South Korea and Uzbekistan Launch High-Speed Rail and Biome Center Projects

South Korea and Uzbekistan have initiated the introduction of eight high-speed trains and the establishment of a national genome and biobank project known as the 'Biome Center.'

On September 14, President Lee Jae-myung and Uzbekistan President Shavkat Mirziyoyev held a summit and signed 13 agreements, including feasibility studies and memorandums of understanding (MOUs) for both projects.

President Mirziyoyev and his delegation began their state visit with an official welcome ceremony at the Blue House. Following a guestbook signing and a photo opportunity, the two leaders held a series of meetings to discuss ways to practically advance their special strategic partnership.

The two countries will utilize the Economic Development Cooperation Fund (EDCF) to confirm the technical and economic feasibility and specific implementation plans for the introduction of the high-speed trains and the establishment of the Biome Center.

The high-speed rail project aims to modernize Uzbekistan's transportation network by leveraging South Korea's railway technology and infrastructure experience. Depending on the feasibility study results, cooperation may expand to include railway vehicles, operations, maintenance, and related infrastructure. The Biome Center will establish a foundation for accumulating and managing Uzbekistan's national genomic information and bio-resources, which is expected to assist South Korean companies in entering the health and bio sectors.

The two nations also agreed to jointly identify promising projects in Uzbekistan's six key national strategic industries, including critical minerals, artificial intelligence (AI), data centers, smart cities, dedicated industrial complexes for South Korean companies, pharmaceuticals, bio, food, beauty, and content. They plan to enhance the participation of South Korean companies by linking identified projects with project financing and commercial financing.

Before the summit, President Lee met with Masatsugu Asakawa, President of the Asian Development Bank (ADB). President Lee proposed expanding cooperation in critical mineral supply chains and AI and energy infrastructure by combining South Korea's technological capabilities with ADB's project experience and financial resources. This initiative aims to support South Korean companies' entry into Central Asia through the MOU between the two countries and ADB cooperation.

Notably, the two leaders established a foundation for cooperation in the AI transformation of manufacturing. They agreed to promote collaboration in manufacturing AI technology, personnel, and infrastructure while expanding exchanges between companies. Additional agreements were signed on defense cooperation, harmonization of medical product regulations, intellectual property protection, agricultural technology, education and tourism, and digital forest restoration.

Following the exchange of agreements and MOUs, a state dinner was held with the attendance of over 50 dignitaries from both countries.

This summit marks the first event in President Lee's three-day relay diplomacy with five Central Asian countries. He will hold bilateral meetings with the leaders of Turkmenistan, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, and Kyrgyzstan, and on September 16, he will preside over the first Korea-Central Asia summit with all five leaders in attendance.

A Blue House official stated, “Through this summit, we plan to elevate strategic cooperation with Central Asia to a high level and establish a mutually beneficial growth foundation that combines Central Asia's growth demands with our supply chain and market expansion strategies.”