Meeting of the co-chairs of the Russian-Tajikistani Intergovernmental Commission on Economic Cooperation (photo: press service of the Tajikistani Foreign Ministry)
On 12–13 August 2020, Deputy Prime Minister of the Russian Federation Alexei Overchuk visited Dushanbe, the Republic of Tajikistan, and together with Prime Minister of Tajikistan Kokhir Rasulzoda, held a meeting of the co-chairs of the Russian-Tajikistani Intergovernmental Commission on Economic Cooperation.
The officials discussed measures to increase bilateral trade, develop cooperation in the digital economy and macroeconomic regulation, industry, agriculture, transport, healthcare, education, science, culture and other areas.
“Our countries share the desire to promote mutually beneficial and fruitful cooperation, primarily in trade and the economy. Since 2017, we have seen bilateral trade grow consistently,” the deputy prime minister said.
Alexei Overchuk noted that agricultural equipment, vehicle and energy engineering and high technology held the most potential for industrial cooperation.
“The Russian Federation is actively introducing digital technology into the economy, industry, the social sphere and public services and implementing large-scale programmes and initiatives. We can see opportunities for constructive cooperation with our Tajikistani partners in this area,” the deputy prime minister added.
In the area of culture and education, Alexei Overchuk noted the successful implementation of the initiative to send Russian teachers to Tajik schools.
“We are grateful to the Tajikistani leadership for their comprehensive support and attention to our teachers’ work and to the activities of Russian-language schools in all the country’s regions,” he said.
The plan for joint events by the respective ministries of culture has been implemented in full. In order to further expand cultural cooperation, Mr Overchuk suggested establishing a working group on cultural exchange within the intergovernmental commission and expediting the development of the cooperation programme between the Russian Ministry of Culture and the Tajikistani Ministry of Culture for 2021–2023.
Alexei Overchuk also highlighted prospects for cooperation between the two countries’ regions in agriculture, energy, culture and education.
Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexei Overchuk with President of Tajikistan Emomali Rahmon (photo: press service of the President of Tajikistan)
As part of the intergovernmental commission co-chairs’ meeting, Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexei Overchuk was received by President of Tajikistan Emomali Rahmon. They discussed topical issues of Russian-Tajikistani relations regarding strengthening and expanding trade and economic cooperation and the implementation of joint projects.
In addition to the meeting, Dushanbe hosted a presentation, “Presenting Russia’s experience in introducing an online system of public services for taxes, customs and the development of entrepreneurship.”
