DUSHANBE, July 28, 2010, Asia-Plus — Specialists from the Ministry of Economic Development and Trade consider that the law on free economic zones (FEZ) requires cardinal changes, Minister of Economic Development and Trade Farrukh Hamraliyev told reporters in Dushanbe today.
According to him, activities of FEZs in Tajikistan are still at initial stage and specialists ought to bring the legal foundation of FEZ in Tajikistan into compliance with international standards so that they could function efficiently.
The minister noted that the Panj Free Economic Zone in Khatlon had to solve the issue of fencing in its territory and organize administration activities as well as solve water and electricity supply problems. “As far as free economic zones Ishkashim (Gorno Badakhshan) and Danghara (Khatlon) are concerned, they are still solving organizational issues,” Hamraliyev said.
He added that the Panj FEZ, which had not yet started its activities, already had to pay 14 million somoni in damages resulting from non-use of lands.
The Sughd FEZ head Anvar Yoqubov told reporters that four investment projects for a total amount of 10 million euros had passed through examination and were being made ready for implementation. Six other projects are still under consideration, Yoqubov said.
According to specialists, mainly investors from China, India and Turkey are currently interested in working in FEZs in Tajikistan in order to arrange processing of industrial and farm produce into manufactured goods.
We will recall that the Government of Tajikistan passed a law on Free Economic Zones in 2004, establishing zones in Sughd and Panj. The zones are dedicated to create favorable conditions that stimulate investment opportunities in Tajikistan, creating more jobs, boosting local production, and increasing the country’s export potential. International experience indicates that the creation of special customs and tax conditions, as well as the simplification of entrance and exit procedures for non-residents, brings economic development and increases employment.
