Gyeongnam Province Signs First Official Friendship Exchange with Tashkent, Ushering in the "New Silk Road Era"

On September 25, Gyeongnam Province announced that it has ushered in a "New Silk Road Era" by entering into its first official friendship exchange agreement with Tashkent Region, Uzbekistan, paving the way for practical cooperation in a wide range of fields including economy, industry, workforce, and education.

The Gyeongnam delegation, led by Governor Park Wansu, made an official visit to Tashkent Region, Uzbekistan on September 24 local time, where they signed the first friendship exchange agreement and agreed to actively pursue joint cooperation projects in the areas of economy, industry, and workforce.

This agreement marks the first official friendship agreement signed between Gyeongnam Province and a local government in Central Asia, following discussions that began in earnest after Alisher Abduvaliev, the Uzbek Ambassador to South Korea, visited Gyeongnam in March.

Governor Park Wansu of Gyeongnam Province (left) and Zoyir Mirzayev, Governor of Tashkent Region, are taking a photo together after signing the first official friendship exchange agreement. Provided by Gyeongnam Province

Governor Park expressed his expectations, stating, "This agreement will serve as an opportunity to open a new chapter in exchanges between Gyeongnam and Central Asia."

He continued, "Tashkent Region is a key area leading Uzbekistan's economy and industry, while Gyeongnam Province is the center of manufacturing in South Korea. Moving forward, we will achieve joint development of both regions through mutual cooperation in various fields such as industry, workforce, and education."

Zoyir Mirzayev, Governor of Tashkent Region, stated, "Cooperation with Gyeongnam Province will be an important milestone for the industrial development and talent cultivation of Tashkent Region," expressing his commitment to pursuing practical cooperation projects.

Later that afternoon, the Gyeongnam delegation facilitated the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MOU) for educational and academic exchange and cooperation between Changwon National University and four national universities in Tashkent Region.

The participating universities-Tashkent State Technical Engineering University, Medical University, Agricultural University, and University of Physical Education and Sports-agreed to promote various cooperation projects with Changwon National University, including personnel exchanges, joint research, and curriculum collaboration.

Park Wansu, Governor of Gyeongnam Province (left), is talking with a representative of an Uzbekistani company. Courtesy of Gyeongnam Province

Afterward, the Gyeongnam delegation attended a local business exchange event hosted by Tashkent Region, where they met and networked with representatives from major industrial companies and economic officials in the region.

At this event, Governor Park remarked, "It is significant that, in addition to the official agreement, we have also established a network between companies. I expect this will provide a practical foundation for Gyeongnam companies to expand into Central Asia in the future."

Gyeongnam Province Governor Park Wansu (right) and Bekhzod Musaev, Director of the Uzbekistan External Labor Agency, are shaking hands after signing an agreement for cooperation in industrial workforce supply and demand. Provided by Gyeongnam Province

On the morning of September 25 local time, a memorandum of understanding (MOU) was signed at Tashkent INNO Technopark with the Uzbekistan External Labor Agency to cooperate on industrial workforce supply.

This agreement was promoted to establish a foundation for the stable recruitment of foreign workers through the "regional visa system" proposed by Gyeongnam Province.

Governor Park stated, "A large number of foreign workers are already working in Gyeongnam through various employment visas. If Uzbekistan provides a workforce supply plan, we will share it with all 18 cities and counties in the province to enable practical recruitment."

He added, "If necessary, we will also arrange for a work agreement between the two local governments and provide full administrative support during visits to Gyeongnam. By expanding employment visas to Uzbekistan, we will build more cooperative relationships and create an environment in Gyeongnam where skilled workers and international students can settle."

In response, Director Musaev said, "When I visit South Korea next month, I would like to tour outstanding companies in Gyeongnam in person. I will continue to serve as a bridge between the two local governments and promote ongoing cooperation."

Park Wansu, Governor of Gyeongnam Province, is taking a commemorative photo with Rakhmetov Khilkmatulla, Senior Deputy Director of the Uzbekistan Railways, and other officials after discussing exchange and cooperation plans in the railway industry. Provided by Gyeongnam Province

Later, Governor Park visited the Tashkent Region Railway Authority and discussed plans for exchange and cooperation in the high-speed rail industry with Rakhmetov Khilkmatulla, Deputy Director of Uzbekistan Railways (UTY).

Governor Park stated, "I hope that, in the long term, good opportunities will be created through technology exchanges and local investments with railway-related companies in the province. The provincial government will spare no administrative support to ensure smooth cooperation with Uzbekistan."

The Gyeongnam delegation began its Central Asia tour on September 18, visiting Mongolia, Kazakhstan, and Uzbekistan in succession. They are scheduled to return to Korea via Incheon International Airport on September 26 after completing their itinerary.