DUSHANBE, July 16, 2012, Asia-Plus – In a report released at a news conference in Dushanbe, Nemat Rahmatov, the principal deputy head of the Customs Service under the Government of Tajikistan, noted on July 16 that the Uzbek authorities introduce a new entry and transit permit system beginning on August 1 this year.

To get permit for international cargo transportation via Uzbek territory, foreign transportation and logistics companies will have to apply to the Agency of Motor and River transport of Uzbekistan in advance, Rahmatov said.  “Currently, entry and transit permits are issued straight on the border,” he added.

Tajik experts consider that such actions of the Uzbek authorities will lead to the considerable decrease in the number of delivery trucks carrying food products to Tajikistan.

Minister of Transport Nizom Hokimov told a news conference on July 16 that some 60 delivery trucks carrying food products now proceed via border crossing checkpoints Pakhtaobod (Tursunzoda district in central Tajikistan) and Oybek (Sughd province) per day.

“Introduction of the new entry and transit permit system by the Uzbek authorities may lead to decrease in the volumes of cargo transportation via these border crossing checkpoints,” said the Tajik minister.  “However, the transportation companies may use an alternative route via Afghan territory.”