Korea-Central Asia Tech Push: South Korea and Uzbekistan are upgrading ties into “strategic production partners,” with Mirziyoyev and Seoul leaders backing joint work in AI, semiconductors, biotechnology, and critical mineral supply chains, including a proposed Korea-Uzbekistan industrial technology alliance. Regional Summit Watch: Seoul is hosting the first Central Asia–Republic of Korea leaders summit, aiming to lock in long-term cooperation on critical minerals, digital tech, science, water/climate and connectivity via a “Seoul Declaration.” Nuclear & Minerals Cooperation: South Korea and Kazakhstan signed a nuclear-energy peaceful-use MoU while expanding critical minerals and AI collaboration, signaling a broader high-tech supply-chain agenda. Uzbekistan Privatization & Science Assets: Uzbekistan relists 84 previously unsold state assets in new e-auctions (opening bids from about $85), including stakes in a scientific biotech firm and a district laboratory—an indicator of how research-linked assets may be commercialized. ICT Week 2026 Startup Drive: Uzbekistan positions ICT Week 2026 as a venture-and-investment platform, featuring founder pitching for startups and major global tech players alongside local ecosystems. Energy Infrastructure Deal: Hyundai Engineering moves into Kazakhstan’s gas processing with a KGPP project plan processing 5 billion cubic meters annually, building on its Central Asia experience. EU Sanctions Ripple: EU sanctions renewal over Russian-Uzbek billionaire Alisher Usmanov is stuck in a short extension, adding uncertainty for regional business and tech-linked interests.