The Government of Tajikistan allocated 3mln Somoni for establishment of primary infrastructure of the ‘Dangara’ free economic zone in southern part of the republic.
In his interview to AP Deputy Minister of Economic Development and Trade Umed Davlatzod said that ‘Dangara’ FEZ’s administration is currently working on the establishment of primary infrastructure. In particular, a 3.8km long waterline has been laid on the territory of the free economic zone.
Deputy minister also said that the Government allocated 3mln Somoni for fencing the territory of the economic zone.
Talking about the perspectives of the free economic zone U.Davlatzod said that the first entity of the FEZ will become operational – production of construction materials – by the National Unity Day which is celebrated in Tajikistan on June 27.
Furthermore, deputy minister said that Iranian ‘Afzor’ is planning to produce electricity meters on the territory of ‘Dangara’ FEZ. According to preliminary agreement, at first the company will import spare parts for electricity meters from Iran. Meters themselves will be assembled on the territory of FEZ.
“We urged to consider an opportunity to produce about 70% of spare parts in Tajikistan on FEZ territory in the future,” he said.
He also said that leather processing factory may also appear on FEZ territory. Korean and Turkish businessmen showed their interest in such kind of enterprise.
Furthermore, he said that Iranian businessmen show interest in establishment of a cement producing factory with production capacity of 1.1mln tons of cement with the use of Tajikistan-made coal as an energy source.
Talking about ‘Ishkashim’ FEZ in GBAO deputy minister said that general plan of the future FEZ is being designed. “The design is almost finished and now we are waiting for the approval,” he said. “New general plan will replace the old one which had a series of mistakes.”
Time schedule of the free economic zone will be designed as soon as the new plan is approved.
At the same time he said that participation of the Aga Khan Development Network in the development of ‘Ishkashim’ FEZ was discussed with representatives of this organization.
Tajikistan offered to consider an opportunity of the use of logistic potential of the airport located on the territory of ‘Ishkashim’ FEZ.
“In the frameworks of FEZ development we offered to set up a free airport that would attract tourists directly to GBAO without additional change of plane in Dushanbe or any other part of the country. Additionally, the airport will allow to set up an air logistic center for redeployment of cargo planes to Badakhshan part of Afghanistan,” he said.
A regular session of the Coordinating Council for the development of free economic zones, which is headed by Tajik Minister of Economic Development and Trade Sharif Rahimzoda, is scheduled for late May or early June in Dushanbe. The session will bring together representatives of ministries and departments of Tajikistan and donor community.
Deputy minister said the session will discuss the results of FEZ activity in 2011, goals and problems and ways of their resolution for 2012.
The Law on free economic zones was approved in Tajikistan in 2004. In 2011 the law was revised. Currently there are four FEZs in the country: ‘Sughd’, ‘Pyanj’, ‘Dangara’ and ‘Ishkashim’.
