South Korea is set to deepen its cooperation with Central Asian nations following a landmark summit in Seoul, with both parties agreeing to collaborate extensively on critical minerals. This development comes as South Korea aims to secure a stable supply of essential resources for its automotive, electronics, battery, and energy sectors, while Central Asian countries seek to enhance local processing capabilities to move beyond raw material exports.
The recent South Korea–Central Asia summit, the first of its kind, culminated in more than 70 agreements and memorandums. A significant outcome of the summit was the decision to hold these meetings biennially and the establishment of a C5+1 forum specifically for industry ministers. By aligning Central Asia’s mineral wealth with South Korean expertise in exploration, processing, and advanced manufacturing, both sides anticipate comprehensive supply chain cooperation, from mining to high-value production.
Uzbekistan has proposed the creation of an investment alliance focused on critical minerals, along with the development of processing clusters that encompass exploration, mining, and production. Kazakhstan, meanwhile, is looking to collaborate with South Korea on rare metals, nuclear and clean energy, artificial intelligence, and infrastructure, further solidifying its strategic partnership with the East Asian nation.
Additionally, Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan have expressed interest in South Korean cooperation in minerals such as antimony and tungsten. South Korea is also expanding its role in transport and infrastructure projects throughout Central Asia, reflecting its growing presence and influence in the region.
This intensified South Korean engagement occurs amid similar efforts by China, the United States, the European Union, and Japan to access Central Asia’s critical mineral resources. As these global powers vie for stronger ties, Central Asian governments are increasingly focused on attracting investments that will establish local processing facilities and industrial production, rather than merely exporting raw materials.
The next South Korea–Central Asia summit is scheduled to convene in Kazakhstan in 2028, continuing the dialogue on mutual cooperation and regional development.