Gref noted the small number of contacts existing between Russian and South Korean business, as well as the low level of mutual investments - about 250 million dollars.
In his opinion, a new potential area of cooperation can be railway transit, particularly along the Baikal-Amur and Trans-Siberian trunk lines.
"It is clear that qualitatively new opportunities for the railage of container cargoes along the Trans-Siberian mainline are open today. A transit-railage programme has been developed. It cut tariffs for cargo railage and simplify customs clearance", Gref said. Under the programme, the idea of linking the South and North Korean railways has been prepared.
Answering questions from newsmen after the appearance at the seminar, the Russian economic development and trade minister said that he does not view as critical the situation in the Russian banking system.
Asked how tensions in the banking system may affect Russia's investment attractiveness, Gref said: "I seen no problems here. Things will be normally recovered after some time".
He refused to provide further commentaries and told journalists they should turn to other agencies, such as the Central Bank.
The government resolution on the sale of the Lukoil oil company's state block of shares may be passed this week, the minister told journalists.
The initial price of the package has not yet been set. The selected appraisers will do after the governmental resolution is passed, Gref said.
As reported earlier, 7.59 percent of Lukoil would be sold in late 2004.
