Korea-Uzbekistan Forge Deeper Economic Ties: From Infrastructure to Advanced Industries and Critical Supply Chains
TASHKENT, Uzbekistan — Korean lawmakers have pledged robust parliamentary support to significantly expand Korea-Uzbekistan economic ties. This strategic push aims to move beyond traditional sectors like infrastructure and manufacturing, targeting growth in crucial areas such as supply chains, advanced industries, and cultural exchange, ahead of a pivotal Seoul summit scheduled for September.
Strengthening Bilateral Cooperation Amid Global Geopolitical Shifts
During the Korea-Uzbekistan Business Forum on Tuesday, Rep. Kim Kyo-heung of the ruling Democratic Party of Korea and Rep. Yoon Jae-ok of the main opposition People Power Party underscored the escalating importance of the two nations’ partnership, especially in the current climate of heightened geopolitical uncertainty. Rep. Kim, who chairs the Korea-Uzbekistan Parliamentary Friendship Association, with Rep. Yoon serving as a member, emphasized the collaborative spirit.
“Cooperation between Korea and Uzbekistan serves as a vital example for the international community as global geopolitical risks intensify,” stated Rep. Kim at the forum. He further highlighted that the deep connections between the two countries across economic, cultural, and tourism sectors represent a key asset for their shared future prosperity.
Foundations of a Special Strategic Partnership
Rep. Kim also pointed to the profound historical ties fostered by approximately 170,000 ethnic Koreans residing in Uzbekistan. He noted the growing cultural exchanges fueled by the global phenomenon of K-culture, alongside the existing special strategic partnership between Korea and Uzbekistan, as fundamental pillars for even deeper cooperation. However, he stressed the need for this relationship to evolve beyond its conventional focus on resources and energy, venturing into cutting-edge domains like artificial intelligence (AI) and robotics.
“It is imperative to boldly broaden the scope of our cooperation into advanced industries, encompassing everything from AI to robotics,” Rep. Kim asserted. He affirmed parliamentary commitment to ensuring the forum develops into a sustainable platform for future-industry collaboration.
Pioneering Industrial Partnerships: The Daewoo Legacy
Acknowledging a significant historical contribution, Rep. Kim paid tribute to the Daewoo Group’s foundational role in Uzbekistan following its independence in 1991. He credited Daewoo’s pioneering investments with laying the groundwork for Uzbekistan’s industrial development and establishing enduring trust between the two countries.
While Korea and Uzbekistan formally established diplomatic ties in 1992, Daewoo Group emerged as one of the earliest Korean corporate entities to invest in the Central Asian nation. Its joint venture, Uz-DaewooAuto, was instrumental in shaping Uzbekistan’s burgeoning automobile industry.
“The pioneering spirit exhibited by Daewoo over three decades ago continues to resonate as profound trust between our nations, forming an invaluable bedrock for building a brighter shared future,” Rep. Kim concluded.
Uzbekistan: A Core Strategic Partner in Central Asia
Rep. Yoon Jae-ok characterized Uzbekistan as Korea’s indispensable partner in Central Asia and a steadfast brotherly nation that has cultivated deep trust with Korea over many years. Rep. Yoon also underscored Daewoo’s pivotal role in establishing the initial framework for bilateral industrial cooperation, citing the 1996 establishment of an automobile plant in Uzbekistan. Since that time, collaboration has diversified and expanded into various sectors, including high-speed rail and banking.
Forging Future Economic Security Through Advanced Industries and Critical Minerals
Looking ahead, Rep. Yoon emphasized that the next phase of cooperation should strategically prioritize economic security and global supply chain resilience, with particular attention to critical minerals and resources.
“Should Uzbekistan, with its abundant natural gas and key minerals such as tungsten and molybdenum, unite its strengths with Korea’s advanced manufacturing prowess, our two countries can engineer one of the most effective win-win models for mitigating global supply chain risks,” Rep. Yoon articulated.
He further added that the partnership must broaden its scope beyond traditional manufacturing and energy to embrace renewable energy, smart cities, IT cities, and healthcare. In these areas, Korea is poised to serve as a reliable technology partner, supporting Uzbekistan’s ongoing industrial diversification and modernization efforts.
Ensuring a Robust Framework for Investment and Sustainable Growth
Finally, Rep. Yoon stressed the paramount importance of establishing a stable legal and institutional framework. Such a framework is essential to instill confidence in companies from both nations, encouraging sustained investment and growth. “We are committed to actively listening to the perspectives of business leaders from both countries and will provide comprehensive support at the parliamentary level,” he affirmed.
The lawmakers collectively stated that the forum is designed to function as a dynamic new platform. Its purpose is to fortify the 34-year friendship between Korea and Uzbekistan, transforming their strategic partnership into tangible and concrete business opportunities for mutual benefit.
