DUSHANBE
, August 4, Asia-Plus – Tajik and Afghan entrepreneurs are seeking further expansion of economic cooperation between
Tajikistan
and
Afghanistan
.
According to information from
Tajikistan
’s Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCI), the CCI head Sharif Saidov Thursday [August 3] met with representatives from Afghan business delegation led by Hoji Abdul Rasul, the head of
Afghanistan
’s Chamber of Commerce. The source says the meeting focused on state and prospects of further expansion of economic and commercial cooperation between the two countries, as well as regional problems impeding that cooperation.
During the meeting it was noted that there was a considerable room for expansion of economic cooperation between
Tajikistan
and
Afghanistan
. Mr. Saidov called for expansion of bilateral cooperation between the two countries in the areas such as energy, light industry, transportation, healthcare, training of personnel, cross-border trade, etc.
In order to expand trade and economic cooperation between the two countries, the sides agreed to hold business forums, exhibitions, and fairs.
Participants at the meeting also considered possibilities of launching joint ventures in the territories of both countries in identified areas.
For its part, the Afghan side called on Tajik colleagues to boost cooperation in development of small and medium-sized businesses, setting up joint ventures on processing of farm produce, etc.
According to data of the State Committee for Statistics, a two-way trade between Tajikistan and Afghanistan in January-June 2006 has valued at US$9,622,800, which is 38.9 percent more compared to the same period of 2005. This consisted of
Tajikistan
’s exports to
Afghanistan
valued at US6,623,700 and
Tajikistan
’s imports from
Afghanistan
worth US$2,999,100.
