DUSHANBE , July 24, Asia-Plus - Representatives from Tajik and Iranian business circles have gathered in Dushanbe to discuss cooperation issues.

The meeting with participation of Tajik and Iranian businessmen was held in Dushanbe on July 24.  The meeting focused on the issues related to further expansion of trade and economic cooperation between Tajikistan and Iran as well as investment in development of Tajikistan ’s economy.  

According to information from Tajikistan’s Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCI), the meeting was held in the light of upcoming official visit of Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad scheduled for July 25-27.  It was noted that the meeting was another step towards further expansion of economic cooperation between the two countries.  

First Deputy Tajik Economy and Trade Minister, Sodiq Hisaynov, noted that at present 52 joint ventures with participation of Iranian capital were operating in Tajikistan .  According to him, participation of Iranian investments in the implementation of a number of energy and transportation projects in Tajikistan is evidence of a fruitful cooperation between Dushanbe and Tehran .  He also noted that the issue of providing land for the construction of Iranian shopping center in Dushanbe would be solved in near future.  

Participants at the meeting worked out proposals on measures to be taken to create transportation-communications infrastructure and reduce trade tariffs.  These proposals will be submitted for consideration to the government of the two countries.  

According to figures provided by the State Committee for Statistics, a trade turnover between Tajikistan and Iran has amounted to US$38.5 million in January-June of this year, which is 24.8 percent more compared to the same period of 2005.  Tajik exports to Iran have amounted to US$25.1 million, and imports of Iranian goods into Tajikistan have amounted to US$13.4.   

Iranian President Ahmadinejad is to arrive in Tajikistan Tuesday afternoon to attend a tripartite conference of the three Persian-speaking countries of Tajikistan , Iran and Afghanistan .  President Ahmadinejad is to hold several meetings with Tajik officials and deliver a speech for Tajik intellectuals.  During his stay in Tajikistan , President Ahmadinejad is also scheduled to take part in inauguration of the Anzob tunnel and attend joint conference of Iranian and Tajik businessmen and traders.