Iran and Tajikistan Strengthen Economic and Cultural Ties

TEHRAN (Iran News) Hassanzadeh stated that beyond economic ventures, Iran and Tajikistan could collaborate on tourism initiatives, building on their mutual literary, scientific, and artistic connections. He noted the significant participation of Iranian business representatives in the forum as a sign of their strong interest in strengthening ties with Tajikistani counterparts.

Given Iran’s capabilities in various economic fields, including engineering services, petrochemicals, energy, and tourism, Hassanzadeh expressed confidence in expanding bilateral partnerships. He also pointed out Iran’s readiness to support Tajikistan’s technological industries, industrial programs, refineries, and steel industries.

The Iranian government, led by President Pezeshkian, has lifted visa requirements for Tajikistani tourists and traders, facilitating easier travel between the two nations. Hassanzadeh emphasized that Iran’s provincial chambers, joint chambers, specialized commissions, and research centers are prepared to offer services to Tajikistani entrepreneurs, fostering stronger economic relations.

Reza Salehi Amiri, Iran’s Minister of Cultural Heritage, Tourism, and Handicrafts, referred to Tajikistan as Iran’s historical bridge to the Caucasus and Eurasia, highlighting their deep-rooted cultural identity. He expressed hope that cultural and social connections would evolve into robust economic ties through the efforts of Iran’s Chamber of Commerce.

Amiri stressed the importance of increasing tourist exchanges, aiming for 100,000 tourists annually between both countries. This goal was part of the agreements reached during the forum.

The event concluded with the signing of several Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) between Iranian and Tajikistani companies and provided opportunities for direct negotiations between economic actors from both nations.

Meanwhile on Wednesday, Salehi Amiri met with Jum’a Khonzoda, Head of Tajikistan’s State Tourism Committee. The meeting, attended by Hassanzadeh, President of Iran’s Chamber of Commerce, and Iran’s Ambassador to Tajikistan, focused on enhancing tourism cooperation. Salehi Amiri stressed that Iran’s primary tourism target in the Eurasian and Caucasus regions should be Tajikistan. He noted that the number of Iranian tourists traveling to Tajikistan and vice versa is around 8,500, reflecting underperformance in this area.

He highlighted the need for joint efforts to promote the tourism attractions of both countries. He suggested producing engaging films and broadcasting them in each other’s countries, leveraging the influence of elites, celebrities, and public figures as a foundational step.

Salehi Amiri pointed to health tourism as a path to elevate bilateral relations. He stated that last year, 1.2 million people spent $2 billion on Iran’s health tourism services. The goal is to increase this figure to $6 billion over five years, with an annual growth of 200,000 health tourists. He proposed offering discounted services for Tajik tourists due to cultural and linguistic similarities and encouraged hotel owners and doctors to provide special discounts for Tajik visitors.

He also emphasized holding tourism festivals in both countries, inviting Tajik officials to Iran’s tourism festival on February 12, where ministers from six regional countries will attend. He noted this event as an opportunity for Tajikistan to better showcase its attractions.

Salehi Amiri underscored the importance of visa waivers to ease travel between the two countries. This policy has been finalized and communicated by the Iranian government and will be officially announced during President Pezeshkian’s upcoming visit to Tajikistan.

He also highlighted the importance of improving hotel services, airlines, and tour operations, expressing Iran’s readiness to increase flight numbers.

Jum’a Khonzoda welcomed these proposals, confirming Tajikistan’s readiness to take significant steps to strengthen bilateral relations. He mentioned plans to promote Tajikistan’s tourism capacities and encouraged Iranian companies to participate in Tajik exhibitions under better conditions while inviting Tajik companies to participate in Iranian exhibitions.

Referring to the tourism potential in southern Iran, Khonzoda stressed that experience exchange is vital for expanding relations. He proposed designing a mechanism for joint efforts to strengthen tourism ties.

Hassanzadeh reaffirmed Iran’s interest in enhancing relations with Tajikistan, particularly in health tourism. He emphasized Iran’s commitment to providing affordable medical services with a humanitarian and benevolent approach, along with accommodation services.

In conclusion, representatives from both sides were appointed to develop a mechanism to strengthen tourism relations between Iran and Tajikistan.