Two final meetings of the Russian–Tajik Business Council and the Intergovernmental Commission on Economic Cooperation between Russia and Tajikistan were held in Moscow in 2023. The meetings were attended by representatives of public authorities, small and medium-sized businesses, specialized associations and associations of the two countries.
Deputy Prime Minister of Russia Marat Khusnullin, together with Prime Minister of Tajikistan Kohir Rasulzoda, held a meeting of the intergovernmental commission on economic cooperation between Russia and Tajikistan at the site of the international exhibition “Russia” at VDNH.
The Deputy Prime Minister noted that in the coming 2024, the countries plan to focus on such areas of cooperation as the tourism industry and the development of transport corridors. According to Marat Khusnullin, it is necessary to make every effort to further increase trade turnover and expand cooperation across the entire spectrum of cooperation.
“For several years, Russia has been ranked first among Tajikistan’s foreign trade partners. By the end of 9 months, trade in physical terms increased by a third to 1.6 million tons. Exports increased by 29% to 1.6 million tons, imports increased by 8.7% to 26.4 thousand tons, – Dmitry Volvach noted. – The task of increasing mutual trade turnover will be facilitated by further cooperation between our countries to increase settlements in national currencies. For 9 months, the share of the Russian ruble in mutual settlements for the export of goods to Tajikistan amounted to 90%, for the import of goods from Tajikistan – 66%.”
During the meeting, intergovernmental agreements were signed on the conditions for the construction and operation of an educational center for gifted children in Dushanbe, as well as the Vladimir Mayakovsky Drama Theater.
“The Republic of Tajikistan is interested in increasing Tajik-Russian strategic cooperation in all possible directions and is ready to continue to make all necessary efforts to develop our systematic cooperation,” said Kohir Rasulzoda.
During the Russian-Tajik Business Council, representatives of the business community of the two countries discussed prospects for cooperation, the possibility of localizing Russian export products in free economic zones, practical issues of creating and operating joint ventures, as well as projects in the field of information technology, education and training, healthcare and tourism.
“In a relatively short period of time, the Russian-Tajik Business Council has become an important tool for the development of the entire complex of trade and economic cooperation between our countries,” said Dmitry Volvach, Deputy Minister of Economic Development of Russia. – The Business Council is actively working to attract investments and find the most attractive projects for potential investors. Thanks to his work, Russian entrepreneurs become residents of Tajikistan’s free economic zones.”
The participants discussed in detail the prospects for cooperation in the field of information technology, education, training, healthcare and tourism. One of the key issues was the creation of joint ventures, the expansion of industrial cooperation and the provision of attractive investment conditions for both countries.
“Russia remains a key investor in Tajikistan’s economy. Our business has invested 131 billion rubles in projects, which is 14.5% of the total volume of foreign investments, – Dmitry Volvach cited the data. “Currently, 30 major projects worth 640 billion rubles are being implemented in the republic in such promising sectors as automotive, energy, industry and digitalization.”
The meeting participants agreed that serious work has been done in 2023, anticipating the launch of new joint projects, which next year will have to become the flagships of bilateral Russian-Tajik cooperation.
“The year 2023 was very intense for the Council’s team – many landmark events were held with the participation of the two countries, including at the highest level. I am confident that the activity of the Business Council in 2024 will help to further strengthen economic cooperation between our countries,” summed up the chairman of the Russian–Tajik Business Council, Islam Nazaraliev.
A source: economy.gov.ru
