At the start of the meeting, Narbayeva conveyed President Shavkat Mirziyoyev’s greetings and best wishes to the South Korean leader. The two sides discussed measures to deepen their special strategic partnership and step up interparliamentary ties.
Much of the discussion focused on a pipeline of projects valued at nearly $12 billion. The sides exchanged views on expanding industrial cooperation, introducing advanced technologies, establishing new production facilities and developing ties between regions.
They also considered how parliaments could help implement agreements reached at the highest level, including through legislative support and stronger parliamentary oversight. Both sides expressed interest in taking cooperation between their legislative bodies to a new level.
The talks also covered education, healthcare, science and the training of highly qualified specialists. The two sides discussed improving conditions for Uzbek citizens working and studying in South Korea.
Uzbekistan seeks to attract South Korean startups
As part of the visit, the Uzbek parliamentary delegation also met with Kim Jong-woo, head of Seoul Startup Hub Gongdeok, to explore opportunities for cooperation in the technology and innovation sectors.
The discussions focused on developing Uzbekistan’s startup ecosystem, supporting innovative projects and establishing partnerships between technology companies in the two countries.
Kim praised the conditions Uzbekistan has created for the development of its information technology sector, citing the availability of skilled IT professionals, simplified visa procedures for foreign startups and government support mechanisms.
The sides discussed attracting South Korean startups to Uzbekistan, launching joint technology projects and bringing innovative products to market. Particular attention was given to Uzbekistan’s potential to serve as a regional technology hub for companies seeking access to the wider Central Asian market.
Proposals were also put forward to involve Uzbek specialists more actively in the hub’s international programs and promote cooperation between large companies and startups under the Open Innovation model.
