Yoon: "Korea-Uzbekistan Human Exchange is Important... Government Fully Supports Talent Exchange and Cooperation"

Visit to Tashkent Startup Promotion Center
"Supporting Youth Entrepreneurship is a Key Task for Modern Nations"
Government Promises Support at 'Dialogue with the Innovative Future Generation'

President Yoon Suk-yeol is speaking at the 'Korea-Uzbekistan Dialogue with the Innovative Future Generation' meeting held at the Startup Promotion Center (U-Enter) in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, on the afternoon of the 13th (local time). [Image source=Yonhap News]

During his state visit to Uzbekistan, President Yoon Suk-yeol stated on the 13th (local time), "While economic and science and technology cooperation are important in a strategic partnership, the most crucial aspect is human exchange," adding, "The government will provide full support to expand cooperation and exchange between Korean and Uzbek startup companies and technical talents."

That afternoon, President Yoon visited the Tashkent Startup Promotion Center and held a session titled 'Dialogue with the Innovative Future Generation,' saying, "I firmly believe that it is truly important for multiple countries to join forces to support and assist young people regardless of their nationality for world peace and prosperity."

The Startup Promotion Center (U-Enter) was established through the Official Development Assistance (ODA) of the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA). Covering approximately 3,052 square meters, the Korean government has supported it with $5.5 million from 2020 through this year.

In his remarks, President Yoon emphasized, "Even 200 years ago and 100 years ago, most companies were created by young people," and added, "It is very meaningful for a country to support startups." He mentioned, "The growth of a nation is the growth of companies, and it is the government's fundamental role to help companies grow." He further stressed, "Only now are many governments and leaders of various countries beginning to realize the simple truth that we must help young people to keep starting businesses and not be afraid of failure."

"Creating Economic Value Is Important... Innovation That Doesn't Make Money Is Not Innovation"

He continued, "I am not just emphasizing innovation in deep tech technologies, but I always think that ideas that effectively utilize technology to create economic value are also important innovations," adding, "Innovation is about quickly responding to people's tastes and preferences and making money well; innovation that doesn't make money is not innovation."

He particularly said, "Nowadays, young people lead change and shape the tastes and preferences of the public, so I want to emphasize once again how important youth startups are." Addressing concerns about competing with advanced innovative technologies emerging from places like Silicon Valley in the U.S., President Yoon said, "Do not worry at all about whether we can compete due to a lack of such capabilities," and emphasized, "The more important innovation is how you utilize technology."

He also stated, "I believe the Startup Promotion Center can provide significant help in launching your innovative businesses and is indeed an institution that offers such support," adding, "Supporting youth startups has become an important task for modern nations."

President Yoon said, "I hope many Uzbek youth will come to Korea. Our government will actively support this. If our youth want to work in Uzbekistan, the government will work hard to assist," and added, "The future relationship between Korea and Uzbekistan depends on you. We support your dreams and challenges."

President Yoon Suk-yeol visited the Startup Promotion Center (U-Enter) in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, which was established last year with support from our government, on the afternoon of the 13th (local time). He toured the 'Makerspace' area within the center, equipped with manufacturing and creative equipment and facilities. [Image source=Yonhap News]

On the same day, President Yoon toured the 'Makerspace' within the Startup Promotion Center, which was established to promote product development and support startups. He observed remotely controlled seeding drones and high-quality ground image capturing drones produced by Uzbek startup companies using 3D lasers and printers, and listened to related explanations.

During the subsequent 'Dialogue with the Innovative Future Generation,' President Yoon said, "In the era of digital transformation, startups utilizing deep tech technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI) and blockchain will lead economic growth," adding, "Through KOICA's 'Youth Innovation Silk Road Reboot Program,' we will cultivate professionals equipped with startup capabilities and provide full government support to expand cooperation and exchange between startup companies and technical talents of both countries."

The Youth Innovation Silk Road Reboot Program is a comprehensive ODA program that integrates KOICA projects currently underway or being developed in the fields of employment and industry.

"Full Government Support to Expand Korea-Uzbek Talent Exchange"

Startup companies from both countries and young talents from Uzbekistan and the Koryo-saram community expressed their gratitude for the Korean government's support for startup promotion in Uzbekistan and anticipated that the 'Youth Innovation Silk Road Reboot Program' announced by President Yoon would contribute to strengthening connections between the startup ecosystems of the two countries.

A Koryo-saram youth attending the event said, "I hope the Youth Innovation Silk Road Reboot Program will nurture many Koryo-saram startup companies and connect the startup ecosystems of Korea and Uzbekistan like the historic Silk Road, thereby revitalizing the startup ecosystem."

One Uzbek female participant mentioned the 'Competition for Discovering Outstanding Women Startups' held at the Startup Promotion Center, emphasizing the need to foster Uzbek women innovative startups and also expand IT and science and engineering education for Uzbek youth.

The Presidential Office stated, "This 'Dialogue with the Innovative Future Generation' between Korea and Uzbekistan is especially meaningful as it took place right after the announcement of the 'Korea-Central Asia K-Silk Road Cooperation Initiative,' which includes support and cooperation for Central Asian youth startups as a key project," adding, "It provided an opportunity for exchange between young entrepreneurs of Korea and Central Asia and served as a stepping stone to connect the Korea-Central Asia startup ecosystems."

The event was attended by Uzbekistan’s Prime Minister Abdulla Aripov, Minister of Sports Adkham Ikramov, Chairman of the Chamber of Commerce Bahabov, Head of the Youth Agency Sadullayev, Director of the Startup Promotion Center Lichchenko, and 22 Uzbek youth and entrepreneurs.

From the Korean government, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economy and Finance Choi Sang-mok, Minister of Foreign Affairs Cho Tae-yul, Minister of Trade, Industry and Energy Ahn Duk-geun, Minister of Land, Infrastructure and Transport Park Sang-woo, Ambassador to Uzbekistan Won Do-yeon, Director of the National Security Office Jang Ho-jin, First Deputy Director of the National Security Office Kim Tae-hyo, Senior Secretary for Public Relations Lee Do-woon, Senior Secretary for Economic Affairs Park Chun-seop, Foreign Affairs Secretary Lee Chung-myeon, and Spokesperson Kim Soo-kyung participated.

President Yoon Suk-yeol is taking a selfie with participants after the 'Dialogue with the Innovative Future Generation of Korea-Uzbekistan' meeting held at the Startup Promotion Center (U-Enter) in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, on the afternoon of the 13th (local time). The meeting was attended by Korea-Uzbekistan startup companies, Uzbek youth, and Koryoin youth.
[Image source=Yonhap News]

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