South Korean train manufacturer Hyundai Rotem Co. signed a contract to supply high-speed trains to Uzbekistan on Friday during President Yoon Suk Yeol’s state visit to the Central Asian nation.

The agreement was signed at a ceremony attended by Yoon and Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev following their summit at the presidential palace in Tashkent. It marks South Korea’s first export of high-speed trains to a foreign country.

Under the deal worth 270 billion won (US$195.7 million), Hyundai Rotem will supply six high-speed trains, totaling 42 cars, to Uzbekistan Railways Corp., along with maintenance and repair services.

It marks the first export of high-speed trains developed using Korean technology in two decades since the introduction of the KTX train with French assistance in 2004.

Yoon’s visit, accompanied by more than 60 business delegates, resulted in the signing of 17 deals, agreements and documents, according to the presidential office.

The Korea Railroad Corp. also signed a memorandum of under
standing with the Uzbekistan Railways Corp. focused on operations, maintenance, technology exchanges and personnel training to bolster bilateral railway development.

South Korea and Uzbekistan inked a critical mineral partnership aimed at fostering comprehensive collaborations, from joint exploration to the final utilization of minerals.

In addition, an MOU was signed to modernize heating systems in Uzbekistan, and a document was endorsed to facilitate Uzbekistan’s accession to the World Trade Organization to ensure stability for Korean companies operating in the region.

Source: Yonhap News Agency