DUSHANBE, 29.09.2020. (NIAT Khovar) – The 7th meeting of the Intergovernmental Commission of Tajikistan and Uzbekistan on trade and economic cooperation was held today in Dushanbe.

The meeting analyzed the important bilateral and multilateral issues, as well as proposed concrete plans to strengthen interaction between Tajikistan and Uzbekistan.

The event began with a meeting of the delegations of both parties in a narrow format.

The Tajik delegation was headed by Prime Minister Kohir Rasulzoda and Uzbek delegation was headed by Prime Minister Abdulla Aripov.

It was noted that Uzbekistan occupies a strong position in the five foreign trade partners of Tajikistan, and the trade turnover between the two friendly countries has increased from $ 12 million in 2015 to $ 362 million in 2019. For the first six months of 2020, the volume of trade turnover with Uzbekistan amounted to more than $ 217 million. Trade turnover with Uzbekistan accounts for more than 7% of the total trade volume of Tajikistan’s foreign trade. For last eight months, the export of goods and products from Tajikistan to Uzbekistan amounted to $ 53 million, which is 24% of the total export volume of Tajikistan. Imports of goods and products from Uzbekistan to Tajikistan during this period amounted to $ 164.6 million.

The parties also analyzed the spheres of roads, transport, industry, agriculture, tourism, education and science, healthcare, trade, investment, energy, customs, exports and culture.

It was emphasized that the commission functions as an important and effective tool for the development of economic cooperation, the holding of the next meeting will create a favorable basis for strengthening cooperation between Tajikistan and Uzbekistan.

Additionally, it was considered necessary to establish joint projects to create an Investment Company of Tajikistan and Uzbekistan.

The parties also expressed interest in using the tools of economic diplomacy, primarily by establishing direct contacts between business circles in order to implement joint investment projects for the production of competitive products.

The parties signed the necessary decisions following the meeting.