Tajikistan-Türkiye Industrial Business Forum Sets Export Target

Tajikistan-Turkey Industry Business Forum and Export Target Minister of Industry and Technology Mustafa Varank stated that Turkey had previously achieved a trade volume of approximately USD 700 million with Tajikistan, saying, "Our goal is to reach a trade volume of USD 1 billion in the shortest possible time." Speaking at the Tajikistan-Turkey Industry Business Forum, Varank emphasized that sustaining the growth trend in Turkey's economy depends on deepening bilateral and regional relations. In this context, Varank, noting that they view Tajikistan and the Central Asia region as important milestones on the path to success, stated: "In 2020, we increased our trade volume with Tajikistan by 17 percent compared to the previous year, bringing it to USD 323 million, but we are still far behind our potential. In the past, we had achieved a trade volume of approximately USD 700 million. Our goal, as determined by our heads of state, is to reach a trade volume of USD 1 billion in the shortest possible time. As politicians, we are ready to do everything in our power for this. I believe that the dedicated work of you valued business people, new investments and projects will easily enable us to reach this target." Varank pointed out that Tajikistan is one of the most important trade corridors in Central Asia, saying they are closely following the steps the country has taken in recent years to strengthen its integration with the regional and global economy.

Important Meeting for Relations Between Countries

Noting that developing relations between the two countries means increased effectiveness of both Tajikistan and Central Asia in global trade, Varank explained at this point the importance of the Joint Economic Commission mechanism, business forums, and regularly organized business council meetings. Varank continued his remarks by emphasizing the need to seek ways to make economic cooperation and partnership permanent by finding new areas of cooperation and increasing mutual investments: "As Turkey, we export 1,300 different products to Tajikistan, but our institutions have determined in their research that Tajikistan could additionally purchase 1,800 products from our country on more favorable terms. The business cooperations to be established here today will turn this gap into an opportunity. We see potential business cooperation opportunities that could be implemented for Tajikistan's healthcare system and industry. In this vein, we could bring a working group consisting of stakeholders in hospitals, pharmaceuticals, medical devices and the medical sector to Tajikistan through DEIK and hold consultations. In this regard, we know from discussions we have held that you find the flights Turkish Airlines operates to Dushanbe insufficient. In our meetings today with the valued representatives of the Tajikistan government, including my colleague the minister, we will discuss what we can do about this. We are ready to make every contribution within our means to Tajikistan's development and to unleash its potential in the region."