S. Korea, Central Asian cooperation to focus on critical minerals, industrial cooperation

DUSHANBE. Sept 14 (Interfax) - South Korea and five Central Asian countries intend to focus on critical minerals, the use of advanced technologies and the development of industrial cooperation within the framework of the Korea-Central Asia C5+1 format, which brings together the industry ministers of South Korea, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan, the Tajik Industry and New Technologies Ministry's press office said following the inaugural meeting under the format in Seoul.

One key area of cooperation will be critical minerals, including lithium and rare earth elements. The parties said they were willing to develop that cooperation, given the resource potential of the Central Asian countries and South Korea's expertise in raw material processing.

Technological cooperation was high on the agenda for the meeting, which was attended by Tajik Industry and New Technologies Minister Sherali Kabir. Participants highlighted the need to implement advanced technologies, digitalize production and train specialists.

The parties also determined prospects for broadening industrial cooperation, including the creation of industrial parks, infrastructure development, increased trade and the development of resilient supply chains.

The parties said they were willing to combine the resource potential of Central Asian countries with Korea's technology and expertise in raw material processing, production of materials and high-value-added products.

The Korea-Central Asia C5+1 format is expected to become a permanent platform for joint industrial projects, developing technological partnerships and strengthening economic ties, according to the statement.