Dushanbe, 21.10.2016. /NIAT «Khovar»/. Today, at the Palace of the Nation, the Founder of Peace and National Unity — Leader of the Nation, President of the Republic of Tajikistan, His Excellency Emomali Rahmon received the Minister of Energy of the United Arab Emirates Suhail Al Mazrouei.

During the meeting the two sides discussed state and prospects of further expansion of bilateral cooperation between Tajikistan and the United Arab Emirates.

It was noted that the promising areas of the Tajik-UAE economic cooperation are energy, mining, transport, communication technologies, trade, investment and agriculture.

The two sides pointed out that trade and economic cooperation between the two countries is currently unsatisfactory, and the activities of the Intergovernmental Commission on Trade, Economic and Technical Cooperation between Tajikistan and the United Arab Emirates should be improved.

The interlocutors paid special attention to attracting UAE investments in the field of hydropower, mining, agriculture, health care and transportation of Tajikistan.

It was also considered necessary to establish direct links between the business circles of the two countries, setting up joint ventures for processing of rock minerals, establishing the export of fresh fruits and vegetables, and other high-quality agricultural products of Tajikistan to the UAE, as well as the strengthening of bilateral ties in the field of labor and employment.

With a great regret it was noted that the available resources and greater opportunities for trade, economic and investment cooperation between Tajikistan and the United Arab Emirates are still not fully used. In addition, there was stressed a need to strengthen the legal foundation of bilateral relations.

The sides also exchanged views on the establishment of a joint investment fund, the Trade Council between Tajikistan and the United Arab Emirates, as well as the representation of one of the UAE commercial banks in Tajikistan.

A constructive discussion took place on other issues of mutual interest.