Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — The First Deputy Minister of Transport of Uzbekistan, Mamanbi Omonov, met with the Deputy Minister of Land, Infrastructure, and Transport of South Korea, Jin Hwan, to discuss bilateral cooperation in the fields of railway and road transportation.

The two sides placed particular emphasis on a significant high-speed rail project that involves the acquisition of six high-speed passenger electric trains from the South Korean company Hyundai Rotem.

The project also includes the construction of a dedicated high-speed rail line connecting Tashkent and Samarkand. This ambitious project will not only enhance passenger experience but is also expected to strengthen the transportation infrastructure between these two key cities, positioning Uzbekistan as a regional leader in modern rail systems.

Jin Hwan shared insights from South Korea’s experience in developing Incheon International Airport, one of the busiest and most efficient airports in the world. He expressed South Korea's interest in participating in the modernization of Urgench Airport, an important transport hub in Uzbekistan. The collaboration could potentially enhance Urgench’s capacity and international connectivity, improving overall travel experiences for passengers.

Additionally, the Korean side announced that by October 2024, the development of the master plan for Tashkent’s “Smart City” project would be completed. This plan is expected to focus on integrating technology into urban management to improve quality of life. One of the potential additions is the development of a “Smart Bus” system, which would use advanced technologies to optimize public transport services, reduce traffic congestion, and improve sustainability.

The meeting also explored other promising areas for cooperation under the Official Development Assistance (ODA) program, underscoring the deepening collaboration between Uzbekistan and South Korea in infrastructure development and smart city innovations.