“Sri Lanka is an extremely hospitable country”: Tajikistan Minister

“Sri Lanka is an extremely hospitable country. This is reflected through the warm smiles and welcoming nature of the local people, which is often a rare sight elsewhere in the world. Sri Lanka is also a nation famed for its scenic beauty and excellent tourist services. Thus, it is an ideal destination for most holidaymakers. I believe that promoting bilateral relations between Sri Lanka and Tajikistan will be mutually beneficial for both countries,” stated the Tajikistan Minister of Economic Development and Trade Nenatullo Khikmanllozoda, who recently visited Sri Lanka with the President of the Republic of Tajikistan Emomali Rahmon, at a discussion with Colombo Chamber of Commerce (CCC) President Dr. Amila Kankanamge.

The 12 member delegation of high ranking officials from Tajikistan, led by President Rahmon, arrived in Sri Lanka for a state visit upon the invitation of Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe. During this visit, the Tajikistan representatives held bilateral trade discussions and signed a number of MoUs with the Sri Lankan Government and the local business community. The President of CCC and the Trade Minister of the Republic of Tajikistan also signed a MoU as a first step towards promoting collaboration between Sri Lanka-Tajikistan business chambers.   

This partnership can be considered as a rare and unique opportunity for the Sri Lankan business chamber industry. Furthermore, the MoUs signed between the two countries have opened up a wide array of business opportunities to local entrepreneurs across a number of different industries. Sri Lankan tea for instance, has immense un-exploited potential in the Tajikistan market due to its great demand and high quality.

It was further identified that a program to develop bilateral tourism between Tajikistan and Sri Lanka should also be set in place. CCC assured to take all steps necessary to relay this information to the tourism entrepreneur community in Sri Lanka. Furthermore, in response to the request made by the Tajikistan representatives, Dr. Amila Kankanamge stated that a trade delegation to Tajikistan will be organised, concurrently to President Maithripala Sirisena’s official visit to Tajikistan in the coming year. 

Chairman of the State Committee of Investment and State Property Management of the Republic of Tajikistan Qodiri Qosim, Presidential Advisor for Economic Issues Farrukh Hamralizoda, Asian and African Country Department Head of the Tajikistan Ministry of Foreign Affairs Khisrav Goibov, Tajikistan Ambassador Sherali Jononor and CCC Senior Vice President Prasanna Liyanage were among the officials who took part in this discussion.