Hamed Asgari, the director of the international affairs of Iran Chamber of Commerce, Industries, Mines, and Agriculture (ICCIMA), has urged the need for solving the problems hindering transportation between Iran and Tajikistan.
Addressing an Iran-Tajikistan Business Forum in Tehran on Monday, Asgari referred to transit problems as the main obstacle to enhancement of Iran-Tajikistan trade.
He stressed that launching production lines and making joint investments are the best ways for establishment of long-term trade relations between Tehran and Dushanbe.
Asgari also expressed hoped for implementing of an agreement for cancelling visa requirements between the two countries and facilitating commercial travels.
Iran and Tajikistan can cooperate in different areas, including agriculture, food, textile, mining, technology and machinery, he said, adding that Iran can provide Tajikistan’s access to the high seas.
Noting that last year’s volume of trade between Iran and Tajikistan grew to $250 million from $100 million a year earlier, he however added that trade exchanges between the two countries are still far below the existing potentials.
Asgari expressed hope that Iran and Tajikistan will reach a $500 million target for annual trade exchanges within the next few years.
Haydar Rajabov, the deputy chairman of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of the Republic of Tajikistan, was another one to address the forum. He referred to mining industry, extraction of constructional materials, pharmaceuticals, and agriculture are the main areas on which Iran and Tajikistan can cooperate.
Noting that Tajikistan is offering different incentives to support further investment in the country, he called for further presence of Iranian investors in Tajikistan’s projects.