Moscow-Dushanbe agreements seek better access of Tajik agricultural products to Russia - Putin

MOSCOW, April 17. /TASS/. The agreements between Moscow and Dushanbe seek improvement of the conditions for the access of Tajik agricultural products to the Russian market, President Vladimir Putin told reporters after talks with Tajik President Emomali Rahmon. "Tajikistan is increasing deliveries of agricultural products to the Russian market. Last year, the volume of exports of food and agricultural raw materials to Russia increased by 40%, and in January-February of this year - by another 35%," Putin said. He noted that this was largely the result of benefits and preferences provided by the Russian side, such as, a 50 % discount on rail transportation of Tajik fruits and vegetables. "The agreements that were reached [following the results of Rahmon’s visit to the Russian Federation] concerning a simplified customs corridor and the creation of a Russian wholesale distribution center are designed to further improve the conditions for access of agricultural products of Tajikistan to the Russian Federation," Putin concluded. The Russian leader marked that the trade turnover between two countries grew by 25% last year. He, in particular, stressed that Russia almost completely meets the demand of Tajikistan for petroleum products, and these supplies are free of export duties. Putin also said that the Sangtuda-1 hydroelectric power plant, built with Russian participation, provides more than 10% of electricity consumed in Tajikistan. He added that the two states are considering "the possibility to supply the electricity generated by the plant to third countries. According to the Russian leader, there are good prospects for cooperation between the two countries in the field of the aluminum industry. Under one of the agreements signed on Wednesday, the Russian VTB Bank will assist the Tajik Aluminum Company in financing the purchase of raw materials, he said. Read more