DUSHANBE, 22.04.2019. (NIAT Khovar) – “Tajikistan supports the Chinese One Belt, One Road Initiative (Belt and Road Initiative) in all its aspects as it meets the interests of the Central Asian countries,” stated President Emomali Rahmon in an interview with the Chinese media.

“The implementation of this initiative contributes to the realization of the National Development Strategy of Tajikistan until 2030,” said Emomali Rahmon.

“The infrastructure, including railways and roads, the construction of which involves the [Belt and Road Initiative (BRI)] will connect our countries and regions with international ports. Of course, this will spur the free movement of goods and capital and will contribute to the development of Tajikistan. I also think that the initiative of the Chinese leader will benefit all the states and regions of the world and their residents. It will contribute to the wellbeing of the people of the countries along the BRI, the level and quality of life of people, and therefore we unconditionally support it and look forward to positive results from its implementation for all states,” added Emomali Rahmon.

“In nearly three decades of Tajikistan’s independence, the trade with China has grown by hundreds of times. Investment cooperation between the two countries is rapidly growing. Chinese investors have already invested more than $2.5 billion in the economy of Tajikistan and over 300 joint ventures are registered in the country,” he said regarding the Tajik-Chinese relations.

Emomali Rahmon expressed his confidence that the trade and economic cooperation between China and Tajikistan will continue to strengthen and voiced his appreciation for the successful development of China during the 70 years since the formation of the state. Emomali Rahmon also highlighted the country’s achievements in urban construction, economy, transport and the service sector, which he has personally witnessed during his visits to China over the past 25 years. Likewise, he emphasized the growing positive role of China in solving international and regional problems.

“Our great neighbor, the People’s Republic of China, has been steadily increasing its influence in the international arena for 70 years since its establishment. This is an unprecedented success. If we talk about the economy, then here, China shows the highest growth rates in the world,” concluded President Emomali Rahmon.

The full interview with President Rahmon will be broadcast on China Global Television Network (CGTN) on April 22.

CGTN is an international multilanguage and multiplatform media organization launched by China Central Television (CCTV) in 2016. It is now part of China’s predominant radio and television broadcaster China Media Group. Headquartered in Beijing, CGTN employs an international team of professionals based around the world with production centers located in Nairobi, Washington, DC and London.

CGTN broadcasts in English, Spanish, French, Arabic, Russian and is available in more than 170 countries  worldwide. CGTN Digital is accessible via CGTN.com, CGTN mobile applications, YouTube, Facebook, Twitter, Weibo and other social media platforms.