SEOUL, October 22. /Dunyo IA/.   An official reception was held in Seoul on the occasion of the 35^th Anniversary of the Independence of Uzbekistan and the 34^th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations with South Korea, organized by the Embassy of our country, reports Dunyo IA correspondent.

Event was attended by representatives of the South Korean government, ministries and agencies, leading companies, financial institutions, business and tourism communities, diplomatic missions, international organizations, as well as citizens of Uzbekistan working and studying in South Korea.

Ambassador of Uzbekistan Alisher Abdusalomov briefed the participants on the ongoing reforms in the country, economic development, and the expansion of investment opportunities. He noted that at the end of 2025, Uzbekistan's GDP grew by 7.7 percent, and cooperation with South Korea reached a special strategic partnership level. Today, more than 700 enterprises with the participation of Korean capital operate in the country.

Deputy Minister for Political Affairs of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Korea Cheon Eui-hae, congratulated Uzbekistan on the milestone anniversary of its independence and emphasized that the country is an important partner and a reliable friend of South Korea in Central Asia. According to her, the state visit of President Shavkat Mirziyoyev to Seoul in September opened up new prospects for expanding cooperation, while the inaugural “Central Asia – Republic of Korea” Summit established an additional foundation for developing ties in trade, investment, industry, transport, digitalization, science and security.

Chairman of the Korea-Uzbekistan Business Association, Kim Yong-gu, noted the importance of expanding direct contacts between entrepreneurs, organizing delegations and B2B meetings, as well as attracting Korean technologies and management expertise. He expressed readiness to facilitate joint projects in industry, energy, infrastructure, digital technologies, agriculture, healthcare and education, as well as to promote Uzbek products in the South Korean market.

CEO of “Hyundai Rotem” Lee Yong-bae, stated that the company is actively participating in the modernization of Uzbekistan's transport infrastructure. Within the framework of the ongoing project, the supply of six modern high-speed electric trains is envisaged: four have already been delivered and are transporting passengers, while an additional two are scheduled for delivery by the end of 2026.

President of the “Korea District Heating Corporation” (KDHC), Ha Dong-geun, announced the development of joint projects for the co-generation of thermal and electrical energy from biomass in the Fergana and Navoiy regions. According to him, these initiatives will facilitate a more efficient utilization of local raw materials, enhance the sustainability of energy supply and significantly reduce hazardous emissions into the atmosphere.

Chairman of “Shinhan Financial Group”, Jin Ok-dong, announced that the company is undertaking practical work to establish a branch of “Shinhan Bank” in Uzbekistan. Following the completion of the required regulatory approval procedures, its opening is scheduled for the second half of 2027. The bank intends to provide modern financial services to Korean companies and local entrepreneurs, as well as to support trade operations and the financing of investment projects.

Within the framework of the reception, a concert program featuring compatriots residing in South Korea was held. The guests also experienced Uzbek cuisine and sampled fresh fruits delivered from Uzbekistan.