DUSHANBE, April 29, 2009, Asia-Plus — The Ministry of Economic Development and Trade is currently conducting negotiations with various international organizations and banks on providing loan to Tajikistan for creation of primary infrastructure of two free economic zones (FEZ), which were legally formed last month, Deputy Economic Development and Trade Minister, Ms. Larisa Kislyakova remarked at a news conference in Dushanbe on April 27.
According to her, they have also prepared a letter to the president and the government for assistance with attracting grant for the beginning of function of the FEZs and upkeep of their administrations.
On the territorial boundaries of the FEZs, Ms. Kislyakova said that that issue would be solved within the next few days.
As it had been reported earlier, the Majlisi Namoyandagon (Tajikistan’s lower chamber of parliament) passed regulations on the free economic zones “Sughd” and “Panj” last November and an official presentation of the FEZs was held in Dushanbe on March 17, 2009.
During the presentation ceremony, it was noted that the two regions would enjoy the status of free economic zones for 25 years. For the first seven years, companies operating in the regions will be exempted from taxes.
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 the productive-commercial zone and certificate for any type of activities irrespective of their volumes will be granted for 5,000 US dollars.
To comply with investment project requirements for the FEZ Panj legal entity should have the minimum authorized fund of 500,000 US dollars. In accordance with the business-plan and investment project requirements for the FEZ Sughd, the volume of investments for carrying out production activity should not be less than 500,000 US dollars.
