DUSHANBE, November 7, Asia-Plus -- Japan’s investors intend to work out a project for opening new air route linking Tajikistan to the Asia-Pacific region. 

On Friday October 3, Sharif Saidov, the head of Tajikistan’s Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCI), met with Hiroshi Takahashi, Charge D’ Affaires at the Japanese Embassy in Dushanbe.  Their talks focused on state and prospects of further expansion of bilateral economic cooperation between Tajikistan and Japan.  During the meeting it was noted that Japan’s investors could participate in the project for launching a new flight from Tajikistan to Thailand.

The sides underlined that that Investment into this air route project will reduce Tajikistan’s isolation from the markets in other regions and provide the republic, which rich in natural resources and has good industrial potential, with access to seaports and significant railway mains.  This flight will also promote development of tourism and other relevant industries in Tajikistan.  

According to the CCI source, the two also considered issues related to holding of Tajik-Japanese business forum in Dushanbe on December 13-14.  The source noted that the forum is expected to bring together Tajik businessmen and their colleagues from Japan.  

During the meeting Saidov outlined development and operation of deposits of natural resources in Tajikistan as one of priorities of economic cooperation between the two countries.  Possibilities of launching joint ventures in identified areas were also considered, according to the source.   

According to Tajik CCI, a trade between Tajikistan and Japan has valued at US$1,681,900 over the first nine months of this year.  This consisted of Tajikistan’s export to Japan estimated at US$29,100 and Tajikistan’s imports from Japan worth US$1,652,800.