DUSHANBE (Asia-Plus) – The first meeting of Tajikistan-Switzerland intergovernmental commission fro trade and economic cooperation has started in Dushanbe. During two days, the sides are considering issues related to implementation of joint projects in Tajikistan, promotion of investments, development of entrepreneurial activity and attraction of more investments for development of Tajikistan’s economy.

Ambassador Eric Martin (*1948), Lic. Rer. Pol., Delegate of the Federal Council for Business Agreements, Head of Bilateral Economic Relations Services with the Foreign Economic Affairs Directorate since 1 April 2011. In this capacity, he is also responsible for Export Control Policy and Sanctions.

Speaking at the meeting, First Deputy Minister of Economic Development and Trade of Tajikistan, Nematjon Bouriyev, noted on March 5 that over the past five years, Tajikistan’s GDP has risen 40% and an average monthly wage has risen 3.5 times. The poverty rate fell to 39 percent in 2012, Tajik official said.

Bouriyev noted that many investment projects were being implemented in the country and Tajikistan had made progress both in agrarian and industrial sectors. “Despite difficulties that have resulted from the global economic crisis, we are continuing economic reforms,” the deputy minister added.

Ambassador Eric Martin, Delegate of the Federal Council for Trade Agreements, for his part, noted that development of Tajikistan’s economy against the background of the global economic crisis was undoubtedly impressive.

“We hope this dynamic development will allow reducing poverty rate in Tajikistan year by year,” said Ambassador Martin. “I think joining the World Trade Organization (WTO) was a very important step and this will promote further development of the country. We are ready to provide technical and consultative assistance to the country in this case.”

The sides pointed out stable level of trade between the two countries. A two-way trade between Tajikistan and Switzerland reportedly increased from US $62.9 mln in 2011 to $95.7 mln in 2012. Tajikistan’s exports to Switzerland include mainly raw materials – primary aluminium and cotton fibre.