THE MEETING OF THE JOINT TURKMEN-TAJIK INTERGOVERNMENTAL COMMISSION ON TRADE-ECONOMIC AND SCIENTIFIC-TECHNICAL COOPERATION WAS HELD IN ASHGABAT

On November 1, 2019, the ninth session of the Joint Turkmen-Tajik Intergovernmental Commission on trade-economic and scientific-technical cooperation was held in the hotel “Yildiz” of Ashgabat.  The Turkmen part of the Commission was headed by the Minister of Finance and Economy of Turkmenistan B.Bazarov, while the Tajik part was led by the Minister of Energy and Water Resources of the Republic of Tajikistan U.Uzmonzoda.

During the session, the participants viewed the implementation process of the resolutions adopted at the previous session of the Commission and discussed the opportunities of increasing the trade turnover between the two countries. The special focus received the issues of establishing direct contacts between the economic units of two countries including the organization of joint business projects, forums and exhibitions. Taking into consideration the significance of textile, construction and gas-chemical industries for both countries, the participants regarded the options of expanding the collaboration through the exchange of experience and expert knowledge.             

The development of transit-transport connections between the countries is yet another vital aspect of Turkmen-Tajik ties. The parties discussed the opportunities of widening transport-communication systems by constructing the rail and automobile routes, in particular the construction project of the “Turkmenistan-Afghanistan-Tajikistan” railroad was considered. 

During the talks, the parties paid special attention to the collaboration in the area of agriculture and water management. The closeness of positions on the rational use of water resources and the need to strengthen the cooperation in the framework of the International Fund for Saving the Aral Sea were stated. 

The participants of the session thoroughly discussed the cooperation in the area of education, science, healthcare, sports and youth policy. The interest to expand the cooperation in the field of professional training of the human resources, exchange of experience and carrying out joint scientific researches with the application of informational and digital technologies was expressed. The participants noted the importance of holding the events in the area of culture and art taking into account the efforts of both countries aimed at the protection of cultural and historical heritage.     

Upon the outcomes of the talks, the parties signed the Protocol of the Ninth Session of the Commission. The tenth session of the Commission is planned to take place in the city of Dushanbe in 2020.