DUSHANBE, November 28, Asia-Plus — Russian Ambassador to Tajikistan Ramazan Abdulatipov told a news conference in Dushanbe on November 27 that Russian companies are facing quite serious obstacles while carrying out investment activities in Tajikistan.
Despite this, Russia is implementing a number of large investment projects here,” the diplomat said, citing a number of examples to support his statement.
According to him, following request of President Emomali Rahmon, “Vladimir Putin sent Gazprom here.”
We will recall that during a visit to the republic in March 2006, Gazprom Chief Executive Alexei Miller signed a memorandum of intention to set up a joint venture in the oil and gas sector, with a controlling stake to be held by the Russian energy giant. In November 2006, President Rahmon met with a senior Gazprom executive Aleksandr Ryazanov in Dushanbe to discuss projects the Russian natural gas monopoly could launch in Tajikistan within the next few years. In December 2006, Gazprom received two licenses from the Tajik government to explore oil and gas reserves.
“Gazprom opened its office here, brought all necessary equipment and began exploration of gas fields; however, the Tajik Government has not yet signed an agreement with Gazprom,” Abdulatipov said, adding that the Russian gas company is considering the possibility of curtailing its work in Tajikistan if the Tajik side does not sign that agreement.
“I have applied twice to President Rahmon on this issue and he ordered that the issue should be resolved,” said the diplomat, “However, the problem has still remained unsolved.”
He noted that Russian Hotels company, which has invested in construction of a five-star hotel for the international operator HYATT in Dushanbe, is also facing a number of problems. “Firstly, the clause of the agreement on tax remissions has not yet been fulfilled and as a result of this, the company has lost $6 million. They wanted to curtail the project but at my personal request it has not happened,” said Abdulatipov, “Tajik President has been also informed of this problem and he has given appropriate instructions on this subject.” However, Tajik officials have replied beside the point.
