DUSHANBE, April 16, 2010, Asia-Plus  -- Olim Bobokalonov, the deputy director of the Center for Strategic Studies in charge of economic issues, considers that Tajikistan ought no to be in hurry to join the World Trade Organization (WTO).

“The point is not when we should join this Organization but with what economy we will represent ourselves in the WTO,” said Bobokalonov, “We must thoroughly prepare for this, fulfill all conditions and all requirements.”

According to him, Tajikistan will not gain benefit from joining the WTO if it joins it with the economy it has for the time being.  “Our country will just become a raw materials appendage of advanced countries,” senior expert from Tajik thin tank said.

Before joining the WTO the country must implement the strategic goals – to reach energy independence and come out of transportation impasse, he added.  “Performance of these tasks will give opportunities for development of industry and other sectors of our economy that will promote creation of new jobs and diversification of Tajikistan’s experts,” Bobokalonov noted.

Ms. Farida Muminova, the chairperson of the macroeconomic studies department within the Center for Strategic Studies, considers that Tajikistan should have competitive goods before joining the WTO.  “If the country joins this Organization with noncompetitive goods, we will lose our positions even at our domestic market,” she said.