BAKU, Azerbaijan, September 15. Uzbekistan and
South Korea’s Hyundai Motor Group are discussing plans to expand
automotive production and rail cooperation, including higher
localization of auto components, new Kia models and additional
Hyundai Rotem high-speed trains.


This was reflected in the statement by the press serrvice of the
Uzbek president, following a meeting between President Shavkat
Mirziyoyev and Kim Sung, president for strategy at Hyundai Motor
Group, Cho Sang-woon, senior vice president of Kia Motors, and Lee
Yong-bae, chairman of the board of Hyundai Rotem.


According to the information, in the course of the meeting, the
Uzbek president highlighted the group’s contribution to the
development of Uzbekistan’s automotive and transport sectors and
discussed plans to expand production at the automotive cluster in
Jizzakh and increase the share of locally produced auto
components.


The sides welcomed the establishment of full-cycle Kia vehicle
production in Uzbekistan and the expansion of exports. Particular
attention was given to launching new vehicle models and
establishing a stamping plant.


The parties also discussed prospects for producing electric and
hybrid vehicles in Uzbekistan, potentially broadening the country’s
automotive manufacturing base toward new-energy vehicles.


Cooperation with Hyundai Rotem was another focus of the meeting.
The company’s first high-speed trains have begun operating on the
Tashkent-Khiva route, cutting travel time by half, according to the
Uzbek presidential press service.







The parties discussed additional deliveries of Hyundai Rotem
trains to Uzbekistan and the development of supporting
infrastructure and manufacturing capabilities.


“Expanding localization and developing new production
capabilities with leading South Korean companies will strengthen
Uzbekistan’s automotive and transport industries and create
opportunities to move into higher-value manufacturing,” the
presidential press service said.


The sides also highlighted the importance of establishing a
Hyundai Rotem service center in Uzbekistan and localizing the
production of railway components.


Another potential area of cooperation is the production of
magnets for electric motors, which could support the development of
electric vehicle manufacturing and related supply chains in
Uzbekistan.


The discussions form part of Mirziyoyev’s state visit to South
Korea, during which Uzbekistan is seeking to attract investment,
technologies and industrial partnerships in strategic sectors.