South Korean companies are considering participation in the modernization project of the Karakum Canal. The announcement was made by South Korean Ambassador to Turkmenistan Lee Won-jae in an exclusive interview with nCa published on Tuesday.

According to the diplomat, Korean firms are also interested in railway infrastructure modernization projects, as well as in establishing fiber-optic cable and steel pipe production facilities in Turkmenistan.

Lee Won-jae stated that Seoul is interested in further expanding its pragmatic partnership with Turkmenistan, covering sectors such as energy, shipbuilding, information technology, transport, healthcare and culture.

The ambassador noted that hydrogen-powered public transport, electric vehicle infrastructure and autonomous driving systems could become promising new areas of cooperation between the two countries.

In the shipbuilding sector, South Korean company Koryo Shipbuilding Industry Technology is implementing a cargo vessel construction project jointly with Balkan Shipbuilding and Repair Plant. The ambassador expressed hope that the partnership would eventually expand to include the construction of railway ferries.

The diplomat also highlighted the importance of the phosphate fertilizer plant project in Turkmenabat, which is being implemented by Daewoo Engineering & Construction. According to Lee Won-jae, the project is laying the groundwork for further expansion of Korean-Turkmen cooperation in strategic sectors of the economy.