Uzbekistan Taps Korea for Airport City, Data Center Development

TASHKENT, Uzbekistan — Uzbekistan’s Deputy Prime Minister Jamshid Khodjaev has called upon Jung Won-ju, chairman of Herald Media Group, Jungheung Group, and Daewoo Engineering & Construction, to accelerate development plans for critical infrastructure, including data centers and the Tashkent Airport City. This strategic initiative comes ahead of the inaugural Korea-Central Asia summit scheduled for September in Seoul, emphasizing a concerted effort to solidify a robust project agenda between the nations.

During a pivotal meeting held in Tashkent on June 17, Deputy PM Khodjaev specifically urged Daewoo E&C to explore the feasibility of establishing advanced data centers as an integral part of the expansive airport-linked urban development project. He proposed that Daewoo E&C collaborate with the Korea Overseas Infrastructure and Urban Development Corp. (KIND) on this crucial endeavor.

“I suggest that Daewoo E&C and KIND thoroughly evaluate how a state-of-the-art data center can be seamlessly integrated into the aerocity project, marking a significant first step in our broader cooperation,” Khodjaev stated. He further requested the Korean construction powerhouse to prepare a comprehensive and actionable plan in anticipation of Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev’s expected visit to Korea for the landmark September summit.

This high-level discussion between Deputy PM Khodjaev and the prominent Korean business delegation, led by Chairman Jung, took place just prior to the three-day Tashkent International Investment Forum 2026 and one day after the Korea-Uzbekistan Business Forum 2026, co-organized by Herald Media Group and Uzbekistan’s Ministry of Investment, Industry and Trade.

The distinguished Korean business delegation comprised key figures such as Kim Bok-hwan, CEO of KIND; Park Sang-hwan, chairman of HanaTour; Won Do-yeon, Korean ambassador to Uzbekistan; Choi Jin-young, president and CEO of Herald Media Group; Kim Deok-young, chairman of BoMI E&C; Seo Jung-hwa, senior executive director of the Export-Import Bank of Korea; Koo Ki-do, chairman of Aha Corporation; Park Jae-yong, president of Youngone Corporation; alongside Chairman Jung Won-ju.

Responding to the proposal, Chairman Jung affirmed Daewoo E&C’s commitment to reviewing the deputy prime minister’s vision. He underscored the critical need for integrating stable and powerful energy infrastructure with data center projects, citing their substantial electricity demands.

“The operational success of a data center fundamentally relies on a consistent and robust electricity supply,” Jung emphasized, suggesting that the development of a gas-fired power plant could be concurrently considered with the data center initiative. Deputy PM Khodjaev expressed his readiness to discuss this vital energy aspect with Uzbekistan’s energy minister to secure viable power supply solutions.

Beyond the immediate data center proposal, Chairman Jung articulated a broader vision for the planned new Tashkent Airport. He advocated for its development as the central hub of an extensive airport city, ingeniously combining vital logistics, cargo handling, and industrial functions.

“While the new airport is projected to manage approximately 17 million passengers annually, its role in air cargo will be equally, if not more, significant,” Jung highlighted. “Therefore, the surrounding airport city must be meticulously planned from its inception to include advanced logistics centers, cutting-edge cargo facilities, and strategic production sites designed to effectively support Korean businesses and international trade.”

Jung confirmed that Daewoo E&C would meticulously evaluate avenues for active participation in the comprehensive planning and development of this ambitious airport city. He cited the company’s celebrated success with Starlake City in Hanoi as a prime example of its extensive experience in executing large-scale international urban development projects.

“The cornerstone of any successful new city development lies in a meticulously crafted master plan and the establishment of conditions that actively encourage foreign companies to invest from the outset,” Jung elaborated.

The exemplary Starlake City project, spearheaded by Daewoo E&C, has successfully attracted major investments, including Samsung’s prominent research and development center, alongside a vibrant mix of hotels, offices, and retail facilities, Jung proudly explained.

Deputy PM Khodjaev warmly embraced the comprehensive aerocity concept and specifically requested Daewoo E&C to consider the proposal favorably, acknowledging Uzbekistan’s nascent experience in sophisticated airport-linked urban development.

“I sincerely hope Daewoo E&C will give this proposal positive and thorough consideration. I will also personally convey to the President that Daewoo E&C’s participation would be exceptionally valuable and highly desirable for our nation’s development,” Khodjaev affirmed.

Chairman Jung also expressed Daewoo E&C’s keen interest in exploring further investment and development opportunities within Uzbekistan. He highlighted Daewoo’s enduring legacy and strong recognition in the country, stemming from its foundational role in Uzbekistan’s early automotive industry.

Deputy PM Khodjaev extended his gratitude to the Korean delegation for their active participation in the Tashkent forum. He underscored Uzbekistan’s profound appreciation for its continuously expanding cooperation with Korean companies across a multitude of strategic sectors.

During the meeting, KIND CEO Kim Bok-hwan provided updates on his company’s ongoing collaborative projects with Uzbekistan, which encompass crucial initiatives like airport development, detailed aerocity plans, and the innovative Tashkent Smart Bio Cluster. Deputy PM Khodjaev emphasized the imperative for tangible progress and visible achievements on these key projects before the September summit, suggesting that a symbolic event, such as a groundbreaking ceremony, would effectively demonstrate momentum and commitment.

Representatives from other Korean companies present at the meeting raised pertinent issues related to textiles, tourism sector development, optimizing logistics costs, advancing medical projects, and addressing local tax concerns. Deputy PM Khodjaev assured the delegation that the Uzbek government would thoroughly review these requests in close collaboration with the relevant ministries and agencies.

Following this productive meeting, Chairman Jung and Herald Media Group President and CEO Choi Jin-young attended the inaugural plenary session of the Tashkent International Investment Forum. The session was presided over by Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev and welcomed approximately 200 invited participants, further cementing the strong bilateral ties.