DUSHANBE, September 8, 2009, Asia-Plus  -- President Emomali Rahmon has called on representatives of Indian business community to actively participate in implementation of economic projects in Tajikistan.

Addressing the Tajik-Indian Business Forum that was opened in the government out-of-town residence, Pugus, in the Varzob district yesterday, Tajik leader noted that despite the global financial crisis, the number of countries and foreign companies wanting to invest in Tajikistan’s economy was increasing, according to presidential press service.

Tajik leader noted that Tajikistan had rich reserves of water and power resources, however, at present the country was using only 5 percent of these reserves.  Besides, only 20 percent of the cotton Tajikistan produces is processed into manufactured goods in Tajikistan, while the remainder is exported for manufacturing outside the country.  These directions are waiting for investments, Rahmon said.

He also called on Indian entrepreneurs to invest in development of tourism, agrarian sector as well as exploration and development of deposits of precious stones and precious metals in Tajikistan.