DUSHANBE, April 3, 2013, Asia-Plus  -- In a statement delivered at the eighth meeting of the Tajik-Belarusian intergovernmental commission for trade and economic cooperation in Dushanbe, Tajik Minister of Agriculture Qosim Qsimov, who is co-chairman of the commission, noted on April 2 that bilateral economic cooperation between Tajikistan and Belarus is aimed at organizing direct mutual supplies of raw materials, farm produce and consumer’s goods.

He noted that the previous meeting that took place in October 2011 resulted in signing of five bilateral contracts on the delivery of Belarusian tractors and spare parts for them to Tajikistan and two contracts on testing Belarusian agricultural machines in Tajikistan.

“A branch of the Bobruisk plant of tractor parts and units has been established in Tajikistan; it  assembles mini tractors,” said Qosimov, “Besides, more than 1,200 Belarusian MTZ tractors for a total amount of 142.3 million somoni were delivered to Tajikistan in 2011-2012 under an agreement between Tajikagroleasing and MTZ (Minsk Tractor Plant).”

He expressed satisfaction with the current level of bilateral cooperation between Tajikistan and Belarus in the sphere of agriculture.  Tajikistan now imports selective seeds and breeding stock from Belarus.

“Tajikistan also considers it expedient to launch joint ventures to process cotton fiber, leather and wool as well as to extend joint efficient economic development programs,” Qosimov noted.

According to him, bilateral cooperation between the Sughd Free Economic Zone in Tajikistan and the Vitebsk Free Economic Zone in Belarus has been developing in recent year.

The eighth meeting of the Tajik-Belarusian economic commission resulted in signing of a protocol.