DUSHANBE, August 21, Asia-Plus  -- Compared to the whole year of 2005 a total volume of direct investments in Tajikistan’s economy has tripled over the first six months of this year.   

Deputy Economy and Trade Minister, Abdughaffor Rahmonov, has told Asia-Plus that in 2005 Tajikistan received US$174.6 million in investments, with US$54.5 million of them being direct investments, and further US$120.1 million in loans provided by international organizations in 2005.   

According to him, a total volume of investments drummed up in January-June 2006 has amounted to US$275.1 million, including US$196.5 million in direct investments, and further US$78.6 million in loans.  

“It is for the first time that receipt of direct investments has exceeded the other investments,” said the Tajik official, “It is evidence that the country’s economy has become profitable for investing funds in its development.” 

Mr. Abdughaffor Rahmonov added that Russia had provided US$160.5 million in a form of direct investment, the United Kingdom – US$12.1 million, Cyprus – US$10.4 million, the United States – US$4.3 million, and Iran – US$1.2 million.  Over the same six-month period, the majority of direct investments have gone to providing development of the country’s energy sector (85.1 percent) and mining of precious metals and stones (3.5 percent), according to him.