TASHKENT, Uzbekistan, May 27. South Korea has committed to providing a $40 million grant to support the development of Uzbekistan’s transport infrastructure, Trend reports via the Ministry of Transport.
A meeting between officials from Uzbekistan’s Ministry of Transport and a delegation from South Korea’s Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, and Transport (MOLIT) took place in Tashkent. During the discussions, both sides explored opportunities for cooperation and the involvement of Korean companies in key transportation projects across Uzbekistan.
One of the main events of the talks was the presentation of the Master Plan for the development of an intelligent transport system in Tashkent, including proposals for modernizing the city's public transport network using advanced technologies.
Meanwhile, a key initiative under this plan is the introduction of a smart bus system, which the International Contractors Association of Korea (ICAK) will implement from 2026 to 2029. This project aims to improve the efficiency, convenience, and overall quality of public transportation in Tashkent.
Moreover, the two sides discussed the development of a Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system, featuring dedicated bus lanes, set to be introduced between 2027 and 2032. The BRT system is expected to increase the speed and reliability of buses, making public transportation more attractive and efficient for the city's residents.
The meeting also covered potential financing options for these projects, as well as strategies for strengthening long-term cooperation between Uzbekistan and South Korea in the transport sector.
In general, Uzbekistan and South Korea have strengthened economic ties, particularly in sectors like manufacturing, energy, and infrastructure. Uzbekistan's foreign trade turnover reached $54.3 billion from January through October 2024, showing a 6.7% increase compared to $50.9 billion for the same period in 2023.
