DUSHANBE, May 7, 2013, Asia-Plus  -- A forum with participation of representatives of business communities of Tajikistan and Estonia took place in Dushanbe on May 7.    

Speaking at the forum, Ms. Larisa Kislyakova, Deputy Chairperson of Tajikistan’s Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCI), noted that Tajikistan’s exports to Estonia have come to nothing over the past three years.

‘In 2007, Tajikistan exports to Estonia were estimated at 7.9 million euros, in 2008 – at 18.2 million euros, in 2009 – at 1.6 million euros,” said Ms. Kislyakova.  “And over the past three years, Tajikistan’s exports to Estonian have come to nothing.”

According to her, reduction in Tajikistan’s exports has resulted from a 2008 global financial crisis.  “Before that, Estonia had been used as transshipment point for Tajikistan’s cotton and primary aluminum deliveries to Europe,” Kislyakova noted.

Members of the Estonian delegation noted that they were interested in restoring the logistics chain between Tajikistan and Europe for primary aluminum deliveries.

Mr. Jaan Heinsoo, representative of the Estonian Entrepreneurship Development (EAS), for his part, noted that Tajikistan could deliver dried fruits to European market.

“We hope that Central Asia and Tajikistan in particular will become our main partner for transit of goods to Europe,” Mr. Heinsoo stressed.  

Mr. Neinar Seli, the chairman of the Supervisory Board of Port of Tallinn noted the forum was just the first stage of resumption of bilateral economic cooperation between Estonia and Tajikistan.

He outlined sectors like mining and agriculture, as areas of which could drive the bilateral economic cooperation between the two countries.  “Estonia business is interested and ready to invest and cooperate in case of successful negotiations,” Seli stressed.

Mr. Erik Sepping, the director general of Insight LLC Business Development Company, noted that they launched a Tajik-Estonian joint venture, Sorbon Motors, in the Tajik northern province of Sughd several years ago.  The enterprise is engaged in car servicing.

According to him, there are many challenges that are impeding business development in Tajikistan.  The key problem is the high rate of shadow economy in the country – some 80 percent.

“The interest rate on loans is high in Tajikistan that is unprofitable for business.  It is very hard to do transparent business here.  However, Tajikistan is more liberal than neighboring Uzbekistan,” noted Mr. Sepping.  “Tajikistan ought to remove bureaucratic barriers.”