The upcoming first Central Asia-Republic of Korea Summit in Seoul gives the C5+1 format a more substantive economic dimension. At the center of the new agenda are industrial modernization, infrastructure, critical minerals and energy, workforce development and private-sector participation. The institutional foundation for this work is provided by a dedicated consultative mechanism of industry ministers, designed to facilitate regular sectoral dialogue, identify joint initiatives and develop a list of priority projects. This creates an opportunity to align the national industrial priorities of Central Asian countries with the technological and investment capabilities of the Republic of Korea at the level of specific production chains. Technology, infrastructure, financing and markets thus come together within an integrated framework for implementing major joint initiatives. The potential of this model is particularly evident in the case of Uzbekistan. Relations between Tashkent and Seoul have held the status of a Special Strategic Partnership since 2019, while cumulative Korean direct i