DUSHANBE, February 16, 2011, Asia-Plus  -- Iran plans to discuss with Tajikistan issues related to development of mineral resources.

Mr. Mohammad Sorniye, Chief Advisor to Iran’s Ministry of Industry and Mines, heading Iranian delegation arrived in Dushanbe yesterday for a three-day working visit, according to the Iranian Embassy in Dushanbe.

Today, the Iranian delegation is meeting with Tajik Minister of Energy and Industries Gul Sherali to discuss opportunities of bilateral cooperation between Iran and Tajikistan in sectors like mechanical engineering, food and light industries as well as launch of joint ventures for leather processing and producing building materials in Tajikistan, the source said.

The delegation members include representatives from Iranian business community who plan to study issues of investing in Tajikistan’s economy.

The visit is expected to result in signing of a memorandum of under standing on cooperation between Tajikistan and Iran in the mentioned areas on February 17.

According to Agency for Statistics under the President of Tajikistan, a two-way trade between Tajikistan and Iran in 2010 valued at more than 201.7 million U.S. dollars.  This consisted of Tajikistan’s exports to Iran estimated at more than US$60.1 million and Tajikistan’s imports from Iran worth more than US$141.6 million.  Tajikistan exports mainly cotton fiber and cotton yarn to Iran, while Iran supplies mainly food products and building materials to Tajikistan.