OMM Redaksiyası
Central Asian countries and South Korea aim to increase annual trade to $20 billion by 2030, nearly double the more than $10 billion recorded last year.
The target was proposed at the first leaders’ summit held in Seoul. During the three-day meetings, the sides signed more than 70 agreements and memorandums of understanding covering energy, mining, infrastructure, technology and investment.
Critical minerals at the center of cooperation
South Korea is seeking to diversify its energy and critical mineral supplies, while Central Asian countries aim to attract more investment, gain access to new technologies and strengthen links with global markets.
Critical minerals, including lithium and uranium used in electric vehicles, batteries and electronics, are among the main areas of cooperation. The sides intend to expand cooperation beyond raw material exports and cover the entire value chain, from exploration and extraction to processing and manufacturing.
Uzbekistan proposed establishing a joint industrial and technology park, as well as creating a Regional Investment Alliance for critical minerals.
Kazakhstan emerges as a key partner
Kazakhstan offers an example of how this model could develop. According to President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, the country has deposits of all 10 minerals considered strategic by South Korea.
The sides agreed to establish a joint center in Almaty for research into rare and rare-earth metals. The Korea Institute for Advancement of Technology is expected to participate in the center’s activities.
Kazakhstan, which produces about 100 million tons of oil annually, has also said it is ready to resume energy supplies to South Korea. The country already accounts for about half of South Korea’s trade with Central Asia. South Korean investment in Kazakhstan exceeds $12 billion, while more than 1,000 companies operating with Korean capital are active in the country.
Commercial agreements worth about $19 billion were also signed during Tokayev’s state visit.
Transport links to influence trade target
Strengthening transport links is also considered essential to achieving the $20 billion trade target. Kazakhstan proposed creating an integrated logistics chain that would connect South Korea with Europe through Central Asia.
The country plans to increase the volume of total transit cargo passing through its territory to 100 million tons. The Trans-Caspian International Transport Route, known as the Middle Corridor, is a key part of this plan. Cargo volumes along the route have increased fivefold over the past six years, and its capacity is expected to reach 20 million tons in the future.
Tokayev proposed linking the Middle Corridor with the TRIPP transport initiative. South Korea currently uses multimodal routes to Central Asia through the Kazakhstan-China logistics terminal. Connecting these routes could enable the creation of a transport chain extending from South Korea to Europe through Central Asia.
The summit also addressed technology, investment and climate resilience. Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev identified digital security, climate projects and preparing young people for a technology-driven economy as priorities.
Kyrgyz President Sadyr Japarov proposed establishing a Joint Investment Council, a common investment fund and technology platforms focused on artificial intelligence. Tajik President Emomali Rahmon called for cooperation on water shortages, melting glaciers, climate change and the resilience of supply chains.
The summit concluded with the adoption of the “Seoul Declaration”. The document sets out a framework for medium- and long-term cooperation. The regional dialogue, established in 2007 and upgraded to the level of foreign ministers in 2020, was held at the level of heads of state for the first time.
The leaders agreed to hold the summit every two years. The next meeting is planned for 2028 in Astana.
