BAKU, Azerbaijan, September 15. The Fergana
Region of Uzbekistan and the South Korea's Ulsan City are seeking
to turn their sister-city relationship into concrete industrial and
investment projects in the fields of automotive manufacturing,
future mobility, energy, and environmentally friendly
technologies.
This was reflected in the statement by the Fergana regional
administration, following a meeting between Governor Khayrullo
Bozorov and Ulsan Mayor Kim Sang-wook as part of the Uzbek
delegation’s visit to South Korea.
According to the Regional Administration, in the course of the
meeting, the sides discussed ways to build on the relationship
established between the two regions and develop new projects and
initiatives that could take bilateral cooperation to a new
level.
Meanwhile, Ulsan, known as South Korea’s industrial capital, has
built its economy around automotive manufacturing, shipbuilding and
petrochemicals. The city is also developing hydrogen energy,
offshore wind power, future mobility and advanced energy
technologies as new areas of growth.
The sides discussed opportunities for Fergana to draw on Ulsan’s
industrial experience and technologies, establish production links
between companies and develop joint projects in automotive
manufacturing and future mobility, energy and green industry.
“Signed documents between Fergana and Ulsan are not simply
diplomatic agreements, but a solid foundation for long-term
friendship and economic and technological partnership. Most
importantly, the results of this friendship should be felt by our
people, young people and entrepreneurs,” Bozorov said.
The two regions have also placed human capital at the center of
their cooperation. Fergana is developing specialist training based
on South Korean standards, while young people from the Uzbek region
are working at shipbuilding companies in Ulsan to gain experience
with modern technologies and industrial practices.
Fergana and Ulsan established a framework for friendly relations
in March 2025, when the two sides signed a protocol of intent. In
October 2025, they signed an agreement establishing sister-city
relations.
The meeting also highlighted Ulsan’s experience in balancing
industrial development with environmental sustainability. The
Taehwagang River, once heavily affected by industrial pollution,
has been restored and is now one of the city’s major ecological
areas.
As part of efforts to strengthen people-to-people and cultural
ties, the Fergana side also proposed holding Ulsan Days in
Fergana.
The latest talks mark an effort to translate the regions’
sister-city relationship into practical cooperation, with a focus
on technology, industrial partnerships, skills development and new
investment opportunities.
