The fifth session of the Coordinating Council for free economic zones in Tajikistan was held yesterday, May 28, in Dushanbe.

As reported by the Tajik Ministry of Economic Development and Trade, the session was supported by the OSCE Bureau in Tajikistan with the goal to strengthen potential of the Tajik Government for development of free economic zones in the country.

The session was attended by Tajik Minister of Economic Development and Trade Sharif Rahimzoda, head of the OSCE Bureau in Tajikistan Ivar Wiki, representatives of related ministries and departments, embassies and international organizations accredited in the country as well as representatives of private sector.

Session participants were presented a brief review of measures approved by the fourth session of the Coordinating Council which was held in September last year in Kairakum.

The session was also presented reports on the work done and existing barriers in four Tajik free economic zones – Sughd, Pyanj, Dangara and Ishkashim.

Additionally, representatives of the Tajik Government’s Tax Committee informed session participants of existing problems in terms of preparation of related documents.

The session made a series of decisions aimed to activate practical activity of free economic zones in Tajikistan.

As reported by the Tajik Ministry and Economic Development and Trade, Sughd free economic zone has 18 entities, 5 entities registered with Pyanj free economic zone and 2 registered with Dangara FEZ.

Free economic zones plan to attract a total of $70mln of investments.