Hoon Chi, President and COO of Korean Air looking around the facilities of Navoi Cargo Terminal
Navoi Cargo Terminal has been developed as part of the project to modernize airport infrastructure for Uzbekistan. The new terminal, with total floor space of 15,000 m² on a 135,000 m² site, is designed to handle 100,000 tons of cargo a year and features state-of-the-art facilities such as refrigerated warehouses and quarantine stations. The Navoi Cargo Terminal’s capacity will be upgraded to process up to 500,000 tons of cargo a year as global cargo demand increases.

An award ceremony was held on Tuesday (20 September 2011) in the Diplomatic Centre in Seocho-gu, Seoul, where Ambassador Vitali V. FEN, on behalf of Uzbekistan President Islam Karimov, presented the medal to Chairman Cho.

As the country is celebrating the 20^th anniversary of its independence, the Uzbekistan Government took the opportunity to show appreciation and gratitude to Chairman Cho for his contribution. As a foreigner, Chairman Cho has been a long-time friend of the country, he has contributed tremendously to foster closer tie between Uzbekistan and the South Korea, as well as promoting economic collaboration between the two countries.

“Since 2009, Hanjin Group has been devoting much effort on developing the country’s central Navoi regions. We have joined hands with the Uzbekistan Government to establish the infrastructure, including the Navoi International Airport, and expand air cargo network. This order is a solid proof of our commitment, and I am deeply honoured to receive this order,” said Chairman Cho. “We spare no effort in supporting the growth of Navoi into Central Asia’s best logistics hub. In sync with the flourishing economic collaboration between the two countries, and the sustainable growth strategy of the country’s economy, we will continue to devote our effort to support the growth of the regions.”

Since January 2009, Hanjin Group has been managing Navoi International Airport hand in hand with the Uzbekistan Government, with the aim to transform Navoi regions into an all-rounded international logistics hub strategically situated in Central Asia. Hanjin Group’s Navoi Project includes constructing a network connecting air-land transportation, modernizing airport facilities, building a global air freight network and establishing a supporting logistics complex at Navoi Airport.

Apart from the Dostlik Order, Chairman Cho has been awarded other esteemed orders over the past few years, to acknowledge his contribution to different parts of the world. He was awarded the medal of Commandeur de la Légion d’Honneur, the highest premier order of France, from the French Government in 2004; and in 2005, he was awarded Altan Gadas, the most reputable order for foreigners, from the government of Mongolia.