DUSHANBE, December 14, Asia-Plus -- Stable development of Tajikistan depends on providing stability in both in Central Asian and the Eurasian region as a whole, Kideki Uyama, head of the Section for Central Asia and Caucasus, Europe Department, Japan’s MFA, remarked at Tajik-Japanese business forum in Dushanbe on December 14.  

According to him, Japan will provide assistance to Tajikistan in democratization of society and development of market economy in future as well.  He noted that insufficient awareness among Japanese entrepreneurs of business environment in Tajikistan is one of reasons for low level of trade between the two countries. “This forum will give Japan an opportunity to know more about Tajikistan,” Japanese official added.  

For his part, Tajik Minister of Economic Development and Trade Ghulomjon Boboyev pointed to the necessity of expanding multilateral and bilateral economic cooperation and developing integration processes in the region.  “We hope this forum will make contribution to expansion of trade between our countries and an increase in Japan’s investment in Tajikistan’s economy,” Boboyev said.  Dwelling on Tajikistan’s macroeconomic indices, the minister said that they expect the country’s annual gross domestic product (GDP) to amount to 7 percent in future.  According to him, it is impossible to reach these goals without development of competitive business environment.  Boboyev outlined sectors like tourism, trade, and minerals, as areas of which could drive the bilateral trade between Tajikistan and Japan.   

Boboyev noted that Tajikistan is currently actively negotiating the issue of accession to the World Trade Organization (WTO).  “Two rounds of the negotiations have to date been held and we are making preparations for the third round,” the minister said, hoping that a process of Tajikistan’s accession to the WTO will be finished in the near future.  He said that Tajikistan’s rich mineral resources, presence of skilled personnel and the laid legal foundation for development of the business environment give an opportunity to hope for further expansion of cooperation between Tajikistan and Japan.