China interested in establishing industrial zone in Tajikistan
By Aynur Jafarova
Chinese investors are interested in establishing an industrial zone in Tajikistan, local media reported on September 15 referring to Tajik Economic Development and Trade Ministry.
Earlier Chinese Ta Chen International Inc. and Tajik Industry and New Technologies Ministry signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on cooperation on 'Industrial zone of Tajikistan and China' project.
The total area of the industrial zone occupies some 700,000 square meters. Ta Chen International is committed to invest about $400 million in the project.
The project envisages construction of enterprises of chemical and construction and mining industries.
Diplomatic relations between Tajikistan and China were established on January 4, 1992. The legal framework of the two countries accounts more than 200 interstate and intergovernmental agreements.
The total trade turnover between the two countries in 2012 reached $2 billion. China is among the three largest trade partners of Tajikistan.
A number of large Chinese enterprises in various industries operate in Tajikistan.
Tajikistan and China are active members of the regional and international organizations and closely cooperate within the framework of these organizations, in particular the Shanghai Cooperation Organization.