Central Asia-South Korea Business Summit: Strengthening Economic and Tech Ties

<>

Industrial Complementarity and Critical Minerals

During the summit, Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev outlined a strategy to base regional cooperation on the principle of complementary potential, according to regional government reports. South Korean enterprises are being encouraged to view Central Asia as a unified market of more than 80 million people boasting rising demand and extensive resource reserves. Uzbekistan alone holds mineral resources valued at least at $3 trillion, according to state assessments.

To move away from simple raw material extraction, regional governments and South Korean partners plan to implement 120 critical mineral projects worth more than $4 billion over the coming years. These initiatives focus on deep processing and high-technology manufacturing rather than basic export, supported by joint research, advanced technology transfer, and specialized workforce training programs.

Artificial Intelligence and Semiconductor Partnerships

Technology integration formed a major pillar of the discussions, with particular emphasis on artificial intelligence and microelectronics. According to summit announcements, artificial intelligence is projected to generate at least $10 billion in added value for each regional economy over the next five years. Uzbekistan has established a dedicated hub in Karakalpakistan offering preferential terms for artificial intelligence data centers, directly inviting South Korean investment.

In the semiconductor sector, a joint research center is taking shape in the city of Nourafchan based on the Future Technology Center. This facility will test microelectronic parts and industrial materials. Furthermore, Uzbekistan has expressed readiness to establish favorable conditions for South Korean firms and academic institutions looking to set up research units and scientific laboratories.

Biopharmaceuticals and Transport Infrastructure

Cooperation is also expanding into biotechnologies and the pharmaceutical industry, where the Uzbek medical and pharmaceutical market has reached a valuation of $3 billion, according to official economic data. Proposals include establishing a biopharmaceutical cluster that integrates clinical facilities, production, and research. To support these high-tech sectors, authorities plan to introduce a specialized engineering training program featuring internships at advanced South Korean laboratories and enterprises.

Beyond technology and life sciences, South Korean businesses have been invited to participate in projects spanning copper processing, electrotechnical equipment manufacturing, and the localization of components for automobiles and electric vehicles. Additional targeted sectors include robotics, automation, hydropower, energy storage systems, and the modernization of transport and urban infrastructure.

Summit Participants

The high-level business summit brought together heads of state from across the region to formalize these multilateral economic ties. Alongside Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev and South Korean President Lee Jae-myung, the meeting was attended by Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, Kyrgyz President Sadyr Japarov, Tajik President Emomali Rakhmon, and Turkmen President Serdar Berdymukhamedov, according to official diplomatic schedules.