Мой первый журнал ISRS-Journal-АНГЛ | Page 74

sectors as the services, construction of infrastructure and production facilities, healthcare 7 . Therefore, during his stay in Seoul, the Uzbek leader firstly met with representatives of large companies and business circles of the two countries. According to Korean experts, new opportunities and great privileges granted to South Korean businessmen to work in Uzbekistan open up large-scale prospects for expanding the practical content of bilateral partnership 8 . In this vein, the agreements reached on the participation of such Korean giants as Hyundai, Evergreen Holdings, Youngone Corporation and Hwachon Plant-Gemco in the Uzbek market will not only help to increase investment in Uzbekistan, rise its production potential, but also to improve the business image of our country all over the world. The chairman of the Korean Chamber of Commerce and Industry Park Yong-man expressed his opinion on this at the above-mentioned Uzbek-Korean business forum: “the New northern economic policy of the Korean government will be a key factor in cooperation between the two countries” 9 . This initiative of President Moon Jae-in, aimed at the formation of mutually beneficial cooperation between South Korea and the northern countries of Asia, is very relevant and timely. The new strategy of South Korea will provide additional opportunities for the countries of Central Asia in developing bilateral cooperation with both the Republic of Korea and other project participants. According to the experts, the initiative can be an important practical component of the Forum "Central Asia - Republic of Korea". Korean observers believe that the Republic of Uzbekistan not only acts as a “strategic point” of the Central Asian region, but also creates strong political ties between the countries of the region 10 . According to the experts, an active regional policy pursued by Sh. Mirziyoyev will give the Republic of Korea access to an even wider presence in the markets of Central Asia. In turn, Korean companies can play an important role in the integration of Central Asian countries into global trade chains. Uzbekistan with a huge economic potential and a population of more than 32 million people has a geographical advantage, offering South Korea the shortest way to access European markets 11 . Professor of the University of Hanyang Gu Ho Eom notes that the balanced foreign policy of Uzbekistan demonstrates the type of diplomacy that Korea has sought. The two countries consider very important relations with powerful neighboring states, seek friendly partners with matching interests, and they are making efforts to expand base of support in the international arena 12 . An important role in the deepening of the Uzbek-Korean relations is played by the cultural and humanitarian factors. 29 Korean national cultural centers in Tashkent and in all the regions of the country carry out their fruitful activities, publications in the Korean language are published. «Uzbekistan president arrives for state visit», South Korea online edition «The Korea Times», November 22, 2017, http://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/nation/2017/11/120_239699.html. 8 «South Korea, Uzbekistan vow to forge strategic partnership, South Korea news business portal «Business Korea», November 24, 2017, http://www.businesskorea.co.kr/news/articleView.html?idxno=19919. 9 «South Korea, Uzbekistan vow to forge strategic partnership, South Korea news business portal «Business Korea», November 24, 2017, http://www.businesskorea.co.kr/news/articleView.html?idxno=19919. 10 «Uzbekistan president arrives for state visit», South Korea online edition «The Korea Times», November 22, 2017, http://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/nation/2017/11/120_239699.html. 11 «Uzbek President Mirziyoyev Lands in South Korea, Reaffirming a Strong Partnership», Japan online edition «The diplomat», November 22, 2017, https://thediplomat.com/2017/11/uzbek-president-mirziyoyev-lands-in-south-korea-reaffirming-a-strong-partnership/. 12 Gu Ho Eom, professor of Hanyang University, report: «Strategy for development and deepening of strategic partnership Republic of Korea – Republic of Uzbekistan» at the scientific conference on topic «20 years of mutual cooperation between Uzbekistan and South Korea» held by the Embassy of the Republic of Korea, Korean University Inha and the ISRS under the president of the Republic of Uzbekistan, Tashkent, October 16 2012. 76 7