A new initiative will help Uzbek startups gain international expertise, connect with investors, and prepare for expansion into Korea, including access to investors and venture ecosystems such as TIPS and Mirae Asset.

SparkLabs Group and Mirae Asset Venture Investment created SparkLabs Mirae Silk Road Fund I LP with Qazaqstan Investment Corporation and IT Park Ventures to back Series A and later AI-native startups across Central Asia.

IT Park Uzbekistan and KISED discussed potential participation of IT Park startups in KISED-supported programs like the K-Startup Grand Challenge, Global Market Expansion Program, and K-Startup Centers.

On critical minerals, the emphasis is on Central Asia’s abundant resources for EVs, batteries, and semiconductors, with a push to move beyond exporting raw materials toward value-added cooperation.

During the visit, Berdimuhamedov and Korea’s leadership underscored the importance of bilateral ties ahead of the 35th anniversary of diplomatic relations in 2027, reaffirming mutual interest in expanding comprehensive cooperation.

The agreement covers manufacturing, infrastructure, critical minerals, energy, and digital transformation, and establishes a consultative mechanism among industry ministers.

Energy cooperation includes a memorandum on peaceful nuclear energy between Kazakhstan and South Korea, signaling nuclear technology as a major long-term bilateral priority.

South Korea and Turkmenistan signed 13 agreements and MOUs to deepen cooperation beyond resources into investment protection, infrastructure, and the digital economy, with a similar package outlined in a parallel summit.

The summit also produced multiple agreements related to infrastructure, transport, customs, water resources, forestry, and climate cooperation, reflecting broad regional collaboration beyond cultural exchange.

Korea’s Eurasian pivot is framed as a balanced, multi-vector strategy that emphasizes human connectivity, heritage, and collaborative development over competing for minerals alone.

Education and cultural exchanges are prominent, including plans for cultural events, higher education cooperation, student exchanges, joint programs in AI and digital tech, with Berdimuhamedov receiving an honorary doctorate at Sungkyunkwan University.

Water resources collaboration focuses on modernizing the Karakum Canal, improving water security, and applying AI-driven smart water management and reuse to align Turkmenistan’s needs with Korea’s digital expertise.