Azerbaijan, Baku, Oct.14/ Trend, F. Karimov/
Iran's Finance and Economic Affairs Minister Ali Tayyebnia and Tajikistan's Minister of Economic Development and Trade Sharif Rahimzoda, have discussed expanding bilateral economic ties, the Fars News Agency reported.
The two sides met on the sidelines of the World Bank Group and the International Monetary Fund annual meeting.
The officials called for implementing previously signed MOUs to avoid double taxation, facilitate customs cooperation, and enhance joint investments.
In September, Tajik Ambassador to Tehran Dulatali Hatamov said that Iran is among the top five trade partners of Tajikistan.
"Iran is now competing with the world's most advanced countries in science and technology," Hatamov said, IRNA News Agency reported.
He also called on Iranian businessmen to invest more in Tajikistan.
It is while Tajik Foreign Minister Hamrokhon Zarifi said in July that Iran is the third trade partner of Tajikistan after Russia and China.
"The Islamic Republic of Iran is a strategically important partner for Tajikistan," Zarifi said, IRNA reported.
"Trade exchanges between the two countries hit $ 210 million in 2012," he said.
He further said that Tehran and Dushanbe have signed over 150 economic, cultural and trade agreements in 20 years, most of which have become operational so far.
Iran carried out about $26 million in direct investment plans in Tajikistan in 2012, making Iran the fifth largest investor in Tajikistan.
In October 2012, Iran and Tajikistan signed a memorandum of understanding to expand relations between their free trade zones.
The agreement would give a boost to economic, industrial and cultural ties between the two countries.
Trade between Iran and Tajikistan exceeded $500 million in 2011.