DUSHANBE, February 15, Asia-Plus — The current level of bilateral trade between Tajikistan and Turkmenistan does not meet its real potentials.
Members of the Tajik-Turkmen commission for trade and economic cooperation remarked this in Ashgabat yesterday. Both sides vowed to bilateral economic and trade cooperation.
The first session of the Tajik-Turkmen economic commission was held in Ashgabat, Turkmenistan on February 13-14.
Tajik Ambassador to Turkmenistan Qozidavlat Qoimdodov told Asia-Plus that the commission members had considered it expedient to review the present legal foundation of Tajik-Turkmen relationships. According to him, only 12 bilateral documents have been signed between two countries over the past fifteen years.
Diplomatic relations between Tajikistan and Turkmenistan were established on January 27, 1993.
“Consultations between relevant ministries and organizations of our countries on this issue are scheduled for this year,” said Tajik diplomat, “Experts are expected to discuss and coordinate a list of interstate, government-to-government and interagency agreements that are currently effective and documents requiring additional discussions.” According to him, consultations are supposed to result in signing of an appropriate protocol.
Mr. Qoimdodov further added that the two countries intend to sign new agreements on energy cooperation and principles of collecting indirect import/export taxes in the near future. A decision on this subject was made at the first session of the commission in Ashgabat.
The commission also considered issues related to working out measures on strengthening and expansion of humanitarian cooperation, according to him. “In this connection, the commission members considered an opportunity of combining efforts to conduct joint scientific researches, organize conferences and exhibitions as well as implement joint projects,” Qoimdodov said, noting that the sides also discussed issues related to training of personnel and student exchanges.
The next session of the Tajik-Turkmen commission for trade and economic cooperation will be held in Dushanbe.
