DUSHANBE, October 1, 2014, Asia-Plus – A workshop focusing on the food and agriculture sector’s challenges and benefits from Tajikistan’s accession to the World Trade Organization (WTO) took place in Dushanbe on September 30.
According to the International Trade Center (ITC) Office in Tajikistan, Mr. Paolo R. Vergano, expert in international trade, conducted the workshop and shared his view on the impact of Tajikistan’s membership in the WTO for this sector.
Mr. Vergano said: “Despite the possible negative impacts from WTO accession to the private sector in the short run, as a result of introducing a more transparent, secure and predictable trading framework, the positive effects of WTO accession will likely be felt in the medium or long term. I would recommend continuing familiarization of the Tajik business community with the opportunities stemming from WTO accession, securing industries’ interests through continuous engagement in trade negotiations and technical discussions, as well as the provision of access to the relevant WTO mechanisms and instruments for Tajikistan’s food and agriculture, and metallurgy sectors.”
The workshop was followed by a press-café.
The second half-day workshop, devoted to Tajikistan’s metallurgy sector, is being held in Dushanbe today.
Both workshops and the press-cafe are organized by the ITC, which supports Tajikistan in the implementation of the WTO provisions and the Government’s WTO commitments. This ITC project is funded by the Government of Switzerland within its Trade Cooperation Program (TCP) in Tajikistan.
The ITC, through this technical assistance project, is committed to supporting Tajikistan’s public and private sector in strengthening their knowledge of the opportunities and challenges stemming from WTO membership.
Within its Cooperation Strategy for 2012-2015, Switzerland focuses on four sectors in Tajikistan; Health, Rule of Law, Drinking Water Supply and Sanitation, and Private Sector Development. The overall goal of Swiss Cooperation in Tajikistan is to support the transition process in the country through contributing to economic development and by helping build institutions and systems which are responsive to the population’s needs.
