BAKU, September 17. /Dunyo IA/. Emin Garibli, Associate Professor at the Department of Economics of the Azerbaijan State Economics University and Candidate of Economic Sciences, commented for Dunyo Information Agency on the outcomes of the State Visit of the President of Uzbekistan to South Korea, which took place on September 13–16^th:

- State visit of the President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev to South Korea carries a significance that extends far beyond the framework of bilateral relations.

In recent years, the very logic of Uzbekistan’s international economic interaction has transformed: the emphasis is shifting from individual trade contracts to long-term investments, technological partnership, localization of production and the country's integration into global value chains.

In this context, Republic of Korea is of particular interest. For Uzbekistan, not only South Korean investments are vital, but also access to modern technologies, industrial competencies, localization of production and the training of qualified personnel. Today, around 700 enterprises with the participation of South Korean capital are already operating in Uzbekistan and the accumulated volume of investments has exceeded $8 billion.

In my view, the next phase should focus on establishing joint high-tech production facilities directly in Uzbekistan. Digital technologies and artificial intelligence, electronics, mechanical engineering, “green” energy, the chemical industry and modern infrastructure hold particular promise. This will enable the development of local manufacturers, create skilled jobs and progressively integrate Uzbek enterprises into global production chains.

Holding of the first “Central Asia – Republic of Korea” Summit at the level of heads of state attaches particular significance to the visit. Transitioning the format to the highest political level establishes a foundation for a long-term strategic partnership. Central Asia, with a population exceeding 85 million, substantial resources and growing transport connectivity, is emerging as a promising economic space for South Korea.

Therefore, visit of President Shavkat Mirziyoyev to the Republic of Korea should be viewed not only as an important milestone in Uzbek-South Korean relations, but also as an event that unlocks new prospects for the entire Central Asian region.