DUSHANBE, November 14, Asia-Plus -- Investments in Tajikistan’s economy are expected to double next year, Abdughaffor Rahmonov, Deputy Minister of Economy and Trade, said in an interview with Asia-Plus.  

“In 2007, investments in Tajikistan’s economy will amount to US$625.7 million,” Rahmonov said, noting that over the first nine months of this year, investments in Tajikistan have amounted to US$323.3 million, including US$233.1 million in direct investments.   

According to him, directs investments in the country’s economy in 2007 include US$169 million coming from the CIS countries and US$71.1 million from the far abroad countries.  “32 countries across the world provide investments to Tajikistan,” said the deputy minister, “These investments primarily go to enhancing energy, mining, chemical and textiles sectors of Tajikistan’s economy.”   

Rahmonov stressed that Russia remains Tajikistan''s largest investor.  “it has invested US$160.6 million in development of Tajikistan’s energy sector,” said Abdughaffor Rahmonov, “Among the far abroad countries the largest investors are Cyprus, investing US$24 million in Tajikistan, the United States – US$18.5 million and the United Kingdom – US$15.7 million.”  

“We expect investments will increase in the energy projects, processing of precious metals and stones, as well as textiles industry,” he said, noting that Tajikistan has created all necessary conditions for investors.  According to him, amendments made to the country’s Tax Code last year exempt companies investing in the energy sector from the majority types of taxes and companies investing in the textiles industry from eight types of taxes.  “” All this is done for purpose attracting foreign investors,” Rahmonov said.   

According to expert estimates, investments in Tajikistan’s economy in 2008 will amount to US$677.1 million.  These funds will primarily go to developing the energy sector and the hotel business in the country.  Last year, investments in Tajikistan amounted to US$54.5 million, including US$24.3 million in direct investments.