Tajikistan seeks Dubai World role in developing free zones

President Rakhmonov made the remarks during his visit to the Jebel Ali Port and Free Zone, where he was received by Dubai World Chairman, Sultan Ahmed Bin Sulayem today.

The talks, which focused on investments and trade, were attended by the high-level delegation accompanying the President as well as senior officials from Dubai World group companies Economic Zones World and DP World.

Welcoming President Rakhmonov, Mr. Bin Sulayem said: "There is a vast scope for amplifying economic relations between the UAE and Tajikistan. Dubai has always prided itself on being a leader in developing cutting edge business solutions. Under the able guidance and leadership of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, we at Dubai World have been successfully implementing this vision into reality.

"Our business interests span the globe in diverse sectors and we believe that continued cooperation between Tajikistan and Dubai can be vastly extended in order to develop our business relationships further."

President Rakhmonov said:

"Our admiration of Dubai and the UAE has been enhanced as we witnessed the development taking place here. The Government of Tajikistan is particularly interested in exploring the potential for cooperation in the development of three free zones it is planning in our country. Our desire is to see Dubai World with its considerable expertise in this area playing a role in helping us build our economic infrastructure."

President Rakhmonov is currently on an official visit to the UAE, and has already met the nation's top leaders.

His high-ranking delegation includes more than 50 Tajik ministers, diplomats, businessmen and investors.

Dubai's non-oil trade with Tajikistan was worth AED 47.7 million in 2006. It is expected that trade flows will increase with the First UAE-Tajikistan Business Forum organized by Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry.