MFDS Signs Medical Products Regulatory Cooperation MOU With Uzbekistan to Support Companies’ Market Entry

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

MFDS said on the 15th that Commissioner Oh Yu-kyung signed a memorandum of understanding on regulatory cooperation in the medical products sector with the Center for Pharmaceutical Products Safety (CPPS), under Uzbekistan’s Ministry of Health, on the 14th.

The MOU was pursued ahead of the Korea-Central Asia Summit, scheduled for the 16th, to expand cooperation between the two countries into medical products regulation.

Uzbekistan is a key Central Asian partner with which South Korea has a special strategic partnership.

The two agencies agreed to exchange information on laws and regulations related to pharmaceuticals, biopharmaceuticals and medical devices, as well as regulatory matters including authorization, quality and safety management.

They will also work to strengthen regulatory capacity through meetings and visits among regulatory officials, consultations and joint events, and to improve access to medical products.

South Korea’s pharmaceutical exports to Uzbekistan increased about 48%, from approximately $3,193,000 in 2021 to approximately $4,726,000 in 2025.

Over the same period, medical device exports rose about 3.1-fold, from approximately $10,559,000 to $32,906,000.

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

Commissioner Oh Yu-kyung said, “This MOU is significant because it lays the groundwork for increasing understanding and trust between the two countries on medical products 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.”