DUSHANBE
, July 24, Asia-Plus – Representatives from Tajik and Iranian business circles have gathered in
Dushanbe
to discuss cooperation issues.
The meeting with participation of Tajik and Iranian businessmen was held in
Dushanbe
on July 24. The meeting focused on the issues related to further expansion of trade and economic cooperation between
Tajikistan
and
Iran
as well as investment in development of
Tajikistan
’s economy.
According to information from Tajikistan’s Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCI), the meeting was held in the light of upcoming official visit of Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad scheduled for July 25-27. It was noted that the meeting was another step towards further expansion of economic cooperation between the two countries.
First Deputy Tajik Economy and Trade Minister, Sodiq Hisaynov, noted that at present 52 joint ventures with participation of Iranian capital were operating in
Tajikistan
. According to him, participation of Iranian investments in the implementation of a number of energy and transportation projects in
Tajikistan
is evidence of a fruitful cooperation between
Dushanbe
and
Tehran
. He also noted that the issue of providing land for the construction of Iranian shopping center in
Dushanbe
would be solved in near future.
Participants at the meeting worked out proposals on measures to be taken to create transportation-communications infrastructure and reduce trade tariffs. These proposals will be submitted for consideration to the government of the two countries.
According to figures provided by the State Committee for Statistics, a trade turnover between
Tajikistan
and
Iran
has amounted to US$38.5 million in January-June of this year, which is 24.8 percent more compared to the same period of 2005. Tajik exports to
Iran
have amounted to US$25.1 million, and imports of Iranian goods into
Tajikistan
have amounted to US$13.4.
Iranian President Ahmadinejad is to arrive in
Tajikistan
Tuesday afternoon to attend a tripartite conference of the three Persian-speaking countries of
Tajikistan
,
Iran
and
Afghanistan
. President Ahmadinejad is to hold several meetings with Tajik officials and deliver a speech for Tajik intellectuals. During his stay in
Tajikistan
, President Ahmadinejad is also scheduled to take part in inauguration of the Anzob tunnel and attend joint conference of Iranian and Tajik businessmen and traders.
