DUSHANBE, March 18, Asia-Plus — The government does not have enough funds for creation of primary infrastructure for functioning of free economic zones (FEZ), Deputy Economic Development and Trade Minister, Ms. Larisa Kislyakova, remarked at a ceremony of presentation of two FEZs – Sughd and Panj – in Dushanbe on March 17.
According to her, they are currently seeking a grant or preferential loan for creation of the primary infrastructure. “We anchor our hope, first of all, on local investors,” the deputy minister said.
The FEZ Sughd will be located in the southwest part of the city of Khujand. It is expected to be established on an area of 320 hectares for the period of 25 years. The FEZ Sughd will be the productive-innovative zone and emphasis will be made on development of new productive capacities and attraction of innovative technologies. An annual ground rent has been determined at the rate of 1.00 US dollar per one square meter.
The FEZ Panj will be established on an area of 400 hectares in Khatlon’s Qumsangir district. The FEZ Panj will be the productive-commercial zone and it will also be established for the period of 25 years. Certificate for any type of activity irrespective of its volumes will be granted for 5,000 US dollars.
Ms. Kislyakova noted that two other FEZs were expected to be established in GBAO”s Ishkahsim district and Khatlon’s Danghara district.
We will recall that Tajikistan adopted the law on free economic zones in May 2004. In October 2008, the Majlisi Namoyandagon (Tajikistan’s lower chamber of parliament) endorsed regulations on establishment of the free economic zones (FEZ) in Tajikistan.
