/IRBIS, Apr.28, 00/ - The definition of middle to long term prospects of regional development in central Asia and Transcaucasus was a final accord of Eurasian economic summit. It took place in April 26-28 under the aegis of World Economic Forum and was organized by Kazakhstan's government.

"Almaty forum reflected a need of countries in the region for integration in the world economy," declared Kosymzhomart Tokayev on a concluding session of the forum. He also added that it is clear that Central Asia should direct itself on creation of democratic society and liberal market economy.

As the forum participants marked, the achievement of these goals is impossible without regional integration and subsequent globalization. The countries aside of integration could easily lose a pace of economic and social development. However, such factors as international terrorism, religious extremism, drugs trafficking, arms trade, corruption and organized crime undermine integration.

The forum recommended countries of Central Asia to create a body that will, along with security, provide free circulation of goods and labor. Besides oil and gas pipelines, region needs informational "pipelines" including development of Internet. Participants also noted that those who will remain behind globalization will never find it easy to catch up with the process.