WHAT ARE THE AGENCY’S PRIMARY OBJECTIVES TO ACCELERATE DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION AND FOSTER INNOVATION ACROSS KEY SECTORS?

 

With the period from 2025 to 2030 designated as the “Years of Digital Economy and Innovation Development” in Tajikistan, our Agency is fully committed to driving a comprehensive digital transformation across the country’s key economic and governmental sectors. Our primary objectives focus on building a robust digital ecosystem that empowers citizens, businesses, and public institutions alike.

 

First, we aim to achieve full digitalization of public services, making them more accessible, transparent, and efficient. This will significantly reduce bureaucratic barriers and enhance public trust. Second, we prioritize the development of digital infrastructure, including expanding broadband internet access and modern data centers. This infrastructure is the backbone that supports all digital services and innovations, especially in rural area.

 

Third, we are dedicated to fostering a vibrant startup and innovation ecosystem by providing targeted support, mentorship, and investment opportunities. This will stimulate entrepreneurship and technological advancement, positioning Tajikistan as a regional innovation hub. Fourth, the creation of high-tech jobs is central to our strategy. We are working to equip the workforce with the skills required for the digital economy, ensuring sustainable economic growth and social inclusion.

 

Fifths, we are committed to strengthening cybersecurity and data protection frameworks. As digital services expand, ensuring the safety and privacy of citizens' data is essential for maintaining trust and securing national digital assets against emerging threats. Finally, we emphasize improving digital literacy across the population to ensure that every citizen can benefit from and actively participate in the digital transformation.

 

One clear example of how these objectives are already taking shape is the successful digitalization of Tajikistan’s banking sector. In recent years, banks have rapidly adopted digital platforms, mobile banking, and online payment systems—significantly enhancing financial inclusion and improving access to essential services across the country. This progress not only demonstrates the transformative power of technology but also serves as a model for innovation in other priority sectors, including healthcare, education, agriculture, and public administration. Our approach is agile, holistic and inclusive, designed to leverage technology as a force for positive change, economic diversification, and enhanced quality of life throughout Tajikistan.

 

HOW DO YOU PLAN TO SUPPORT RESIDENTS AND ATTRACT MORE STARTUPS TO BUILD A VIBRANT DIGITAL ECOSYSTEM?

 

The establishment of the LLC “Technology Park of Software Products and Information Technologies in Dushanbe” (IT Park Dushanbe) marks a significant stride towards achieving the Republic of Tajikistan's strategic objectives in innovation and the accelerated digital transformation of its economy. The Agency's strategy to support IT Park residents and attract startups is centered on creating a comprehensive digital ecosystem through a multifaceted approach that includes tax incentives, infrastructure support, and networking opportunities.

 

Entrepreneurs and businesses interested in joining the Park can apply by submitting a business plan and necessary documents. Following a thorough review by the Advisory Council, successful applicants are granted resident status. Residents benefit from substantial tax advantages, including exemptions from most taxes, including VAT on imported equipment essential for their technological activities, with the exception of personal income and social taxes. These measures are designed to foster a vibrant community of innovative companies driving the future of technology.

 

Currently, IT Park Dushanbe hosts 26 residents, with plans to expand to 100 by the end of the year. The IT Park is open to new technological fields, providing conditions for the implementation of solutions based on distributed ledger technology (blockchain), excluding digital asset mining. Additionally, service providers in the field of digital asset circulation—commercial organizations operating within the framework of current legislation—can also become Park residents.

 

The IT Park also provides conditions for the implementation of blockchain registry technology that excludes the mining of digital assets. Service providers in the field of digital asset circulation are being established within the Park as resident legal entities in the form of commercial organizations. Overall, IT Park create a favorable foundation for achieving the goals set by the Government of the Republic of Tajikistan in the area of innovation implementation and accelerated economic digitalization.

 

Thus, IT Park Dushanbe serves not only as a modern infrastructure for IT companies but also as a crucial element of the national digital innovation ecosystem, firmly positioning Tajikistan on the path toward a sustainable and competitive digital economy. Benefits of Exterritorial Residency in IT Park typically refer to advantages offered to foreign or remote (non-resident) companies or individuals that are granted a special status to operate under the jurisdiction and legal framework of the IT Park without having a physical presence within the country.

 

​

TELL US MORE ABOUT THE NATIONAL E-COMMERCE PROGRAMME AND HOW WILL IT ENHANCE TAJIKISTAN’S ECONOMY.

 

The Republic of Tajikistan has adopted a new E-Trade Program for 2025–2029 aimed at boosting the development of electronic commerce across the country. This initiative aligns with the priorities set by the Founder of the Peace and National Unity - the Leader of the Nation, the President of the Republic of Tajikistan H.E. Emomali Rahmon, and supports the Digital Economy Concept, the Trade Simplification Roadmap, and the National Development Strategy through 2030.

​

The program focuses on reducing trade-related costs, simplifying procedures, promoting cashless transactions, and advancing the country’s digital transformation goals.

​

The program is guided by five strategic objectives. First, we want to improve the regulatory framework—this includes tackling cybercrime and boosting cybersecurity and digital literacy. Second, we aim to encourage innovation and make e-commerce, public services, and access to finance more competitive and accessible. Third, upgrading our ICT infrastructure is crucial to support the growth of e-commerce. Fourth, we’re working to strengthen coordination between institutions involved in e-commerce. And finally, we’re focused on developing the professional skills needed in this rapidly evolving field.

 

Implementation will take place in three phases: 2025–2027, 2028, and 2029. The initial phase will focus on building a support system, conducting research, and engaging international partners. Later phases will implement a national e-commerce system with new financial and non-financial mechanisms. The program will be funded by the state budget, development partners, and other sources, marking a significant step forward in Tajikistan’s digital economy development.

 

HOW IS THE AGENCY HELPING TO ATTRACT TECH COMPANIES AND SUPPORT SCALABLE INNOVATION IN TAJIKISTAN?

 

The special regulatory regime provides an exclusive legal and organizational framework for companies in innovation and digital technologies, including those working with digital assets. Participants gain access to significant benefits—such as tax exemptions and legal privileges typically granted to technology park residents. These incentives support pilot projects and, in successful cases, may extend beyond the regime’s duration to encourage long-term growth and innovation.

 

To help companies make the most of these opportunities, we offer expert consulting support—guiding them through regulatory requirements and administrative processes with ease. To ensure effective implementation of the special regulatory regime, the Government established an Expert Council for the Selection of Pilot Projects. The Council's primary role is to oversee the selection and support of pilot projects that align with national priorities in innovation and digital technologies. Currently, two pilot projects are operating under this regime—one in bookmaking services and another focused on public service delivery. All these efforts aim to foster scalable innovation and build a sustainable digital technology ecosystem here in Tajikistan.