DUSHANBE. May 26. “Asia-Plus” -- Tajikistan and Iran have great potential for trade and economic cooperation, which is not used at required level, deputy minister of trade and economic development of Tajikistan Saidrahmon Nazriev spoke today at the meeting with Iranian investors in Dushanbe.

He stressed that expansion of these ties will contribute to the economic development of the two states.

According to him, even with the annual growth in trade turnover between Tajikistan and Iran, its volume in 2009 has decreased by 41% as compared to 2008. The decrease is mainly connected with the global economic crisis.

“It is pleasant that the situation in 2010 is improving,” he said. “Thus, trade turnover between the two countries in the past four months has increased by 90% as compared to the same period last year.”

Nazriev urged Iranian investors to invest funds in such priority economic spheres in Tajikistan as construction of small hydropower stations, light industry, poultry farming, production of foodstuffs, especially confectionery, in which Iran has a definite experience.

Head of the delegation of Iranian investors Said Mushtabo Ahmadi noted that Tajik and Iranian people have common language and cultural roots and Iranian investors are interested in investment of funds to Tajikistan’s economy. “We are willing to develop cooperation in many spheres and invest funds into construction of hydroelectric facilities, roads, fruit processing, tourism and so forth,” he said.