MINSK, 29 April (BelTA) – Belarus-Tajikistan trade increased almost threefold in 2020, Belarus Prime Minister Roman Golovchenko said as he met with Tajikistan Prime Minister Kokhir Rasulzoda during his working trip to Russia, BelTA has learned.
“Belarus and Tajikistan maintain friendly and mutually beneficial relations. We view Tajikistan as an important partner and are keen to promote products to third markets by joint efforts. In 2020, the trade between our countries almost tripled,” Roman Golovchenko said.
The Belarus-Tajikistan intergovernmental commission on trade and economic cooperation convened again in early April. The countries also held a joint business forum. “Tajikistan showed a strong interest in the forum. Participants of the event reached agreements and reported practical results,” the Belarusian prime minister noted.
Roman Golovchenko also thanked Tajikistan for supporting Belarus in the most important issues in international organizations.
“We highly value the mutual understanding and support that our countries show each other. This facilitates the expansion of bilateral cooperation. Trade is increasing and there is even more untapped potential,” Kokhir Rasulzoda noted.
In January-February 2021, Belarus-Tajikistan trade amounted to $25 million, up by 8.3% year-on-year. Belarus’ export totaled $24.5 million (up by 12.3%) and import came at $0.5 million (up by 35.5%). Belarus posted a $24 million surplus.
More than 15 Belarusian enterprises have distribution network in Tajikistan, including BelAZ, MAZ, MTZ, Bobruiskagromash, and Gomselmash. The Agrotechservice company launched assembly of MTZ tractors, Bobruiskagromash trailers, and Gomselmash machines in Tajikistan’s Hisor District. In January 2019, Belarus and Tajikistan set up the joint venture Vatan Dairy Company with the participation of Minsk Dairy Plant No.1.