Kazakhstan Poised to Boost Exports to Tajikistan by $190 Million
Dushanbe, The Gulf Observer: The official visit of Kazakh Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov to Dushanbe, Tajikistan, held discussions focusing on enhancing cooperation between Kazakhstan and Tajikistan across various sectors, according to media reports.
Upon his arrival, Prime Minister Bektenov was warmly received by President of the Republic of Tajikistan Emomali Rahmon. The discussions underscored the significance of bolstering Kazakhstan-Tajikistan cooperation in trade, investment, industrial collaboration, energy, agriculture, transport connectivity, and water and energy collaboration.
Kazakhstan stands as Tajikistan’s fourth-largest trading partner, a testament to the robust bilateral relations nurtured through rigorous political dialogue and agreements between Presidents Kassym-Jomart Tokayev of Kazakhstan and Emomali Rahmon of Tajikistan. The governments of both nations have set ambitious targets to double the bilateral trade turnover to $2 billion, highlighting the commitment to fostering economic ties.
Government delegations engaged in extensive discussions aimed at strengthening industrial cooperation and diversifying trade flows. Kazakhstan expressed readiness to expand exports of 85 commodity items valued at approximately $190 million. Joint ventures and export-oriented projects were identified as pivotal in furthering economic collaboration.
Exploiting Kazakhstan’s extensive experience, discussions delved into the joint development of mineral deposits and implementation of projects within Tajikistan. Additionally, Kazakhstan’s significant production capacities in railway equipment were highlighted, with the Aktobe plant poised to supply rail products to Tajik railways.
Cooperation in the water sector was another focal point, with both nations demonstrating a high level of mutual understanding. Efforts to ensure the operational stability of the Bakhri Tojik reservoir were discussed, alongside initiatives aimed at organizing the International Fund for Saving the Aral Sea.
In agriculture, positive growth dynamics were noted, with a focus on diversifying agricultural exports and increasing flour supplies. Joint projects in flour milling and livestock processing were identified as promising areas for collaboration.
The expansion of cooperation into digitalization marked a new frontier, with Kazakhstan initiating efforts to assist Tajikistan in deploying its own national eGOV systems. Collaboration in the IT sphere is expected to drive economic development and enhance citizens’ lives.
Cultural and humanitarian cooperation also received attention, with plans for the upcoming Days of Culture of Kazakhstan in Tajikistan and the unveiling of a monument to Kazakh thinker Abai Kunanbaev in Dushanbe.
The conclusion of talks reaffirmed the commitment of both government heads to sustain the momentum of bilateral strategic partnership across all sectors. Notably, Central Asian countries agreed to establish a mechanism for cooperation in the water and energy sector.
Tajikistan’s provision of 3,500 tons of humanitarian aid to Kazakhstan during floods served as a testament to the enduring solidarity between the two nations.
