Tajikistan and China discussed prospects for trade cooperation

The authorities of Tajikistan and China discussed the expansion of cooperation in the transport and logistics sector during a meeting in Kazakhstan.

According to the press service of the Ministry of Transport of Tajikistan, delegations from China and Tajikistan participated in the meeting. Tajikistan’s Minister of Transport Azim Ibrohim held a meeting with his Chinese counterpart Liu Wei in the capital of Kazakhstan.

The priority areas for cooperation include the railway corridor “China – Kyrgyzstan – Tajikistan – Afghanistan – Iran” and the corridor “China – Tajikistan – Uzbekistan – Turkmenistan – Iran – Turkey – Europe,”

Key issues related to infrastructure projects were also discussed, including the reconstruction and modernization of the “Kulma – Karasu” border crossing, which is the only official border crossing point between Tajikistan and China.

It was reported that these steps are aimed at strengthening trade and economic ties and increasing trade turnover between the two countries.

It was emphasized that these projects could become an important transit link in the region and bring significant economic benefits to the participating countries.

During the negotiations, plans were also discussed for the establishment of joint ventures in Dushanbe for the maintenance of electric vehicles and the recycling of used batteries. Attention was also given to the issue of increasing the number of mutual permits for international road transport.

However, China’s active involvement in the development of Tajik projects raises concerns about the potential excessive dependence of the country on foreign companies. Experts warn that if Tajikistan is unable to repay external debts, it may be forced to hand over important deposits and lands to foreign organizations.