DUSHANBE, April 13, Asia-Plus — The United States is ready to promote Tajikistan as market for US companies in many sectors, Evan A. Feigenbaum, Deputy Assistant Secretary for South and Central Asian Affairs, remarked at a conference in Dushanbe on April 13.
The conference formally titled “the Republic of Tajikistan and the United of States: Present and Future” dedicated to the 15th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Tajikistan and the United States was held at the Center for Strategic Studies in Dushanbe.
“Attracting American and other private investors is a key priority for President Rahmon. And like him, we are committed to promoting Tajikistan as a market for U.S. companies in many sectors,” Feigenbaum said.
The US official noted that last year, the U.S Embassy in Dushanbe convened a roundtable to explore the possibility of opening an American Chamber of Commerce here. “Almost 30 companies took part, and we look forward to seeing a Chamber opened soon,” said Feigenbaum. “It’s precisely this sort of business interest that can best promote sustained growth in Tajikistan’s economy.”
On the issues related to the US assistance in development of Tajik energy sector, he noted that the electricity sector is one of areas in which the US sees exciting prospects. “And Tajik and the US governments are working closely, alongside the international financial institutions, to bring about new regional arrangements.”
He reminded that last October, Tajikistan, Afghanistan, Kyrgyzstan, and Pakistan signed a memorandum of understanding for a model project to trade 1,000 megawatts of electricity, if feasibility studies demonstrate economic viability. The World and Asian Development Banks are financing these studies, which should allow electricity trade to South Asia to begin in 2010.
“The potential benefits are considerable. And Tajikistan’s position as a leading hydro-energy producer leaves it well-placed to take advantage of those opportunities.”
Feigenbaum noted that the United States last year initiated a Regional Energy Markets Assistance Program (REMAP) to help with energy market reform and to stimulate private investment.
“Now, we know other governments have made specific financial commitments to fund specific hydro projects in Tajikistan,” said the Deputy Assistant Secretary, “America hasn’t. It’s not how we work. We believe it’s more important and, ultimately, better for your industry to attract experienced private sector partners.”
He further added the United States doesn’t have state enterprises that can be instructed to invest for geopolitical purposes. “Nor can we tell our private investors where and how to invest,” said he, “Instead, we believe attracting private investment is the key to Tajikistan’s future.”
But to attract investment, policies are needed that encourage transparency, predictability, non-discrimination, and a stable macro-economy.
