The 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 such as the K-Startup Grand Challenge, Global Market Expansion Program, and K-Startup Centers.

President Lee Jae-myung urged a shift from raw material trade to full-cycle cooperation in critical minerals, covering exploration, smelting, high-value processing, and final product manufacturing during the Korea-Central Asia Business Summit.

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

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

Agreements on exchanging natural resources, including rare-earth metals, for Korean technologies, with Korea gaining access to transport corridors toward Europe and the Middle East.

South Korea and Turkmenistan signed multiple agreements to broaden cooperation beyond resources into investment protection, infrastructure, and the digital economy.

Sectoral agreements cover crude oil cooperation, nuclear energy, expanded cooperation on critical minerals, halal industries, digital transformation, and Turkmenistan’s industrial cooperation in mining and AI.

Education and cultural exchanges include cultural events, higher education cooperation, student and teacher exchanges, joint programs in AI and digital tech, with an honorary doctorate awarded to Berdimuhamedov.

Efforts to build durable partnerships through heritage archives, museums, and digital preservation to complement industrial collaboration and create resilient regional networks.

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