DUSHANBE, December 8, 2014, Asia-Plus – Tajik Foreign Minister Sirojiddin Aslov on December 5 met in Geneva with Dr. Mukhisa Kituyi, Secretary-General of the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD).

According to the Tajik MFA information department, Tajik minister underlined a good level of cooperation between Tajikistan and UNCTAD and noted that Tajik government was interested in further expansion of cooperation with UNCTAD on development and implementation of innovation programs aimed at ensuring economic growth, enhancement of transportation and trade sectors as well as harmonization of customs procedures.  Tajikistan is reportedly interested in using UNCTAD’s experience and opportunities for attraction of foreign investments in compliances with Tajikistan’s obligations as a WTO member.

The sides also discussed issues related to creation of a national mechanism for simplification of trade procures in Tajikistan.

The United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) has reportedly initiated the Investment Policy review of Tajikistan at the request of the Tajik Government.

The Review is expected to reveal unused opportunities of Tajikistan for attraction of FIDs for enhancement of sectors like agriculture, information technologies and logistic services.

UNCTAD´s Investment Policy Reviews provide an evaluation of the country´s legal, regulatory and institutional framework for foreign direct investment (FDI) to attract increased foreign and direct investment, as well as how to maximize the benefits from it.  The review includes FDI entry and establishment, treatment and protection of investment, taxation, the business environment and sectoral regulations. The strategic analysis is tailored to country needs. Recommendations are concrete and action-oriented.

Established in 1964, the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) is the principal organ of the United Nations General Assembly dealing with trade, investment, and development issues. The organization''s goals are to maximize the trade, investment and development opportunities of developing countries and assist them in their efforts to integrate into the world economy on an equitable basis.  The primary objective of UNCTAD is to formulate policies relating to all aspects of development including trade, aid, transport, finance and technology. The conference ordinarily meets once in four years; the permanent secretariat is in Geneva.