DUSHANBE. May 31. “Asia-Plus” -- The increase of supplies of oil products to Tajikistan from Turkmenistan was discussed during the visit of Tajik delegation to Ashgabad on May 26-28.

Tajik delegation headed by Tajik Minister of Trade and Economic Development Farruh Hamraliev visited Turkmenistan upon the decree of Tajikistan’s president, Tajik Ministry of Trade and Economic Development told the AP.

Tajik delegates met with Turkmen lawmakers and ministers and discussed further development of trade and economic cooperation between the two states in the context of previously signed agreements and new perspectives.

According to Tajik Trade and Economic Development Ministry, Tajik delegates met with representatives of the Turkmen ministers’ cabinet, ministry of trade and foreign economic relations, State commodity exchange.

Tajik partners have expressed their interest in strengthening and development of mutually beneficial contacts with Turkmenistan in a wide spectrum of directions. According to the source, the sides have also discussed the increase in supplies of oil products from Turkmenistan to Tajikistan. According to the source, even despite a quite close distance between Tajikistan and Turkmenistan as compared to Russia, the import of oil products from Russia is still growing while import of oil products from Turkmenistan is decreasing.

“The problem is connected with the fact that oil products imported from Turkmenistan are liable to value added tax at a 20% rate from the primary cost and excises,” the source has said. “Imported to Tajikistan these products are being liable to VAT at 18% rate (20 Euro per one tone) and a 5% import tax. Turkmenistan sells its oil products through auctions and exchanges conducted by its commodity exchange.”