Tajikistan Prez seeks increased eco coop with India

Tajikistan President Emomali S Rahmonov today sought increased economic cooperation with India as he described the present bilateral trade between the two nations as "unsatisfactory".

"Due to the level of our interaction, I would like to say that the level of economic cooperation is not sufficiently satisfactory and is far below its potential," the President said at a business meeting organised jointly by FICCI, CII and ASSOCHAM.

Trade turnover between the two nations has decreased from 30 million dollars in 2001-02 to less than 1.5 million dollars in 2005.

The President said the Governments of both the nations are interested and eager to create favourable conditions for enhanced economic cooperation.

"The inter-governmental commission on trade, economic, scientific and technical cooperation, formed to increase prospects of economic cooperation, should serve for seeking priority directions for cooperation," he said.

Rahmonov outlined sectors like tourism, pharma, construction, agriculture, hydro-energy, food supplies and minerals as areas of which could drive the bilateral trade between the two contries.

He especially invited Indian investments in hydro-power. "We are discussing with potential investors for setting up large-scale hydro-power projects in our country," he said.

Earlier today, the Government of India granted an assistance of 13 million dollars for rehabilitating a 12 MW power plant at Varzob near Dushanbe.

He also sought Indian expertise in agriculture sector for developing the industry in Tajikistan.

Speaking on the occasion, FICCI Chairman for India-Tajikistan Council L K Malhotra said the just-concluded third session of Indo-Tajik Joint Commission Meeting once again proves the commitment of both sides for smoother industrial interaction. "Many efforts need to be focussed on improvement of airways between Tajikistan and India and both Governments should make a joint effort to introduce direct flights between the two countries," he said.

V K Malhotra of CII also emphasised on increasing mutual cooperation between the two countries. He said that Tajikistan could benefit from India's proven capabilities in the fields of construction material, chemical, food processing, and IT.

The President is here on a five-day visit and is expected to hold discussions on cooperation in energy sector and enhancement of economic ties with India.

The Tajik leader met Prime Minister Manmohan Singh today and held discussions on the entire gamut of bilateral relations and regional and international issues of mutual interest.

He will also meet President A P J Abdul Kalam.

Article Source: http://www.share.onlypunjab.com

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