DUSHANBE, April 6, 2009, Asia-Plus  -- The law on measures to protect economic interests of Tajikistan requiring introduction of antidumping measures may promote increase in production of agricultural goods in the country, Firouz Saidov, a researchers from the Center for Strategic Studies, said in an interview with Asia-Plus.

According to him, the adoption оf the law is an opportune step because during the global financial and economic crisis the country’s authorities should take effective measures to protect economic interests of Tajikistan and curb unemployment.

“Specialists from relevant ministries and organizations should thoroughly analyze structure of goods being imported into the country.  For example, it is necessary to answer a question if Tajikistan-produced carpets are able to compete with carpets imported from other countries?” Saidov noted.

He, in particular, supposes that correct use of the antidumping measures could allow placing some 20-30 percent of jobless of the country in jobs.

“Labor migration has affected our agrarian sector to a certain extent,” said Saidov, “Rural population is seeking better employment opportunities abroad because they know they may earn there more than working in agricultural fields.  As a result of this, thousands of hectares of farmland remain uncultivated.”

Saidov noted that local authorities and corruption have hampered efficient work of farmers.  “That is why, Tajikistan now imports water melons from Uzbekistan, potatoes from Pakistan, garlic from China and onions form Russia,” the expert said.

Along with supporting farmers, the government should also remove mediators between the farmers and consumers, Saidov said.