SEOUL, September 14. /Dunyo IA/.  On the eve of the 10^th anniversary of the commencement of large-scale reforms in Uzbekistan, CEO of “AHA Co., Ltd.”, Koo Gi Do, granted an interview to Dunyo IA, conveying his sincere congratulations and best wishes to the people of Uzbekistan.

– This year marks the 10^th Anniversary of the launch of the New Uzbekistan reforms. How do you assess the achievements of the past 10 years?

– First of all, I would like to extend my heartfelt congratulations on the 10th anniversary of the New Uzbekistan reforms and the upcoming 35^th Anniversary of Independence. I believe that the past 10 years have constituted a period of the most extensive transformations in the modern history of Uzbekistan. Prior to the initiation of these reforms, the country's administrative system and institutions were relatively closed; however, today, Uzbekistan is rapidly transitioning toward an open economy centered on investors and entrepreneurs.

As a representative of the South Korean business community, I would like to specifically highlight the following five achievements.

First is the opening of the economy and the development of market mechanisms. Due to the liberalization of the foreign exchange market, the improvement of the business environment, and tax reform, significantly more stable conditions have been established for foreign companies and investments.

Second is the formation of an investment-oriented state system. Ministries and local government authorities have begun to perceive investors as partners, while the quality and promptness of administrative services have substantially improved.

Third is the development of digital government administration. The expansion of e-government and online administrative services has considerably enhanced the operational efficiency of enterprises.

Fourth is the expansion of international cooperation. Interaction has significantly intensified not only with the countries of Central Asia but also in terms of economic cooperation with South Korea, Europe, Middle Eastern countries, the United States, Japan and other nations.

Fifth is the development of young human resources. Particularly impressive is the state strategy preparing for the development of future industries through education reforms and the expansion of international cooperation.

I am confident that these transformations will lead to even more substantial economic growth over the next ten years.

– In your view, what is the main achievement of cooperation over the past 10 years and which areas will be the most critical in the future?

– Cooperation between South Korea and Uzbekistan has already transcended mere trade and is evolving toward a strategic partnership. Particularly successful interaction is being realized in fields such as automotive manufacturing, the electronics industry, construction, energy, information and communication technologies, education, healthcare and other areas.

I believe that in the future, cooperation based on joint manufacturing will become increasingly critical. “AHA Co., Ltd.” is also implementing a project in Uzbekistan to establish the production of intelligent educational equipment, concurrently developing local manufacturing, creating jobs, transferring technology and expanding export capacity.

In the long term, new growth drivers for bilateral cooperation could encompass artificial intelligence, smart factories, back-end semiconductor manufacturing, battery technologies, energy storage systems (ESS), electric vehicle charging solutions, digital education, medical AI and “smart” cities.

– In your opinion, to what extent has the formation of an investment-attractive economy enhanced the confidence of the international community?

– I believe that the creation of an investment-attractive economy has significantly enhanced the international community's confidence in Uzbekistan. For an investor, “predictable rules and institutions” are far more critical than tax incentives alone.

Over the past 10 years, Uzbekistan has consistently strengthened international trust by refining its legislation, bolstering investment protection, expanding foreign direct investment, developing cooperation with international financial institutions and improving its credit rating.

In practice, South Korean companies are now far more active than before in considering opportunities to enter the Uzbekistan market. Working directly on the ground, I have personally experienced the substantial improvement in administrative services and the intensified commitment of the government to attracting investment.

I am confident that this level of trust will serve to attract an even greater number of global corporations and investments to Uzbekistan.

– What cooperation opportunities do you foresee in areas such as sustainable development, the green economy and digital transformation?

– I believe that the very name “Eco-City”, where our enterprise is situated, serves as a symbol of the “green” economy and sustainable development. The production of high-tech electronic goods is directly linked to energy efficiency, smart manufacturing and digital transformation; therefore, the potential for bilateral cooperation in this field is exceptionally vast.

I believe that the most significant opportunity in the future lies in “artificial intelligence-based industrial innovation”. AI is transforming not only manufacturing but also education, healthcare, agriculture, energy, public administration, transport and virtually all other sectors.

Uzbekistan possesses a very young demographic structure and therefore holds immense potential for training specialists in the field of AI. South Korea disposes of advanced digital and manufacturing technologies, while Uzbekistan offers substantial growth potential and talented human resources.

If the two nations jointly develop AI education, artificial intelligence research centers, digital governance, “smart” cities, “smart” agriculture and clean energy, it will enable the creation of a successful model that serves as an example not only for Central Asia but also for the wider region.

– Which international initiative do you consider the most significant?

– I highly commend the policy of Open Regional Cooperation pursued by Uzbekistan. Strengthening interaction among the countries of Central Asia and expanding economic ties with neighbouring states establish a solid foundation for regional stability and sustainable growth.

Furthermore, expanding cooperation with international organizations, developing transport and logistics corridors and strengthening energy and trade connectivity constitute critical strategic dimensions that facilitate Uzbekistan’s transformation into one of the pivotal hubs of Eurasia.

It is particularly vital that the further revitalization of the economic cooperation platform linking South Korea and Central Asia can unlock new opportunities for growth and development for both sides.

– Which aspect of Uzbekistan's reform experience could be beneficial for other nations?

– I consider the consistent yet gradual nature of the reforms to be the most impressive. Rather than attempting to implement large-scale transformations within the shortest possible timeframe, Uzbekistan has progressively refined its institutions, taking into account actual conditions and national specificities. This is of paramount importance.

Another vital advantage is that the government continuously engages with foreign investors, international organizations, and the private sector, and refines state policy on this basis.

Reforms entail not only changing institutions and legislation but also the process of building trust.

Over the past 10 years, Uzbekistan has consistently strengthened this trust, and this experience can serve as a significant example for other developing nations.

– In your view, what are the most critical objectives of the reforms for the next 10 years?

-  In the coming years, it is precisely the pace of innovation and the competitiveness of human capital that will determine a state's competitiveness.

As priority tasks for Uzbekistan, I would like to highlight the following areas: the further advancement of AI and the digital economy, the development of high-tech manufacturing, the reform of the educational system along with the training of world-class personnel, expansion of carbon neutrality and the green economy, the strengthening of logistical and transport infrastructure, increasing investments in research and development (R&D) and bolstering the innovative potential of the private sector.

In my opinion, a particularly vital role will be played by a new growth strategy that integrates artificial intelligence and industrial innovation. This will enable Uzbekistan to strengthen its position not only within Central Asia but also on a global level.

– What would you like to wish the people and leadership of Uzbekistan?

-  I extend my heartfelt congratulations on the 10th anniversary of the New Uzbekistan reforms and the 35^th Anniversary of Independence. Over the past 10 years, owing to bold reforms and the dedication of its people, Uzbekistan has achieved impressive results. I am confident that the next 10 years will be a period of an even more massive leap forward and new accomplishments.

Today, South Korea and Uzbekistan are no longer merely economic partners, but strategic partners co-creating the future. AHA Co., Ltd. will also continue to contribute to the development of the high-tech industry and intelligent education in the Eco-City of Fergana region, creating high-quality jobs and expanding technological cooperation.

In conclusion, I would like to wish the government and the people of Uzbekistan health, well-being, and prosperity and express my hope for the further strengthening and development of friendship and cooperation between our two nations.