Iran proposes joint venture in Tajikistan’s free trade zones

Iran's foreign minister voiced the country’s readiness to found joint companies in the free trade zones of Tajikistan and provide services by the knowledge-based enterprises to the Central Asian nation.

According to Tasnim news agency, during a visit to Tashkent for participation in the 26th meeting of  the ECO Council of Ministers, Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian held talks with his Tajik counterpart, Sirojiddin Muhriddin, to weigh plans for developing bilateral ties and discuss the regional and international topics of mutual interest.

Amir-Abdollahian described the widespread cultural commonalities between the Iranian and Tajik people as the most fundamental ground for strengthening bonds and promoting relations in all sectors.

He also expressed satisfaction with the enhancement of bilateral ties, especially in the cultural area.

Amir-Abdollahian then emphasized the need to deepen bilateral cooperation in different areas, adding that the economic ties between the two countries can reach high levels and a desirable point, given the existing potentials.

He then listed a number of grounds for the promotion of trade and economic ties with Tajikistan, including the export of engineering and technical services, investment of Iranian companies in founding joint production companies in Tajikistan’s free trade zones, and cooperation between Iranian knowledge-based firms and Tajikistan in the transfer of technology, transit, and energy.

For his part, the top Tajik diplomat expressed satisfaction with the prospect of the development of ties between the two countries and said bilateral relations are at an excellent level.

He said mutual trips by officials of the two countries have bolstered the ties, expressing hope for a visit by Iran's President Seyyed Ebrahim Raeisi to Tajikistan this year.

Muhriddin said cooperation between the two countries strengthens peace and stability in the region, and that the two countries have effective and fruitful cooperation within the framework of regional organizations and international bodies.

Tajikistan and Iran have common positions on security threats such as terrorism, drug trafficking, other organized crimes and regional issues, he concluded.

ME