MINSK, 28 June (BelTA) – Belarus is determined to build systemic and long-term economic cooperation with Tajikistan, Belarus President Aleksandr Lukashenko said during broader talks with his Tajikistani counterpart Emomali Rahmon on 28 June, BelTA has learned.
“We have already determined key priorities that will shape the nature of our partnership and make it strong and enduring. Belarus is determined to maintain systemic and long-term cooperation in the economic sector. The $40 million trade posted by the two countries in 2018 lags behind our true potential. We have just talked about it. We hope that the downside scenario will be over soon. The delegation members in attendance should rectify the situation. Having such good relations, it is a shame to let the bilateral trade take a turn down,” Aleksandr Lukashenko said.
The president named the areas where Belarus and Tajikistan need to deepen their cooperation.
Manufacturing
According to the Belarusian head of state, the development of the real economic sector laid a foundation for cooperation in the manufacturing industry. The joint venture to assemble MTZ tractors has been operating in Hisor the second year already. Belarus is ready to go even further than that and suggests expanding the lineup of machinery at the assembly plant. This machinery will be adapted to the needs of Tajikistan's agricultural industry. “The decision to exempt the joint products from VAT will be very helpful,” the president said.
Other promising areas of cooperation include the supply of Belarusian trucks, road construction machinery and passenger vehicles, and renovation of the rolling stock taking into consideration Tajikistan's climatic conditions. Aleksandr Lukashenko believes that Belarusian trolleybuses were to the liking of Dushanbe residents. However, the partners do not see eye to eye with each other on the price for vehicles. Tajikistan wants a discount, which will result in the loss of profit for the Belarusian producer. The president believes that the parties can reach a win-win solution. “It is very important; these are the first steps. 150 trolleybuses are a good volume. We need to find common ground and supply our products if they are in demand. This pertains, first of all, to trolleybuses for Dushanbe,” he said.
“Today's external shocks have an impact on economic relations. Therefore, we need to look for new forms and methods of cooperation and take advantage of export promotion instruments that Belarus has,” Aleksandr Lukashenko underlined.
Agriculture
Apart from projects in the automotive industry, the two countries need to intensify cooperation in agriculture, which includes educational partnerships. Aleksandr Lukashenko believes that Belarus and Tajikistan need to increase mutual trade in foodstuffs and light industry products and to build cooperation in livestock breeding.
“We welcome the launch of the joint dairy company in Dushanbe. Belarus' expertise and knowledge in this field, as well as technology and raw materials, allow setting up production facilities Tajikistan has never had before. They will manufacture organic, high-quality products that might be exported to China, Afghanistan and other countries,” Aleksandr Lukashenko said.
Science, education and culture
The president emphasized that over a short period of time, Belarus and Tajikistan have made considerable progress in science and technology. The joint working group on sci-tech cooperation gives an additional impetus to that. Cooperation in the humanitarian field is also gaining momentum. At present, over 500 nationals of Tajikistan study at Belarusian higher learning institutions. After the establishment of five joint faculties, students can get Belarusian education in Tajikistan.
At the same time, the government of Tajikistan wants to forge more educational partnerships. Tajikistan suggests opening branches of Belarusian universities, new joint faculties and even higher learning institutions in Tajikistan. “We need to help lay the foundation. As Emomali Rahmon said, we can start small and enroll some 1,000 or 1,500 students at the beginning. I believe we need to examine this matter and support our Tajik friends,” Aleksandr Lukashenko said.
Belarus is also ready to share best practices in personnel training and in establishing a network of training centers. Belarus can also provide consultations with curricula updates.
Culture is very high on the agenda. “We are looking forward to welcoming people of culture and art in Belarus as part of the Tajikistani days of culture. This established tradition is an important factor in strengthening friendly relations between our nations,” the head of state said.
