Belarus, Tajikistan sign cooperation roadmap
MINSK. July 28 (Interfax) - Belarus and Tajikistan have signed a 2027-2031 cooperation roadmap at a meeting of the bilateral intergovernmental commission on trade and economic cooperation, the BelTA state news agency reported on Tuesday.
"The commission met in Brest on July 28. It is co-chaired by Belarusian Agriculture and Food Minsiter Yury Gorlov and Tajik Agriculture Minister Qurbon Hakimzoda. The meeting focused on the state and prospects of developing the trade, economic, investment and inter-regional cooperation, industrial cooperation, interaction in various economic spheres and the social sphere. The meeting ended with the signing of a plan of measures for Belarus-Tajikistan joint cooperation: a roadmap for 2027-2031. Gorlov and Hakimzoda cemented agreements with their signatures," the report said.
"In the run-up to the commission's meeting the sides meticulously approached the matter of forming a strategic document for cooperation in the next five-year term. They included all blocks of cooperation, the entire agenda that we discussed. Specific decisions and indicators were formed for us to achieve by 2031," Belarusian Deputy Agriculture and Food Minister Alexander Yakovchits was quoted by BelTA as saying.
The Tajik delegation consisted of representatives from ministries, government agencies and business circles, the report said. The Brest visit also involved a business matchmaking session where the countries' enterprises signed approximately $26 million worth of' contracts.
"Last year our two countries' trade hit a historic record. A lion's share of it (about 40%) were foodstuffs. That is an important component in ensuring food security. The increase was 50% on 2024. We are dynamically growing from that base. We already grew by 20% over the reporting period," Yakovchits said.
"Trade is turning out balanced," he said. "Both sides are seeking to increase its volumes. In particular, Belarus is ready to buy more of Tajik fruit, vegetables and dry fruits, and in turn export more meat and dairy products. In regard to meat products, we are growing this year. Dairy supplies, primarily skimmed milk powder, are developing dynamically. But not only that. We also supply whey powder, and butter, cheeses. Our growth here has not been too bad," Yakovchits said.
"Exports to Tajikistan include sugar, veterinary medicines, seed potatoes. There are also other titles on the exports list," Yakovchits said.
