DUSHANBE, December 6, Asia-Plus -- Strengthening of inter-regional ties, increase in trade between Tajikistan and Russia figured prominently in discussions of Odil Sangov, deputy head of Tajikistan’s Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCI), with Envarbik Fazelyanov, deputy director of the Department for Ties with Subjects of the Federation of the Russian MFA, in Dushanbe on December 4. 

CCI’s press service said that during the meeting Sangov had noted that a large number of exhibitions with participation of Russian enterprises are scheduled to be held in Dushanbe in 2007.  The two pointed to the necessity of raising awareness among Russian regions of favorable investment and business environment in Tajikistan and removing numerous transportation and customs difficulties.  

The meeting also touched upon the issues related to labor migration problems.  Aleksandr Solovyov, an expert with the Russian trade representative office in Tajikistan, who also attended the meeting, noted that creation of Tajik-Russian banking, insurance and leasing structures could make these problems easier. 

The sides also considered issues of cooperation of the two countries with the Islamic Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the Organization of the Islamic Conference (OIC).  Solovyov also suggested that Tajikistan and Russia should work out a number of joint projects for cooperation with the Islamic Development Bank (IDB).