DUSHANBE, February 2, Asia-Plus - Egypt is the first leg of President Emomali Rahmonov’s week-long visit to Egypt and Syria, scheduled for February 4-11.

According to the Ministry of Energy and Industry (MoEI), a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on cooperation between Tajikistan and Egypt in the filed of energy is expected to be inked by Tajik and Egyptian officials in Cairo.  

The source at a MoEI said that Tajikistan seeks cooperation with Egypt on the construction of hydroelectric power stations and power-transmission lines in intends to offer   The Tajik side intends to submit for consideration of Egyptian officials a number of projects for rehabilitating and modernizing power plants in Tajikistan, launch of joint ventures on producing electricity meters, as well as projects for use of solar energy and technical support on introducing modern hydropower technologies.    

According to some sources, the possibility of Tajik side offering the Egyptian officials a number of investment projects in the fields of industry cannot be ruled out.  

 The source at the government said that during the visits, Rahmonov is scheduled to meet with the leaders of Egypt (Muhammad Hosni Mubarak) and Syria (Bashar al-Assad) as well as some other high-ranking Egyptian and Syrian state officials to discuss issues related to bilateral cooperation of Tajikistan with these countries.   

The present state of trade and economic relations of Tajikistan with Egypt and Syria is at improper level and there is considerable room for expansion of economic ties.  

According to data of the State Committee for Statistics, compared to 2005 a two-way trade between Tajikistan and Egypt last year reduced by 98.7 percent and valued at $3,100. 

Meanwhile, a trade between Tajikistan and Syria last year amounted to $126,400, which is 12.7 percent fewer than in 2005.