Uzbekistan and South Korea intend to boost the number of regular flights between the two countries.

Uzbekistan and South Korea are set to increase the number of regular flights, according to the press service of the Ministry of Transport.

The head of the Ministry of Transport, Ilkhom Makhkamov, discussed the current state and prospects for developing bilateral transport links with the South Korean Ambassador, Won Do Yeon, and the head of the Korean Eximbank representative office, Sangjin Kang. In particular, the parties exchanged views on the potential for increasing the number of regular flights between the two countries.

Additionally, the Minister of Transport presented a number of projects for the reconstruction and construction of roads in Uzbekistan to explore the possibility of participation by Korean companies.

The head of the Korean Eximbank representative office provided information on the progress of the project to purchase six Hyundai Rotem electric trains for the needs of “Uzbekiston Temir Yullari,” expressing “high interest” in participating in other transport projects.

The Korean side also invited the Ministry of Transport's leadership to the Korean-Central Asian International Forum, which will take place in the second half of this year.

Cooperation with Hyundai Rotem

“Uzbekiston Temir Yullari” has been negotiating the purchase of trains from Hyundai Rotem since 2018. However, it was only in the fall of 2023 that it became known that the state company intends to acquire high-speed trains from Korea.

The cost of the delivery is estimated at 185 million euros, which is expected to be repaid over 35 years. The new trains are planned to be deployed on the Tashkent – Khiva route after its launch.

Funding for the delivery is being provided through the Economic Development Cooperation Fund of South Korea (EDCF). The final agreement with them, as well as with the Korean Eximbank, was signed during the visit of South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol to Uzbekistan in June.

In August 2024, the president approved the technical and economic justification (TEO) for the agreement on the purchase of Hyundai Rotem electric trains. The repayment of the loan for their purchase will be made from the funds of “Temiryo’lexpress.”

In October, plans by Hyundai Rotem to produce electric trains in Uzbekistan were announced. The Ministry of Transport proposed to localize the production of cars operated by the railway company Korail.

Previously, Spot reported that Uzbekistan and Mongolia would implement an electronic system for cargo transportation permits.