Economic and trade cooperation is an important driving force behind the bilateral relations between China and Tajikistan. For Tajikistan, a country rich in its natural resources but grappling with economic challenges, China represents a reliable partner for infrastructure projects, trade and investment. CGTN spoke to Dilshod Sharifi, head of international economic cooperation at the Tajik Ministry of Economic Development and Trade, ahead of Chinese President Xi Jinping's visit to the country.