Uzbekistan – Tajikistan: a new stage of trade and economic cooperation
Relations between Uzbekistan and Tajikistan, based on centuries-old friendship, the principles of good-neighborliness, mutual respect and trust, are consistently strengthening in the interests of people of the two countries. Thanks to the political will of the presidents of the two countries, equal and mutually beneficial cooperation is rising to a qualitatively new level.
Relations between Uzbekistan and Tajikistan, based on centuries-old friendship, the principles of good-neighborliness, mutual respect and trust, are consistently strengthening in the interests of people of the two countries. Thanks to the political will of the presidents of the two countries, equal and mutually beneficial cooperation is rising to a qualitatively new level.In recent years, fundamental changes have taken place in Uzbek-Tajik relations. Bilateral relations are consistently developing in political, trade-economic, investment, cultural and humanitarian spheres. Air flights between Tashkent and Dushanbe have been resumed, meetings of the Intergovernmental Commission on Trade and Economic Cooperation, as well as on delimitation of the interstate border were held.
In April 2017, the National Exhibition of Uzbekistan’s products was held in Dushanbe for the first time for intensifying trade and economic relations. Over 160 companies and over 400 entrepreneurs of our country presented more than 1,500 kinds of products, including novelties of domestic electrical engineering, pharmaceutics, perfumery, leather-footwear, chemical, food, textile, agricultural machinery, cars and trucks, buses, building materials, elevators, household appliances, furniture and other goods.
According to the Tajik press, about 20 documents were signed on the results of the four-day exhibition and the business forum of businessmen of the two countries. The exhibition caused a wide resonance among Dushanbe residents and became a real surprise for many Tajiks. Visitors, appreciating the quality of Uzbekistan’s products, were happy for the success of the neighbors, achieved in the years of independence.
The return exhibition took place in October 2017 in Tashkent. It was attended by representatives of more than 150 companies and entrepreneurs of Tajikistan, engaged in the spheres such as oil and gas, construction, transport, minerals, pharmacology, light, processing and agro-industry, healthcare, education, science and technology, tourism.
Conduction of these exhibitions and business forums served to unite with the Tajik partners the efforts on promotion of products of the two countries in the world market. Within the framework of exhibitions in Tashkent and Dushanbe, trade agreements were signed for a total amount of more than $100 million. Their implementation will serve to increase mutual trade turnover.
This indicator is consistently growing as a result of concrete measures taken by the leadership of the two states on bringing trade and economic ties to a new level. So, in 2017 the volume of trade turnover between our countries amounted to 236,8 million dollars, which is 20,2 percent more than in 2016.
Uzbekistan exports to Tajikistan mainly transportation services, mineral fertilizers and food products. 24 enterprises, organized with participation of Tajik businessmen, are operating in Uzbekistan, and in Tajikistan – 9 enterprises with participation of entrepreneurs of Uzbekistan.
Last year, six trading houses of Uzbekistan were opened in Tajikistan. Soon, the trading house of Tajikistan will start working in Tashkent, which will mainly offer construction materials of "Gayur" group of companies. In the future, it is planned to replenish the assortment of the trading house with other types of goods produced in Tajikistan.
Within the framework of the forthcoming state visit of President Shavkat Mirziyoyev to Tajikistan, an exhibition of products under the brand "Made in Uzbekistan" and a business forum of representatives of business circles of the two countries will be organized. These events will become another embodiment of the mutual desire to expanding trade and economic cooperation and implementing joint projects.
At the exhibition, the potential of the leading sectors of the economy of Uzbekistan will be demonstrated, presentations on rich historical and cultural heritage of our people, created broad opportunities for investors, innovative projects will be presented.
In general, the ongoing dialogue between business circles of Uzbekistan and Tajikistan contributes to further strengthening of relations between two close neighbors and friends.