PPPs great way to drive SL-Tajikistan biz forward

Minister of Industry and Commerce Rishad Bathiudeen (left) and Tajikistan President Emomali Rahmon (right) at the Tajikistan Business Meeting at the Cinnamon Grand on 14 December

Public-Private-Partnership model is a key mechanism slated to drive future Sri Lanka-Tajikistan economic relations.

“Identified areas of bilateral cooperation could be strengthened through public private partnership,” said Minister of Industry and Commerce Rishad Bathiudeen on 14 December, addressing the Tajikistan Business Meeting with the participation of Tajikistan President Emomali Rahmon at the Cinnamon Grand.

Sri Lanka’s trade with Tajikistan is small, but it also shows the huge unexploited trade potential that exists for mutual benefit, Bathiudeen noted, adding that it is time that both economies commenced viable trade. Holding regular forums of this nature therefore is a great mechanism to build upon a strong and long-standing economic relations between both countries, he said.

Bathiudeen pointed out that apart from globally reputed Pure Ceylon Tea, Tajikistan companies could also explore other potential Sri Lankan products such as its world class apparel, ceramics, rubber and coconut products, footwear, Ayurveda products for the keen Tajikistan market, which looks for quality global products. 

“We need to improve our trade further. For this, regular exchanges of delegations from both sides are important. We should encourage private sector participation in trade, investment and tourism promotional events in both countries. I am sure your visit to Sri Lanka opens untapped areas for cooperation between both countries. The newly identified areas of bilateral cooperation could be strengthened through Public-Private-Partnerships which could greatly improve bilateral trade and investments activities in the future. I am also glad to note that Ceylon Chamber of Commerce and the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Tajikistan have already taken a pioneering initiative in that direction by the MoU signed today,” he added.

When Tajikistan President Rahmon and Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe earlier met in Jakarta, Indonesia in August, they also exchanged views on cooperation in construction of small and medium hydro-electric power plants, joint processing of mineral resources and strengthening of multilateral scientific and cultural ties.