Gyeonggi-do Strengthens Exchange and Cooperation with Tashkent, Uzbekistan

[Asia Economy (Suwon) = Reporter Lee Young-gyu] Gyeonggi Province is expanding exchange and cooperation with Tashkent, Uzbekistan.

Gyeonggi Province announced that Governor Kim Dong-yeon met with Zoyir Mirzayev, Governor of Tashkent Province, Uzbekistan, at the Gyeonggi Province Central Cooperation Headquarters office on the morning of the 7th, agreeing to cooperate for the development of relations between the two regions.

At the meeting, Governor Kim said, "Since Gyeonggi Province accounts for about one-quarter of South Korea's population and economic scale, I hope we can actively cooperate in all areas such as trade, investment, and human exchange."

He added, "I have visited Uzbekistan several times in the past as Deputy Prime Minister of Economy and have built a deep relationship, which I consider special. I will actively promote the proposed cooperation plans from the working-level stage and continue the friendship and cooperation I shared with Uzbekistan as Deputy Prime Minister in my capacity as Governor of Gyeonggi Province."

In response, Governor Zoyir Mirzayev said, "Uzbekistan recognizes South Korea as a highly reliable partner and companion in all fields. To strengthen cooperation with Gyeonggi Province, it would be good to promote mutual visits of businesses and expert training in the Tashkent Special Economic Zone. I hope both sides designate persons in charge to maintain continuous communication," he suggested.

The two also exchanged opinions on building cooperative relationships in sectors such as economy and investment, information technology (IT), healthcare, and cultural industries. They also promised more active exchanges in the post-COVID-19 era.

Uzbekistan is a member of the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS), where about 180,000 Koryo-saram (ethnic Koreans) live. This accounts for one-third of the approximately 500,000 Koryo-saram across the entire CIS.

Gyeonggi Province has maintained close relations with Uzbekistan through cooperation in healthcare, official development assistance (ODA) projects, and support for the settlement of Koryo-saram compatriots. In particular, it actively transfers medical technology and healthcare industry experience through programs such as inviting Uzbek medical personnel for training and holding Central Asia medical industry consultations.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.