President Lee Jae Myung called for Korea to broaden trade with Central Asia beyond automobile and parts exports and energy and raw-material imports into consumer goods, biotechnology and digital sectors. Speaking at the Business Summit at the Westin Josun Seoul Hotel on the 16th, he also urged wider investment ties. The event brought leaders from Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Turkmenistan together with 520 government and business representatives, while Korean participants included Chey Tae-won, Chairman of the Korea Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and executives from major companies. Nineteen MOUs were signed across the five countries, covering areas including smart cities, rare metals, hotel equipment and trade promotion. Cheong Wa Dae said it would provide policy support, including trade delegations, while the government plans to establish a digital customs system, use Korea Desks to address companies’ local difficulties and expand full-cycle cooperation in critical minerals. Lee also highlighted Central Asia’s annual economic growth of more than 5% and rising infrastructure demand, describing Korean companies as optimal partners for regional infrastructure innovation. An official dinner with the five leaders featured halal-certified Hanwoo and lamb shashlik, a Korean-style apple and red-ginseng dessert, and carrot kimchi associated with Koryo-in compatriots.