Daewoo E&C chief meets Turkmenistan president to discuss construction, infrastructure cooperation

Lee Kang-seok, chief executive of Daewoo Engineering & Construction, met with Turkmenistan President Serdar Berdimuhamedov to discuss ways to expand cooperation in construction and infrastructure. The visit builds on Chairman Jeong Won-joo's efforts to open new markets, with Daewoo E&C planning to pursue additional project opportunities, including the Karakum Canal modernization project.

According to Daewoo E&C, Lee was the only representative of a Korean company invited to Turkmenistan's independence day celebrations. On Monday, he met with President Berdimuhamedov to congratulate the country on the 35th anniversary of its independence and conveyed his commitment to strengthening bilateral ties and expanding cooperation.

"I am delighted to have had the chance to meet you at the Turkmenistan-Korea Business Forum held recently in Korea, and now to visit in person," Lee said. "Daewoo E&C has signed an MOU for the Karakum Canal modernization project and is currently in further discussions and consultations."

He added, "We will do our utmost to further develop our long-term partnership with Turkmenistan and contribute to expanding economic and construction and infrastructure cooperation between the two countries."

President Berdimuhamedov said the visit would "inject new momentum into the development of bilateral relations and Daewoo E&C's ongoing projects in Turkmenistan."

During his five-day, four-night visit, Lee also met with Deputy Prime Minister for Construction, Energy and Production Baymyrat Annamämmedow, as well as South Korea's ambassador to Turkmenistan, Lee Won-jae.

Turkmenistan is a Central Asian market that Chairman Jeong has cultivated through years of repeated visits. Daewoo E&C has worked to establish the country as a regional hub, leveraging its abundant natural resources and economic growth. Earlier, Jeong met President Berdimuhamedov on the sidelines of the first Korea-Central Asia Summit, at a Korea-Turkmenistan business forum held in September, where he outlined the company's plans for additional local projects and sought government attention and cooperation.

Daewoo E&C has also been active in cultural exchanges with Turkmenistan, hosting a "Turkmenistan Culture Day" event at Prugio Art Hall at its Euljiro headquarters on Sept. 17. Through such initiatives, the company is working to deepen mutual cultural understanding while fulfilling a role as a private-sector diplomatic envoy that broadens the foundation for cooperation.