The members of the delegation of the Republic of Korea visiting Uzbekistan headed by the Minister of Information and Communication Yu Yong Khwan met with the Deputy Prime Minister of Uzbekistan, Director-General of the Uzbek Agency of Communication and Informatization (UzACI) Abdulla Aripov on 25 October.

During the meeting, the parties noted that the agreements reached at the meetings of the heads of two states serve as an important framework for the development of cooperation between the two countries in all spheres, particularly in the sphere of information and communication technology.

The head of the South-Korean delegation highly appraised the reforms being implemented in Uzbekistan on the initiative of the President of the country Islam Karimov, particularly the reforms envisaging the integration of modern technology in the ICT sector, the modernization of the communication networks in cities and district centres, and provision of high quality telephone communication and data transmission services to the population, enterprises and organizations.

During the meeting, the parties exchanged opinions on the issues concerning the development of the communication and informatisation, including wide integration of modern telecommunication technology, complex information systems, production of highly-technological products, and the prospect s of development and implementation of modern projects on preparation of highly qualified staff for the industry.

The same day, Tashkent University of Information Technology hosted the opening of the Uzbek-South Korean Centre of Information Technology "Internet Plaza". The centre has a computer class with the most modern technology, Internet and conference halls. The services provided by the centre will be made available not only to the students of the university but also scientific researchers, and other visitors.

Large-scale work is being implemented in Uzbeksitan to develop the telecommunication infrastructure, integrate digital communication networks, raise their conductivity, computerize the economic and social spheres, and improve the preparation of qualified staff.

Thus, to compare in 2002 the total of 136,000 people used Internet, whereas this year the indicator exceeds 2 million. The telephone networks are being digitalized, the mobile communication service is growing in popularity. To support the computerization and integration of information technologies special customs and tax benefits have been introduced by the government.

"The opening of the Internet Plaza centre is one of the practical results of the close collaboration between our countries," Mr. Yu Yong Kwan said. "Every time, visiting Uzbekistan, I am convinced in the fact that the ICT sector of this country is developing very intensively. Mutual consultations, provision of technical support, sharing of experience, discussion of the innovations in the ICT sphere help further develop and strengthen bilateral ties."