DUSHANBE, January 3, Asia-Plus - The Canadian International development Agency (CIA) plans to open its representative office in Tajikistan in the first half-year of 2007, the Tajik MFA said.   

The MFA source said that in Tajikistan, CIDA has to date supported enhancement of the country’s agrarian sector through the Aga Khan Foundation (AKF).   

Canada established diplomatic relations with Tajikistan fifteen years ago, on January 1 1996.   

According to the source, the level of economic cooperation between the two countries is not sufficiently satisfactory and is far below its potential.  Over the first nine months of 2006, a trade between Tajikistan and Canada amounted to only $204,100.    

The source also added that Tajik officers have taken training courses at Canada’s military schools since 2005.  The training courses are organized as part of the military training support program implemented by the Canadian Armed Forces, the source said.  A memorandum of understanding (MoU) between the two countries’ defense ministries on training of personnel for Tajik national army was singed on May 13, 2005.      

The MFA source noted that cooperation had also been established with Canada’s Ikar Minerals and Gulf International Minerals on developing and processing gold deposits in Tajikistan.  

The Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA) is Canada’s lead development agency. It has a mandate to reduce poverty and to contribute to a more secure, equitable, and prosperous world.  CIDA works in partnership around the world to support sustainable development in developing countries and to offer humanitarian assistance in areas of need.  In 1968, CIDA was formed to administer the bulk of Canada''s Official Development Assistance (ODA) program in Africa, the Middle East, the Americas, and Asia.  In 1995, CIDA took on the responsibility of administering Canada''s Official Assistance (OA) programs in Central and Eastern Europe and the former Soviet Union—countries in transition—by supporting democratic development and economic liberalization. 

Gulf International Minerals is a well established Canadian junior gold and silver mining and exploration company.  Gulf International Minerals has a 49% interest in the Aprelevka joint venture.  Apart from developing the Aprelevka deposit, which has estimated proven reserves of over 500 000oz, the joint venture intends carrying out exploration in northern Tajikistan, which has several known high grade gold deposits.