South Korea has intensified its collaboration with Central Asian countries focused on securing critical minerals, as announced during the first South Korea–Central Asia summit in Seoul. The summit, which resulted in over 70 agreements, signifies a strategic move for South Korea to establish a dependable supply chain for its automotive, electronics, battery, and energy sectors amid global competition.
The summit established a biennial schedule and introduced a C5+1 forum for industry ministers, highlighting critical minerals as a core area of cooperation. This partnership seeks to combine Central Asia’s substantial mineral resources with South Korea’s expertise in exploration, processing, and advanced manufacturing, thereby enhancing the entire supply chain from mining to the production of high-value goods.
Uzbekistan has proposed the creation of an investment alliance focused on critical minerals, emphasizing the development of processing clusters that encompass exploration, mining, and production. Meanwhile, Kazakhstan has extended offers of cooperation in rare metals, nuclear and clean energy, artificial intelligence, and infrastructure projects, further solidifying its strategic partnership with South Korea.
Other Central Asian nations, such as Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan, are also looking to South Korea for collaboration in mining minerals like antimony and tungsten. South Korea is broadening its influence in the region, engaging in various transport and infrastructure projects across Central Asia, thus strengthening its economic footprint.
This increased engagement comes amidst heightened interest from global powers, including China, the United States, the European Union, and Japan, who are keen on accessing Central Asia’s critical mineral resources. Central Asian governments are particularly eager to attract investments that will facilitate local processing industries and bolster industrial production, moving beyond mere raw material exports.
The next South Korea–Central Asia summit is slated to take place in Kazakhstan in 2028, marking a continued commitment to this burgeoning cooperative relationship.