DUSHANBE, October 4, 2013, Asia-Plus -- Creation of transport corridors that reduce transportation costs will facilitate socioeconomic development of not only Tajikistan but the whole region, Tajik Deputy Foreign Minister, Nizomiddin Zohidov, stated at the 7th Korea – Central Asia Cooperation Forum in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan on October 4.

According to the Tajik MFA information department, the Tajik delegation members included representatives from the ministries of foreign affairs, energy and industry, and transport as well as the Committee for Environmental Protection.

Speaking at the forum, Tajik deputy foreign minister noted that seeking solutions to the transportation isolation problems was of significant importance fro Tajikistan.  He also briefed on the current economic situation in the country, Tajikistan’s investment potential and existing legal foundation.

On the bilateral economic cooperation between Tajikistan and the Republic of Korea, Zohidov noted that there was considerable room for expansion of economic ties between the two countries.

He outlined sectors like agriculture, light and processing industries, energy, tourism, and attraction of investment for development non-ferrous industry, electronic industry and mechanical engineering in Tajikistan, as areas of which could drive the bilateral trade between the two countries.

According to Korea’s MFA, the forum has brought together some 200 delegates from Korea and five Central Asian countries, – Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyz, Turkmenistan and Tajikistan – including government officials and business and academic figures led by the deputy foreign ministers of those countries.

The Korea – Central Asia Cooperation Forum is the consultative mechanism between Korea and the five countries in Central Asia convened regularly since 2007 led by their foreign ministries.  The aim of the Forum is to promote cooperation in economy, education, science and culture and to build a cooperative network among their governments, and businesses and academies.