Dubai-Tajikistan bilateral trade in 2009 was AED 256 million

A top business delegation comprising officials from the Ministry of Economy, Sughd Economiuc Free Zone, (Panj Free Zone) and heads of industry from the Republic of Tajikistan visited Dubai Airport Freezone recently to learn from the success of Dubai and the Free Zone in terms of latest Commercial operations and strategies.

The eight-man delegation was headed by (Akram Kasymov), Head of State Investment Programs Department Ministry of Economic Development & Trade of the Republic of Tajikistan.

"The visit was aimed at sharing of experiences and to enhance ties between the two countries." Said (Kasymov).

"Our bilateral trade relations with UAE and Dubai in particular in 2009 reached AED 256 million with trade witnessing steady growth of 100 per cent from 2003 to 2008" he added.

"We would like to exchange experiences and knowledge with Dubai Airport Freezone now that we have started construction of two Free Zones in the North and South of Tajikistan," said Mr. (Kasymov). "Each Free Zone is unique with its own characteristics. I would like to invite officials from the Dubai Airport Freezone to visit and chart out a Memorandum of Understanding and to officially open the channels of cooperation of the Free Zones between the two countries.

In April, 2009 development of two Free Zones began. The Sughd FZ in the North occupies 320 hectares and the Panj FZ with an area of 400 hectares.

Construction of buildings and infrastructure for the two Free Zones began in April 2009 with the facilities expected to become operational by 2011.

He added that there is a lot of potential in both Dubai and Tajikistan that would benefit the economies of the two countries.

The Tajik delegation was welcomed by Dubai Airport Freezone officials headed by Mr. Nasser Al Madani, Assistant Director General of the Freezone.

Mr. Madani said the Dubai Airport Freezone is a multi-purpose Free Zone with the 1,500 companies. (These companies) come from Europe, the US, ME and Asia. "What we offer tenants are office, light industrial units, and land for companies wishing to expand their operations. "The companies also enjoy tax free income and free repatriation of capital."

Bobokalonov Yousaf, Officer of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Tajikistan, and a former Vice Consul of the Republic of Tajikistan in Dubai said "In 2009 Tajikistan exported to Dubai goods valued at AED 89 million (US$ 24.4 million while imports were valued at AED 266 million. Major imports from Dubai are foodstuffs, electronics products and auto spare parts. "

He added that Tajikistan, located near, Afghanistan (having borders with China, Pakistan and Uzbekistan presents a very good opportunity for companies who want to penetrate these markets.) Tajikistan and Dubai enjoys strong historical ties with the population speaking Russian, Farsi and (Uzbek) languages.

"Tajikistan, a mountainous area which can be reached in three hours by plane, is abundant in oil and gas and is currently developing its hydropower resources. The country is also rich in (gold, silver, nickel) and other minerals."