DUSHANBE, March 2. /TASS/. Russia invited the authorities of Tajikistan to expand cooperation with the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU), which would ensure the free movement of goods, services, capital and labor within the territory of the union, and will also contribute to the development of a common market, which has more than 180 mln consumers, Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin said on Thursday.
"We encourage our Tajik partners to participate more actively in the Eurasian Economic Union. It is one of the leading international organizations, and it has proven its stability even in the current difficult situation," he said.
Mishustin added that Russia and Tajikistan reached a trade turnover of around $1.5 bln in 2022 - a record-breaking figure over the past 20 years. "Russia and Tajikistan are bound by strong relations of strategic partnership and alliance. Trade and economic cooperation develop dynamically. Last year, trade turnover grew by 18% and amounted to $1.5 bln. Of course, this is a record-breaking figure over the last 20 years, but even this is not that much," he said.
"Russian companies are actively involved in the economy's backbone sectors, including construction, energy, industry, communications, and financial services. We are enhancing our collaboration in healthcare, education, and tourism," Mishustin said. He also stated that industrial cooperation is growing in a variety of fields, including light industry, mining, and metallurgical sectors. "We intend to establish joint ventures that would guarantee full cycle production in the interests of Russia and Tajikistan," he added.