The escalation of military actions in the Middle East, particularly the situation involving Iran, has led to a significant increase in oil prices. This development is impacting the global economy and inflationary pressures.
In 2023, the volume of service exports by resident companies of Uzbekistan's IT Park reached $344 million. This represents a 2.4-fold increase compared to 2022. The number of export-oriented companies also grew by 1.5 times, reaching 551.
South Korea is investing heavily in smart agricultural technologies such as IoT sensors, drones, and artificial intelligence to address limited arable land and food security challenges. These innovations are aimed at increasing yield, enhancing efficiency, and ensuring agricultural sustainability.
Malaysia's parliament approved the Healthcare White Paper (HWP) in 2023, proposing comprehensive healthcare reforms planned for the next fifteen years. The HWP aims to ensure equitable access to healthcare by improving preventive services, strengthening primary care, and increasing resilience against emerging health threats. These reforms are being implemented through the formation of working groups focused on strengthening primary care, improving healthcare financing, and facilitating multi-sectoral collaboration.
In 2023, 4.9 million startup enterprises were registered in South Korea, accounting for 59.1% of the country's small and medium-sized enterprises. This marks the third consecutive year of growth. Technology-based startups in information and communications, professional and scientific services, and education services have significantly expanded.
Turkey added 2.1 GW of solar energy capacity in the first half of 2026, bringing the total capacity to approximately 26.9 GW. In June, solar energy constituted 16.5% of the country's electricity production, setting a new record. The country aims to achieve 120 GW of solar and wind energy capacity by 2035.
Turkey's manufacturing sector is undergoing a significant digital transformation, adopting Industry 4.0 technologies such as artificial intelligence, the Internet of Things (IoT), and cloud computing to increase efficiency and productivity. Initiatives like MEXT support enterprises in this transition and enhance competitiveness.
Malaysia's digital economy recorded approved digital investments totaling RM 66.22 billion in the first half of 2024, surpassing the total figure for 2023. This growth created 25,498 new jobs. The country aims to become an AI nation by 2030 and is investing in artificial intelligence, blockchain, and quantum research. Digital investments are projected to reach a record RM 163.6 billion in 2024, solidifying Malaysia's reputation as a regional technology hub.
Japanese companies, including Nippon Koei and Tokyo Metro, are actively expanding smart city projects in Asia and Africa. These initiatives utilize advanced technologies to address urban challenges such as transportation, environment, and logistics. The Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) is also participating in the creation of smart city roadmaps in cities like Siem Reap.
South Korea, especially Seoul, has become a vibrant hub for deep technology innovations, strengthened by government support, world-class academic institutions, and private sector investments. The value of Seoul's startup ecosystem has increased fivefold from 2020 to 2024, rising from $40 billion to $237 billion. This growth supports startups offering advanced solutions in areas such as AI, digital healthcare, smart farming, and new materials.
Abu Dhabi has unveiled a $25.5 billion HELM cluster, designed to foster advanced developments in life sciences by integrating artificial intelligence with biotechnology, pharmaceutical innovations, MedTech, and digital healthcare. This initiative positions Abu Dhabi as a regional hub for pharmaceutical manufacturing and research.
Japan has achieved significant success in quality education (SDG 4) within the framework of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The participation rate in preschool education is high, and the government has integrated SDG content into the curricula.
Uzbekistan and Turkey are intensifying cooperation in higher education, scientific research, and innovation. Joint educational programs, scientific projects, and academic exchanges have been established between the two countries. Over 50 cooperation agreements were signed at recent forums, bolstering innovative partnerships in fields such as artificial intelligence, medicine, engineering, and biotechnology.
South Korea plans to introduce artificial intelligence (AI) digital textbooks in schools starting from March 2025. This initiative aims to improve the quality of education and provide students with a personalized learning experience. The government is investing heavily in training teachers to effectively use AI technologies.
In South Korea, entrepreneurs are transforming their challenges into innovative initiatives and valuable lessons. For example, after the failure of his first startup, Lee Jun-young emerged from depression and, in 2021, created a daily task management app called "Lubit," attracting 2 million users.
Women entrepreneurs in the UAE are achieving significant successes in the business sector through individuals like Huda Kattan (Huda Beauty), Hana Al Rostamani (FAB CEO), and Mona Ataya (Mumzworld founder). The country is creating a favorable environment for entrepreneurship by giving women the opportunity to own 100% of their companies.
Starting from 2026, Uzbekistan will annually host the “Young Entrepreneurs” championship, where up to 100 projects can receive investments of up to 1 billion soums. The government aims to increase venture investments to $2 billion and create up to 5000 startup projects by 2030. The "Future Entrepreneur" program allocates an additional $200 million for young entrepreneurs.
In the UAE, numerous programs like "e7 Daughters of the Emirates" and "UAE Women's Leadership Program" are available to prepare youth for future leadership roles. Additionally, the "Emirates Youth Vocational School" helps young people acquire professional skills relevant to market demands.
South Korea's employment rate for women aged 30 to 39 has surged from 61.3% in 2021 to 71.3% in 2024, marking the highest level in the nation's history. This rise is attributed to evolving perspectives on marriage, childbirth, and career, alongside a more flexible labor market. Women are increasingly entering high-growth sectors.
Organizations like the Samsung Dream Scholarship Foundation and Jump aim to increase social mobility among low-income youth in South Korea by providing education and career opportunities. These programs include scholarships, interest-free loans, mentorship, and various educational activities, helping young people realize their dreams despite challenges.
Turkey is set to become Europe's fourth largest electric vehicle market in 2025, with approximately 190,000 new battery electric vehicles (BEVs) sold. In January-April 2026, Turkey's electric vehicle market grew by 28.2%, reaching 54,463 units. The government aims for 2.5 million electric vehicles on the roads by 2030 and 10 million by 2040.
