integrated into global value chains, expanding opportunities for innovation and technological cooperation,” Mirziyoyev said.

President Shavkat Mirziyoyev supported the initiative to establish a platform for meetings of ministers responsible for industry and trade, which would enable the participating countries to jointly identify effective solutions to significantly increase mutual trade and raise trade between the countries of the region and Korea to $20 billion by 2030.

As part of efforts to strengthen industrial and investment cooperation, the President expressed readiness to establish the “Central Asia–Korea” Industrial and Technological Park in Uzbekistan as an innovation and production hub for the regional market.

Establishing direct partnerships between regions of the participating countries was identified as an important driver of economic cooperation. In this regard, representatives of regional authorities and businesses from all participating countries were invited to attend the Third Interregional Forum of Central Asia and Korea, which will be held next year in Samarkand.

The third area aims to open a new chapter in cooperation on critical minerals.

“Given the rapidly growing global demand for these valuable resources and the region’s vast reserves of critical minerals, Central Asia has the potential to become one of the world’s leading suppliers,” President Mirziyoyev stated.

In this regard, President Shavkat Mirziyoyev proposed establishing a Regional Investment Alliance for Critical Minerals aimed at creating strong processing clusters across the region, covering the entire value chain – from geological exploration to the deep processing of raw materials and the production of high value-added goods.

The fourth area of cooperation stems from the need to advance green development and strengthen climate change adaptation. With the aim of combining complementary capabilities, the President proposed launching a Climate and Carbon Partnership between Central Asia and Korea.

The fifth area focuses on joint efforts to unlock the potential of the younger generation.

Central Asia has significant demographic potential, with young people under the age of 30 accounting for more than half of the population.

“It is critically important for us that the younger generation becomes part of the modern technological economy, gaining access to advanced knowledge, competencies, and international experience,” President Shavkat Mirziyoyev emphasized.

In this regard, President Mirziyoyev proposed establishing a long-term Partnership for Human Capital Development based on a clear principle: “order, training, employment.”

Young people play a key role in the development and deployment of artificial intelligence, and President Mirziyoyev proposed making President Lee Jae Myung’s “Indispensable Korea” doctrine one of the pillars of AI development in Central Asia.

In conclusion, President Mirziyoyev said Uzbekistan’s ready to host high-level events next year to mark the 35th anniversary of diplomatic relations with the Republic of Korea and the 90th anniversary of the Korean diaspora’s presence in the region.

In conclusion, President Mirziyoyev said Uzbekistan was ready to host high-level events next year to mark the 35th anniversary of diplomatic relations with the Republic of Korea and the 90th anniversary of the Korean diaspora’s presence in the region.