Uzbekistan proposes 'green' cooperation format with South Korea, including a carbon hub

Uzbekistan put forward a proposal for joint efforts by Central Asian countries and South Korea to address desertification issues, land degradation restoration, and the promotion of reforestation projects. Among the initiatives mentioned are the creation of the 'Central Asia Green Belt,' the formation of a regional carbon hub, and the development of a unified program for protecting saxaul forests.

These proposals were presented during the Korea-Central Asia Ministerial Forum on Forests and Climate and the Ministry of Dialogue, which took place in the Republic of Korea. Uzbekistan was represented by Aziz Abduhakimov, the Presidential Advisor on Ecology who chairs the National Committee on Ecology and Climate Change.

During these meetings, successes of environmental projects implemented in Uzbekistan were demonstrated. As part of the nationwide 'Yashil Maqon' campaign, over one billion seedlings have been planted in the country. This has increased the greening level from 8% to 14%, with a planned growth to 30% by 2030.

Significant work is also underway in the Aral Sea region. Forest plantations covering about two million hectares have been established on the dried bed of the Aral Sea. Furthermore, a project aimed at restoring forest landscapes and developing eco-tourism infrastructure is being implemented with the support of the World Bank.

New cooperation format and protection of saxaul forests

During the Ministry of Dialogue, Uzbekistan proposed introducing a new interaction format called 'Korea – Central Asia: Green Cooperation' and beginning the practical implementation of the 'Central Asia Green Belt' concept. It is envisioned that jointly with South Korea, UNCCD, and the Asian Forestry Organization (AFoCO), pilot zones will be selected, timelines set, and financing mechanisms determined.

Special attention was paid to saxaul forests. Uzbekistan proposed developing a regional program for their conservation and modernization. This program will include the use of modern technologies in seed production, genetic research, satellite monitoring, and artificial intelligence. The creation of a Unified Digital Atlas of saxaul plantations is also planned.

Another important initiative relates to attracting investment for land restoration. Uzbekistan proposed establishing a regional carbon hub involving Korean financial institutions and companies.

Moreover, in collaboration with the UN Convention to Combat Desertification and the UNFCCC, the development of an Arid Lands Carbon Standard was discussed. This standard should take into account the specifics and high cost of implementing carbon projects in arid and desert areas.

As a result of the meeting, the Research Institute for Combating Desertification and Developing Desert Economy at Green University was designated as a regional scientific and practical platform. Joint research, field tests, and pilot projects are planned here, involving scientists from South Korea and Central Asian countries.

The initiative to develop the green sector and adapt to climate change was put forward by Shavkat Mirziyoyev at the first 'Central Asia – Republic of Korea' summit in Seoul, where he proposed launching a partnership between Central Asia and Korea in the fields of climate and carbon.

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podrobno.uzSeptember 16, 11:29

Mirziyoyev presented five areas for technological and economic partnership with the Republic of Korea

During the first 'Central Asia – Republic of Korea' summit held in Seoul, Uzbekistan President Shavkat Mirziyoyev outlined five key strategic directions to deepen cooperation. These areas include digital security, increasing trade turnover to $20 billion, joint processing of critical minerals, implementation of climate projects, and preparing youth for the demands of the technological economy.

Mirziyoyev called for the development of the concept 'Vision Central Asia – Republic of Korea: Partnership for Advanced Development,' noting that the pace of global changes often exceeds the capacity of states to adapt. Special attention was given to cybersecurity issues and the implementation of systems for timely detection of potential threats.

Development of Trade and Creation of Industrial Hubs

The second aspect of the proposal concerned the economic sphere and attracting investment. The President emphasized that Central Asia is no longer solely a supplier of raw materials. He proposed organizing meetings of ministers of industry and trade and set a goal to reach a trade volume with Korea of $20 billion by 2030. Furthermore, the opening of an Industrial-Technological Park named 'Central Asia – Korea' is planned in Uzbekistan.

Cooperation in Critical Minerals

The third direction focuses on interaction in the field of critical minerals. Mirziyoyev proposed establishing a Regional Investment Alliance that would cover the entire production cycle—from initial geological exploration to deep processing. According to the President, the region has the potential to become one of the world's leading suppliers of such resources.

Climate Partnership and Green Economy

The fourth item on the agenda was cooperation within green development and measures to adapt to climate change. Uzbekistan proposed launching a Climate and Carbon Partnership mechanism between Central Asia and Korea to consolidate the countries' resources for solving common climate problems.

Human Capital Development and the Role of Artificial Intelligence

The fifth direction is dedicated to human capital development. Mirziyoyev stressed the importance of the younger generation becoming an integral part of the modern technological economy. A partnership based on the principle of 'order – training – employment' was proposed. He also mentioned the role of artificial intelligence and suggested using the doctrine of South Korean President Lee Jae-myung's 'Indispensable Korea' as a basis for AI development in the region.

In conclusion of the summit, Mirziyoyev announced Uzbekistan's intention to hold events next year dedicated to the 35th anniversary of diplomatic relations with Korea and the 90th anniversary of the presence of the Korean diaspora in Central Asia. The Seoul Declaration and a number of documents defining priority vectors of cooperation were approved as a result of the summit. The summit was part of Mirziyoyev's state visit to South Korea, which took place from September 13 to 16. Prior to this, the President had addressed major Korean corporations, such as Samsung, LG, Hyundai, Kia, and Lotte, with a proposal to shift from imports to creating fully localized high-tech production centers in Uzbekistan.

gazeta.uzSeptember 15, 14:50

Uzbekistan and South Korea Conclude Agreements and Launch Joint Projects

President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev and Prime Minister of the Republic of Korea Han Song-sook held a meeting at the Uzbek-Korean Business Forum in Seoul on September 15, according to the state head's press service.

The event gathered over 300 participants from business and state structures of both countries, including heads of trading companies, industrial enterprises, and financial institutions.

The Korean side was represented by major companies such as Lotte Chemical, Hyundai Motor Group, Samsung C&T, CJ Group, Shinhan Financial Group, Hyundai Rotem, KIND, BOMI, Kia Corporation, Sampyo Group, Hansae Mobility, and others.

The head of Uzbekistan put forward several proposals for Korean partners. He suggested their participation in developing projects related to copper processing, production of electrical equipment, localization of components for electric vehicles and cars, creation of robotic production facilities, development of hydropower and energy storage systems, as well as modernization of transport, urban, and energy infrastructure.

Furthermore, the president proposed establishing an Uzbek-Korean Industrial and Technological Alliance, which should serve as the basis for joint initiatives.

Five new projects were inaugurated during the forum. The Center for Chemical Technologies was launched in Tashkent, and the production of body panels and Kia Sonet Prime cars began in the Jizzakh region. Electrical engineering products opened in the Fergana region, and polymer product manufacturing started in Namangan.

In parallel, construction began in Tashkent for the National Oncology Center, as well as a higher medical educational institution and an enterprise engaged in the production of robots and their components.

As a result of the forum, the sides signed a set of investment and trade and economic agreements, although their exact composition and total value have not yet been disclosed.

According to clarification from the South Korean agency Newsis, Uzbekistan's Minister of Mining and Geology Bobir Islamov and the head of the Korea Export-Import Bank Hwang Gi-yong signed a memorandum. This document provides for the creation of a hub for the production and processing of strategic minerals and the formation of corresponding supply chains.

The day before, Uzbekistan and the Republic of Korea exchanged thirteen intergovernmental and interdepartmental documents. These agreements include plans for Uzbekistan to acquire eight more high-speed trains, the establishment of a national genomics center and biobank, promotion of critical mineral projects, and integration of artificial intelligence into industry.