DUSHANBE, September 18, 2012, Asia-Plus – Russia’s First Deputy Prime Minister Igor Shuvalov is expected to pay a two-day working visit to Tajikistan from September 20-21.

A well-informed source in the Tajik government says Shuvalov is scheduled to hold talks with Tajik President Emomali Rahmon.

The sides will consider issues related to implementation of agreements reached between Tajikistan and the Russian Federation.  The issue of restoration of the tax-free status for the Russian oil products exported to Tajikistan is expected to be raised at the meeting, the source said.

We will recall that Tajikistan was exempted from paying Russian tariffs on oil and gas exports from 1995-2010 and Russia cancelled Tajikistan’s tax exemption on May 1, 2010.

The sides will also consider a schedule of the upcoming visit of Russian President Vladimir Putin to Tajikistan scheduled for early October.

Born on January 4, 1966, Igor Shuvalov is Russian lawyer and politician.  He currently serves as First Deputy Prime Minister in Dmitry Medvedev''s Cabinet, after being re-appointed to the post on May 21, 2012.  Previously, he served in the same capacity in Vladimir Putin''s Second Cabinet.  As First Deputy Prime Minister, he is the most senior member of the cabinet besides the Prime Minister and is responsible for federal budget and economic policies.