The trade turnover between Russia and Tajikistan exceeded $1 billion in the first 10 months of 2021, Russian trade representative to Tajikistan Evgeny Korenkov told TASS on Tuesday on the sidelines of the Eighth Conference on Interregional Tajik-Russian Cooperation, which was held in Bokhtar (the administrative center of Khatlon Region).
"Russia is still the leading partner [of Tajikistan] in trade and economic relations over the past 12 years, the share in trade turnover has not fallen below 20-24% for 8-10 years, and at the end of 10 months of 2021, the turnover exceeded $1 billion," Korenkov said. According to him, it is a historical figure, but at the end of the year, the figure is expected to be $1.1-1.2 billion. "This growth against 2020 is more than 25%," added the trade representative, specifying that first of all, machinery and cars are supplied from Russia.
The trade representative pointed to the construction boom in Tajikistan, particularly in Dushanbe, which requires metal, timber and building materials, noting a gradual increase in their imports into the republic. He also pointed to the stability of the component of fuel and lubricants in the trade turnover between the two countries (35%).
"As for agriculture, and in Tajikistan 51% of the population is engaged in this sphere, the demand for agricultural machinery is enormous," Korenkov noted. He recalled the largest agricultural machinery exhibition "Russian Field Day" held in Dushanbe in October, which was attended by 16 Russian companies over the past 15 years. According to the trade representative, during the exhibition, a preliminary agreement was reached to develop support measures that would involve the purchase of more than 30 units of agricultural equipment.
Korenkov also noted an increase in food imports and exports, specifying that imports from Tajikistan to Russia have almost doubled. "This has been achieved thanks to an agreement between the customs services of the two countries on simplified customs control, the so-called green corridor, and so far it is only food products, vegetables, fruits and dried fruits," he said. According to him, the Russian trade mission initiated the expansion of the nomenclature. "We were supported by the Ministry of Agriculture and the Russian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and the proposal was sent jointly with the Tajik side to the Russian Customs Service, where the issue is expected to be considered in the near future," said the trade representative.
About the conference
The Eighth Conference on Interregional Cooperation between Russia and Tajikistan covered several areas. The participants discussed the development of cooperation between the two countries in the areas of agriculture, industry, logistics and digital economy, interaction in the field of education and urban development. The conference was attended by the Russian delegation, which included the Deputy Minister of Economic Development Dmitry Volvach and representatives of various structures.
GSV "Russia - Islamic World"
Photo: Federation Council
Based on materials from TASS