By Diplomacy Journal Lee Kap-soo

Daegu-Gyeongbuk Free Economic Zone Authority (DGFEZ), led by Commissioner Kim Byung-sam, received Ambassador Alisher Abdusalomov of Uzbekistan to Korea, who visited the free zone on June 6 and discussed cooperation plans.

The Uzbek ambassador was accompanied by the head of the General Department of Culture, Education, Health, and Social Affairs and a counsellor. The DGFEZ was represented by Commissioner Kim Byung-sam and Head of Innovation Growth Division Lee Eun-ah.

During the meeting, opinions were exchanged on the follow-up status of the trade mission dispatched to Uzbekistan by the DGFEZ in November last year and the efficient management plan of the free economic zone operating in Uzbekistan.

In November last year, the DGFEZ dispatched a trade mission to Uzbekistan consisting of tenant companies in the DGFEZ and achieved 29 consultation results (worth $4.48 million), and Bukhara Province signed a city of friendship and cooperation with Daegu City in August 2022.

Meanwhile, Uzbekistan's Ambassador to Korea Alisher Abdusalomov, was appointed in October last year and previously served as Uzbekistan's Trade and Economic Attaché to Korea from 2018 to 2024.

Uzbekistan is the center of Central Asia and has experienced rapid economic growth since gaining independence from the former Soviet Union in 1991, thanks to its abundant crude oil and natural gas resources.

Korea has secured high competitiveness and market share in Uzbekistan in the fields of automobile parts and textiles, and currently has about 100 companies in the form of corporations.

“We are pleased to discuss ways to cooperate with Uzbekistan, the center of Central Asia, and we will support the follow-up of the trade mission and provide continuous management and necessary measures,” said Kim Byung-sam.