DUSHANBE , June 20, Asia-Plus -- An official opening of Russia ’s trade representative office was held in Dushanbe on June 19.  

Telling an inaugurating ceremony, Russian Ambassador to Tajikistan Ramazan Abdulatipov stressed that relationships between the two countries were acquiring new dynamics.  Reminding that agreements reached over the past several years are being active implemented, he pointed to the necessity of further expansion of trade and economic relations between Russia and Tajikistan “especially as both side have opportunities and wish to do this.” 

“Russian trade representative office in Tajikistan is the first of its kind in Central Asia ,” said Mr. Abdulatipov, “Its main objective is in promoting further expansion of economic cooperation between the two countries.  It should become a key factor to contribute to the implementation of bilateral agreements in the field of economy.”  

Noting that compared to the first half-year of 2005 a trade turnover between Russia and Tajikistan has increased 2.3 times, Ramazan Abdulatipov stressed the necessity of further growth in trade turnover between the two countries.  

Deputy Tajik Economy and Trade Minister, Ms. Larisa Kislyakova telling the ceremony noted that 101 enterprises with participation of Russian investments have to date been registered in Tajikistan .  “Of 178 agreements signed between Tajikistan and Russia , 80 have economic character,” Ms. Kislyakova said, noting that development of tourism was of important significance. 

Sergey Kuznetsov, deputy director of the CIS department of Russia ’s Ministry of Economic Development and Trade, telling the office-opening ceremony noted that trade and economic cooperation between Russia and Tajikistan showed an upward tendency.  He noted that the Russian trade representative office would play an important role in further expansion of bilateral cooperation between the two countries and expressed hope that a trade turnover between Tajikistan and Russia would reach US$1 billion in the coming half a year.