Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) -- Representatives of the Ministry of Digital Technologies and IT Park took part in an intensive training organized by KTPA (Korean TechnoParks Association) and KOICA (Korea International Cooperation Agency) in Korea, which took place from 26 June to 5 July.

The training was not just a training program, but an opportunity to get acquainted with the administration system of Korean industrial parks and master the Korean style of planning and setting goals. Moreover, as part of the training, the delegation visited leading Korean technology parks and ICT companies.

The training program was developed by Professors Lee Jae-Hyun, Ko Su-Chan and Dr. Kim Tae-Jin, experienced experts in the field of digital technologies. The participants gained valuable knowledge and skills that will help them implement advanced solutions in the digital economy of Uzbekistan.

The KOICA project allowed the delegation to visit places such as Incheon Startup Park, Gyeongbuk Technopark, POSCO, Pohang Technopark, Chungnam Technopark, Pangyo Technovalley, D-Camp, NIPA, UNIDO ITPO Korea and Dain Leaders. The visits not only made it possible to get acquainted with the activities of these organizations, but also contributed to the discussion of opportunities for cooperation in the future.

The National IT industry Promotion Agency (NIPA), represented by the Managing Director for Regional Development, Jang Sujin, expressed interest in joint projects aimed at attracting Korean IT companies to Uzbekistan and helping Uzbek companies find Korean partners. This opens up new prospects for the exchange of experience and the development of digital technologies in both countries.

D-Camp, which plays a key role in Korea’s startup ecosystem and has launched more than 10 unicorn startups (startups valued at more than US$1 billion before an IPO), has shown interest in developing a startup ecosystem in Uzbekistan. IT Park and D-Camp discussed the possibility of participation of Uzbek startups in Demo Days, which will provide an opportunity to seek funding in Korea.

The head of UNIDO ITPO Korea, Mengho Shin, expressed his readiness to support joint projects to strengthen relations between the Korean and Uzbek IT markets. Both sides have already begun work on a cooperation project, and this opens up new prospects for the development of the digital economy and innovation in Uzbekistan.

Meetings were also held with IT Park partners - Gyeongbuk Technopark and Dain Leaders. Gyeongbuk Technopark President Ha In-Song and the delegation expressed their appreciation for the long and strong cooperation between the organizations. During the meeting, subsequent projects and a number of events were discussed, including the organization of a workshop from Korean mentors for startups participating in the President Tech Award competition.

Dain Leaders, a partner of IT Park in Korea, has expressed interest in conducting educational programs and recruiting IT specialists in Uzbekistan. They specialize in software development, artificial intelligence (AI) and Metaverse, and provide technical support to universities and government organizations in Korea.

Visits to various technology parks allowed the delegation to study their activities and discuss the possibilities of cooperation. Incheon Startup Park presented its system for developing startups from incubation to entering global markets. The management of Pohang Technopark and Chungnam Technopark technoparks advised the delegation on the establishment of research and development (R&D) centers. The Pangyo Technovalley Innovation Cluster, representing the Korean ICT industry, shared its experience in developing the ecosystem in Korea and advised the delegation on the development of IT Park based on its experience.

Cooperation between Uzbekistan and Korea in the field of digital technologies opens up new prospects and opportunities for the exchange of experience and the development of the IT sector. Visits to technology parks and meetings with partners contribute to a deeper understanding of international experience and contribute to the development of the digital economy in Uzbekistan.