AKIPRESS.COM - Moscow and Dushanbe are working to increase the trade turnover between the two countries by 2.5 times by 2030. Russian President Vladimir Putin said after the talks with President of Tajikistan Emomali Rahmon, Tass reported.

"The program of economic cooperation signed last October is being implemented," the Russian leader said. "Relevant authorities of the two countries developed an action plan to increase the bilateral trade turnover by 2.5 times by 2030," Putin noted.

Russia has already become one of top foreign trade partners of Tajikistan, Putin said. "The trade turnover surged by more than 7% last year and reached $1.5 bln," he added.

"Russia is supplying large volumes of oil and petroleum products, almost completely covering needs of the Tajik economy for hydrocarbons," the Russian leader said. "Supplies of energy resources are made without collecting customs export duties at the same time," Putin noted.

Russia is also helping Tajikistan with development of the hydropower sector, the president said. "The Sangtudinskaya Hydropower Plant built with participation of Russia generates 12% of electric power consumed by the republic," he added.