TUSKON plans major business visit to Tajikistan next year

In response to an invitation extended by Tajik President Emomali Rahmon, Turkish Confederation of Businessmen and Industrialists (TUSKON) head Rizanur Meral said Wednesday that the group will make an investment visit to Tajikistan next year. Speaking at the Turkey-Tajikistan Trade and Investment Forum sponsored by TUSKON, Meral told how Turkey was the first country to recognize Tajikistan's independence in 1992, and that it will always stand with its Central Asian cousin. "Today, many Turkish companies are operating in Tajikistan," he said. "That the number of Turkish companies and the business they do rises each day gives us hope that our economic ties will boom. TUSKON will do whatever is necessary towards that end." He stressed Tajikistan's unique position in possessing 60 percent of all water resources in the entire Central Asian region. "The large opportunities Tajikistan offers in building hydroelectric power plants will make the country a key attraction for Turkish businessmen," he added. TUSKON's forum brought together some 530 businessmen from both countries. Stressing how important it is to improve economic ties with Tajikistan, President Abdullah Gul told the forum how he instructed the Turkish ambassador to Dushanbe and the Tajik ambassador in Ankara that their biggest task is to facilitate business in the two countries. "Economic activity will enrich the people of both countries," he added. "The way before you is clear; just go and share your experience there."