Iran, Tajikistan Sign 13 Cooperation Agreements

TEHRAN (Iran News) TEHRAN – In a significant step toward strengthening trade and economic ties, 13 cooperation agreements were signed between Iranian and Tajik businesses during a recent high-level Iranian business delegation visit to Tajikistan. The agreements were signed following a meeting between the Presidents of Iran and Tajikistan, as well as a business, investment, and tourism forum held in Dushanbe, the capital of Tajikistan.

Samad Hassanzadeh, the President of Iran’s Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines, and Agriculture, remarked that this visit marks an important advancement in the bilateral relationship between Iran and Tajikistan. He emphasized that it demonstrates the commitment of both nations and governments to collaborate and enhance cooperation across various industrial, commercial, and tourism sectors.

The purpose of the Iranian business delegation’s visit was to explore trade and investment opportunities between the two countries, with a particular focus on the private sector. Hassanzadeh noted that the delegation, comprising over 100 Iranian entrepreneurs from diverse sectors, traveled to Dushanbe full of optimism, driven by the strong political and social relations between the two countries, as well as the mutual interest of both Presidents in deepening bilateral ties.

Hassanzadeh also highlighted fruitful discussions between Iranian and Tajik businessmen and noted that the visit included positive talks with senior Tajik officials, including the Minister of Economic Development and Trade, the Head of the Investment Committee, and the Head of the Tourism Committee.

Reflecting on the robust political and social ties between Iran and Tajikistan, Hassan-Zadeh stressed that both sides share a strong will to further deepen their cooperation. He mentioned that during meetings, Tajikistan’s senior economic officials unanimously expressed their commitment to enhancing Iran’s position among the country’s trading partners and emphasized the importance of developing a long-term roadmap to foster further relations.

The shared cultural, social, and historical ties between the two nations, combined with the opportunities in Tajikistan, present a promising outlook for trade and economic exchanges. Tajikistan is increasingly seen as a strategic destination for Iranian investors and businessmen.

Hassanzadeh further emphasized the role of Tajik President Emomali Rahmon, whose popularity and leadership style resonate with the Tajik people, and the constructive, people-oriented approach of Iranian President Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf. These factors, along with the enthusiasm of both Iranian and Tajik businessmen for expanded cooperation, ensure the success of the long-term vision for the two countries’ economic and cultural relations.

This historic visit is expected to significantly boost collaboration, particularly in technical and engineering services, as well as in the export of building materials, agricultural products, pharmaceuticals, and medical equipment.

Hassanzadeh also addressed the signing of commercial agreements between the Iranian delegation and Tajik officials during the trip, highlighting that these agreements pave the way for increased joint investments and the fuller utilization of the two countries’ resources for the benefit of both nations.

In terms of practical steps, he stressed the importance of creating the necessary infrastructure for banking and financial cooperation, transport, and standardization, as well as finalizing trade agreements, especially regarding preferential trade and tariff adjustments between the two countries. He emphasized that “providing investment incentives” and “facilitating trade” are key to increasing collaboration, and that these are the minimum expectations of the private sector from both governments.

One of the major concerns of the business community in both countries is improving transport efficiency and reducing transportation costs, an issue that should be given special attention given the proximity of the two countries.

Hassanzadeh also pointed out that another pressing issue for the private sector is tariffs and duties, which should be addressed in negotiations between the two governments to facilitate smoother private-sector relations.

Concluding his remarks, Hassanzadeh called on the chambers of commerce in both countries to focus on nurturing these ties and becoming the primary drivers of cooperation. He concluded that enhanced collaboration would lead to job creation and improved living standards in both countries.