DUSHANBE, 17.04.2019. (NIAT Khovar) — The 7th Conference on Interregional Cooperation, an important political, economic and cultural event aimed at expanding cooperation between Tajikistan and Russia, was held today in Moscow.

“Our republic highly appreciates the level of trade, economic and investment cooperation with Russia,” noted the Minister of Economic Development and Trade of Tajikistan Nematullo Hikmatullozoda, opening the conference.

“The historically established cultural and humanitarian ties between our people, the close production cooperation that existed in the recent past, as well as the common strategic interests at the present stage create objective prerequisites for higher dynamics of bilateral cooperation. Even today, we feel the noticeable impact of the processes taking place in the economic space of Russia on the economic situation in our country,” said Hikmatullozoda.

“In his last [State of the Nation] Address to the Supreme Assembly of Tajikistan, President Emomali Rahmon outlined the fourth national goal, the accelerated industrialization of the country. This implies at least a twofold increase in the share of industry in the GDP through a significant increase in the level of efficiency, diversification and competitiveness of the entire production potential on the basis of modernization and the use of new technologies,” continued Hikmatullozoda.

Realization of these tasks presupposed the attraction of large foreign investments. Investors’ interest in Tajikistan has been increasing due to the presence of comparative advantages of the country, such as the low-cost of natural raw materials, electricity and labor resources, the transportation and transit potential, the favorable investment climate. In this context, economic cooperation with Russia can take a more systemic and complex nature, especially considering its huge investment potential and technological capabilities.

Utilizing these opportunities can open new mutually beneficial horizons of cooperation for both countries.