South Korea and Uzbekistan are expanding their economic relationship beyond trade toward joint production and investment in future industries. At a Korea-Uzbekistan Business Forum in Seoul, Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev proposed an industrial technology alliance linking Uzbekistan’s resources with South Korean technology and investment. The governments and public institutions signed five memorandums of understanding covering critical minerals, artificial intelligence (AI) and digital technology, development cooperation and infrastructure. The partnership builds on diplomatic ties established in 1992 and a special strategic partnership agreed in 2019, with newer priorities including critical mineral supply chains, AI transformation, advanced manufacturing and renewable energy.