The state visit of Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian to Tajikistan on January 15-16 was marked by the signing of 23 documents, including several agreements worth more than $450 million. In parallel with the official meetings, a business forum was held in the Tajik capital, where Iranian investors were offered a wide range of goods: from mining projects to "tourist pearls", offering all kinds of benefits and concessions.

According to statistics, trade turnover between the countries for January-November 2024 amounted to $336.8 million, which is 55% more than for the same period in 2023, and corresponds to the level of 2013. For comparison: Tajikistan's trade turnover with China in 2023 reached $1.4 billion, and with Turkey - $1 billion, centrasia reports.

There are 160 companies with Iranian capital operating in Tajikistan, and the volume of cargo transportation in 2024 increased by 3.2 times compared to the previous two years. Landlocked Tajikistan plans to use the Iranian ports of Chabahar and Bandar Abbas as transit bases. This will allow Iran to become a transport hub providing Tajikistan with access to the Indian Ocean. The corresponding program was signed by the Ministers of Transport of Tajikistan and Iran Azim Ibrahim and Farzaneh Sadeghi.

In conclusion, Emomali Rahmon noted Iran's special attention to Tajikistan and confidence that Masoud Pezeshkian's visit will strengthen bilateral cooperation. He also welcomed the abolition of the visa regime, which, in his opinion, will have a positive impact on the development of tourism. By the way, cooperation in the tourism sector was discussed on January 16 at a forum attended by up to 400 representatives of travel agencies of the two countries.

ORIENT