PESHAWAR, OCT 26 (DNA) – Over the past twenty five years Tajik-Pak friendship has emerged as one of the best examples of good neighbourliness in International Political Arena.

This was said by Sher Ali S. Janonov Ambassador of Tajikistan in Pakistan while expressing his view as a key note speaker in the one day seminar on Pakistan- Central Asia Political and Economic Relations at the Area Study Centre UoP.

He added that the trade and economic opportunities of Pakistan, its geo- strategic position and influence in South Asia and in the Islamic World are of great importance for Tajikistan, therefore, we will continue to focus our efforts on strengthening relations between the two countries.

The Tajik side support Pakistani entrepreneurs for investment in the free economic zone of Tajikistan in the Sughd, Ishkashim, Danghara. With the establishment of Industrial enterprises in these region export using cheap transportation, particularly railway connection to other countries of Central Asia and Europe has become much easier.

He said that Pakistan is facing energy shortage and the republic of Tajikistan is interested in participation of Pakistan in the implementation of energy projects including the construction of hydroelectric power stations and power transmission lines.

The completion of CASA-1000 project will therefore, enable Pakistan to import 1000-1300 MW f electricity in summer months, he underlined.

Replying to a question the Ambassador said that the Shanghai cooperation Organization region now roughly represents 40% of World`s population an 20% of its GDP and has accordingly emerged as a major player in regional and global affairs. He added this organization has indeed a great potential in every area to transform the whole region into a prosperous community of nations.

He invited the Director Area Study Centre and scholars of the centre for an exchange visit to Dushanbe.

Prof. Dr. Shabbir Director Area Study Centre said that Central Asia has a great geographical and economic significance and connects three continents. He added that the trade and economic relations between Pakistan and central Asia is around 58.7 million dollars while Pak-Tajik bilateral trade is around 12 million dollars.

He added that Area Study Centre was established in 1978 and since then it has produce 85 PhDs specialist of this region. He added that the Centre has several MoUs with institutes and think tanks of the Central Asian republics.

Dr. Shabbir urged that the centre is ready to start joint research projects with institutes and offer exchange of scholars and faculty with CAR`s.

Prof. Dr. Azmat Hayat Khan said probably we have not realised how much Central Asia and specifically Tajikistan is in our history, culture and education. He added that our revenue, language and our national anthem and our daily interaction are all full of Tajiki words.

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