Lukashenko: Belarus determined to intensify trade and economic co-operation with Tajikistan
The President of Belarus has met with the Prime Minister of Tajikistan, Kohir Rasulzoda, in Dushanbe today, focusing on expansion of trade and economic co-operation, among other issues
“The economy, trade and economic relations are the key. It seems we have progress in trade, but yesterday we immediately determined that the level we have reached in our trade turnover is not the best one. Taking into consideration the fact that we can together involve the nearby countries and regions into our work from this site – Tajikistan, we can do much better. We are simply underperforming in some aspects. We are determined to step up in this regard, to increase trade turnover between Belarus and Tajikistan. We have a lot of goods that Tajikistan needs, and we will be happy to buy your products that you are ready to export – such as cotton, metals, and agricultural products. You are also interested in purchasing goods, ranging from food and clothing to automotive equipment, elevators, buses, and trolleybuses – everything that we produce. The world has shown us what a market is. We have already seen it. Therefore, if we are friends and have no problems in our relationship, then we should boost trade – exchanging these goods to make our trade turnover significant,” the President said.
The Head of State recalled that Belarus and Tajikistan are currently discussing a possibility of creating a joint carpet production facility, “We are not creating competition here. Therefore, we need to look at excise taxes on products. We can produce such carpets, and we will not even satisfy Tajikistan’s all needs. We should occupy this market together. Let's work together, especially since your people are familiar with this industry.”
Aleksandr Lukashenko added that the Belarusian side is also interested in cotton production and purchases, “We see Tajikistan’s great prospects in its energy industry development and production of large volumes of electricity. The whole world is now moving into this direction. Your electricity is clean, and I have already said it at the negotiations. You have a great future, and this is your asset. We are happy that you are succeeding.”
Aleksandr Lukashenko summed up, “There are many areas in which Belarus is ready to liaise with Tajikistan. If we reach an agreement, be sure that we will be reliable partners, we will not let you down.”
"We have already felt it," Kohir Rasulzoda responded. “Co-operation with Belarus in almost all spheres of the economy is of particular importance to us. Your friendly and fraternal relations with Emomali Sharipovich [Rahmon] give us an opportunity to even more intensively solve the issues we face. We see the results already.”
