Uzbekistan proposed to discuss the conjugation of the South Korean strategy “New Northern Policy”, the Chinese initiative “One Belt, One Road” and the new EU strategy to improve the interconnectedness of Europe and Asia, Kun.uz correspondent reports.

This was announced by Vladimir Norov, director of the Institute for Strategic and Interregional Studies (ISMI) under the President of Uzbekistan, at the International Conference “Korea-Central Asia Cooperation Forum” in Seoul.

“In our opinion, joining of the above initiatives will contribute to the creation of transport and logistics routes linking Central Asia through Russia, China and Korea to the markets of Europe, Northeast, Southeast and South Asia, as well as give access to the seaports of the countries of the region,” he said.

According to the expert, access to international seaports is extremely important for Uzbekistan and other Central Asian countries.

“Due to such geographical issues, according to the estimates of Boston consulting group, Uzbekistan loses up to 20% of GDP, as transport-transit costs reach 70-80% of the value of exported products. Moreover, carriers lose up to 40% of their time for transporting goods due to imperfection of customs procedures,” Mr. Norov noted.

He also added that Uzbekistan considers it extremely critical to put forward the “New Northern Policy” of South Korea and appreciates it as an important contribution to the revival of the existing Great Silk Road in the new modern reality.

However, according to experts, noted Mr. Norov, the current relations of Seoul with the countries of Eurasia do not match to their potential and capabilities.

“I am convinced that the new strategy will be able to provide additional opportunities for Central Asian countries in developing bilateral and multilateral cooperation with the Republic of Korea, as well as other project participants. I believe that the “New Northern Policy” will be an important practical component of today’s forum,” he concluded.