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Alijon Salimzoda

CHAIRMAN OF AMONATBANK

Finance  I  Interview  I  The Investor Tajikistan

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_BIOGRAPHY He is Chairman of the Board of Amonatbank, Tajikistan’s State Savings Bank. A finance graduate of Moscow International University and the National University of Tajikistan, he previously held senior posts at the National Bank of Tajikistan. Fluent in English and Russian, he is married with four children.

“AMONATBANK IS CONSOLIDATING ITS ROLE AS TAJIKISTAN’S LEADING BANK—BROADENING ACCESS TO MODERN FINANCIAL SERVICES WHILE EMBODYING TRUST, OPENNESS, AND STABILITY.”

AMONATBANK HAS A LONG HISTORY IN TAJIKISTAN. COULD YOU TELL US MORE ABOUT ITS ORIGINS AND ROLE TODAY?

 

The State unitary enterprise «Savings bank of the Republic of Tajikistan «Amonatbank», is the oldest and most established financial institution in the country. Its history began in 1885, when the first loan-savings office was opened in Khujand. By 1900, these offices were consolidated into the State Savings Bank, evolving through several stages until 1992, when it became the Savings Bank of independent Tajikistan. In 1998, it was granted the status of State Bank, and in 2023 a Supervisory Board was introduced.

 

Over 135 years, Amonatbank has grown into one of Tajikistan’s largest banks. It operates across all regions and even the most remote settlements, with modern service centers ensuring timely access for citizens. As the “people’s bank,” it supports the government’s socio-economic policy, represents the national banking sector abroad, and attracts investment to improve quality of life. Today, Amonatbank serves both retail and corporate clients, focusing on trust, transparency, and long-term strategy.

 

HOW ARE YOU MODERNIZING OPERATIONS AND EXPANDING ACCESS TO SERVICES?

 

With the largest branch network in Tajikistan, Amonatbank is implementing a wide modernization program. The bank operates 75 branches, 547 service centers, 28 cash offices, and 177 currency exchange points, with over 3,000 employees. It serves more than 885,000 pensioners and 748,000 depositors. Digital banking is a cornerstone of its transformation. Through mobile and internet banking, clients can transfer funds, pay utilities, and manage accounts remotely—critical for rural areas with limited physical access.

 

Amonatbank currently operates 5,139 POS terminals and 384 ATMs nationwide and is digitalizing pensions and social benefits to simplify payments in remote regions. At the same time, the bank invests in cybersecurity, IT infrastructure, and staff training to ensure reliability and client confidence. These steps make modern banking services more inclusive and efficient for citizens across the country.

 

WHAT ROLE DOES INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION PLAY IN YOUR GROWTH STRATEGY?

 

International partnerships are vital to Amonatbank’s expansion. The bank has signed agreements with leading financial institutions in Uzbekistan, China, and Kazakhstan, while also attracting resources from global partners such as development banks and international financial institutions.

 

These partnerships expand access to long-term, targeted resources needed for infrastructure, agriculture, innovation, and the green economy. They also open new opportunities for Tajik entrepreneurs, including trade finance and export support. At the same time, Amonatbank gains access to best practices in risk management, digital innovation, and sustainability, directly improving service quality. By combining foreign resources with domestic priorities, Amonatbank strengthens its capacity to support national entrepreneurs, finance major projects, and contribute to Tajikistan’s economic stability.

 

HOW DOES AMONATBANK SUPPORT SMES?

 

Supporting SMEs and rural growth is central to Amonatbank’s strategy. In 2023–2024, the bank issued loans worth 645 million somoni to 929 entrepreneurs, creating nearly 3,819 jobs. Many of these loans targeted agriculture and processing industries, which are key to expanding production and employment.The bank actively finances rural projects, giving farmers and cooperatives access to resources to strengthen food security. It also participates in state programs that promote youth and women’s entrepreneurship. Beyond financing, Amonatbank provides advisory support to help entrepreneurs build sustainable businesses. These measures collectively enhance Tajikistan’s economic growth and strengthen regional development.

 

WHAT IS AMONATBANK’S LONG-TERM VISION?

 

Amonatbank is consolidating its role as Tajikistan’s leading bank—broadening access to modern financial services while embodying trust, openness, and stability. Its strategy is anchored in digitalization and financial inclusion, while also positioning itself as a reliable partner for foreign investors looking to tap into Tajikistan’s fast-growing economy. The bank’s mission is clear: to connect the country’s domestic potential with global financial resources, laying a foundation for sustainable growth and long-term partnerships. By blending national traditions with modern technologies and international expertise, Amonatbank is opening new opportunities for society, the economy, and future generations.

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