DUSHANBE, August 22, 2012, Asia-Plus  -- Mr. Shukurjon Zuhurov, the head of Tajikistan’s lower house (Majlisi Namoyandagon) of parliament today met with Mr. Amjad Hussain B. Sial, Pakistan’s Ambassador to Tajikistan.

According to the Majlisi Namoyandagon press center, the sides discussed a broad range of issues related to bilateral cooperation between Tajikistan and Pakistan.

Pakistani diplomat noted that inter-parliamentary conference would take place in Islamabad from September 3-4.

The conference is expected to bring together parliamentarians from the countries of the region.  Two deputies of the Majlisi Namoyandagon are expected to represent Tajikistan at this conference.

Mr. Amjad Hussain B. Sial also noted that his country would send food assistance to Tajikistan in the near future, the source added.

We will recall that The Express Tribune reported on August 14 that Tajikistan has expressed interest in posting about 100,000 tons of wheat, 5,000 tons of grain, 5,000 tons of corn and banola oil in addition to fertilizer, that won’t only meet its domestic needs, and can also enhance bilateral trade between Tajikistan and Pakistan.  This issue was reportedly discussed during a meeting of a high-level delegation of Tajikistan, led by Nourmahmad Ahmadov, Chairman of the Agency for State Material Reserves, with Pakistan’s Senior Commerce Minister Makhdoom Amin Fahim in Islamabad on August 14.

Besides, the Economical Coordination Committee (ECC) from the cabinet has approved export of 30,000 tons of sugar to Tajikistan from reserves from the Buying and Selling Corporation of Pakistan in a cost $20 per ton less than the worldwide market.

Based on people from the Grain Exporters Association of Pakistan (REAP), Pakistan can offer 50,000 to 100,000 tons of grain according to need for Tajikistan, The Express Tribune said.