MFDS Signs Medical Products Regulatory Cooperation MOU With Uzbekistan, Opening Gateway to Central Asia

The Ministry of Food and Drug Safety (MFDS) has signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Uzbekistan on regulatory cooperation for medical products.

On May 15, MFDS said it had signed a memorandum of understanding on regulatory cooperation in the medical products sector with Uzbekistan’s Center for Pharmaceutical Products Safety (CPPS), under the Ministry of Health, on May 14, ahead of the Korea-Central Asia Summit scheduled for May 16.

CPPS is a national agency under Uzbekistan’s Ministry of Health responsible for reviewing and approving the registration of pharmaceuticals and medical devices, as well as quality and safety management.

Under the MOU, the two agencies agreed to exchange information on laws, regulations and policies related to medical products, as well as regulatory matters including authorization, quality and safety management.

They also plan to strengthen regulatory capacity through meetings and visits among regulatory officials, consultations and joint events, and to pursue cooperation to expand access to medical products.

South Korea’s pharmaceutical exports to Uzbekistan rose about 48%, from approximately $3.193 million in 2021 to approximately $4.726 million in 2025.

Over the same period, medical device exports increased about 3.1-fold, from approximately $10.559 million to $32.906 million.

MFDS said it expects the MOU to improve predictability around the local regulatory environment and help proactively address challenges faced by South Korean companies.

MFDS Commissioner Oh Yu-kyung said, "This MOU is significant because it lays the groundwork for deepening understanding and trust between the two countries on medical product regulation and expanding regulatory cooperation."

She added, "We will strengthen cooperation with regulatory authorities in major emerging markets, including Uzbekistan, to help resolve regulatory challenges faced by South Korean companies and actively support their overseas expansion."