DUSHANBE, October 17, 2008, Asia-Plus — Austria could make significant contribution to enhancement of energy, infrastructure and transport sectors in Tajikistan, Mr. Johann Kausl, Commercial Counselor, Austrian Embassy in Moscow, said in an interview with Asia-Plus today, following a meeting with Economic Development and Trade Minister Ghulomjon Bobozoda.
Mr. Kausl noted that in the course of the talks, Bobozoda had underlined the importance of energy sector for development of Tajikistan’s economy. “Austria has a good experience in production of know-how in this field, and we could offer Tajikistan the alternate energy production technologies,” he said.
Mr. Kausl also noted that they were concerned over Austrian-Tajik trade cooperation. “Austrian exports to Tajikistan exceed significantly Austria’s imports from your country, and therefore, we intend to invest in development of Tajikistan’s economy,” he said, adding that Austria could also cooperate with Tajikistan in developing its mining and textile industries
Mr. Klaus also noted that he and Bobozoda had also discussed issues of removing bureaucratic and other obstacles in the way of investment in Tajikistan’s economy.
According to data of the State Committee for Statistics, a two-way trade between Tajikistan and Austria in January-September 2008 has valued at US$2.462 million. This consisted of Tajikistan’s exports to Austria estimated at US$50,000 and Tajikistan’s imports from Austria worth US$2.412.
As it had been reported earlier, a
n Austrian delegation led by Mr. Richard Schens, Vice-President of Austria’s Federal Economic Chamber, and Mr. Johann Kausl, Commercial Counselor, Austrian Embassy in Moscow, arrived in Tajikistan yesterday evening for a two-day working visit.
Toda morning, the Austrian delegation members held talks with Tajik Economic Development and Trade Minister Ghulomjon Bobozoda.
The talks have been followed by a business forum of Tajik and Austrian entrepreneurs, which is attended by eleven representatives of Austrian companies and some 50 heads of Tajik enterprises and organizations.
During its two-day visit, the Austrian economic delegation is expected to hold meetings with Deputy Prime Minister Murodali Alimardonov, First Deputy Foreign Minister Abdullo Yuldoshev, Chairman of the State Committee for Investments and State-owned Property Management Farrukh Hamraliyev, Energy and Industries Minister Gul Sherali and senior representatives of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCI).
According to the Tajik MFA, the purpose of the visit is for the delegation to discuss with Tajik officials issues related to expansion of bilateral cooperation between the two countries and establishment of business contacts to promote further expansion of mutually beneficial economic cooperation.
