“TAJIKISTAN IS NOT ONLY INVESTING IN FOOD SECURITY FOR TODAY—IT IS CULTIVATING A SUSTAINABLE, INNOVATION-DRIVEN AGRICULTURAL FUTURE THAT WELCOMES GLOBAL PARTNERS READY TO GROW WITH US.”

TAJIKISTAN HAS PRIORITIZED CLIMATE-RESILIENT AGRICULTURE AND GLACIER PROTECTION AS VITAL FOR LONG-TERM FOOD SECURITY. WHAT INVESTMENT OPPORTUNITIES ARE AVAILABLE TO INVESTORS?

Tajikistan’s mountainous topography and dependence on glacial meltwater for agriculture make it especially vulnerable to climate change. Recognizing this, the government has made climate-resilient agriculture and glacier protection key national priorities. These focus areas open up a broad spectrum of investment opportunities for international partners, particularly in modern irrigation, climate-smart technologies, and water resource management.

One of the most pressing issues is the modernization of our irrigation systems. Current infrastructure leads to the loss of up to 60% of available water. This creates immediate demand for investments in drip and sprinkler systems, canal rehabilitation, and smart water delivery technologies. We see potential for public-private partnerships (PPPs) in areas such as pump station upgrades, water metering, and satellite-based irrigation control.

Glacial monitoring is critical. Tajikistan seeks partnerships to develop advanced remote sensing systems using drones, satellites, and AI-based analytics to measure glacier retreat and forecast water availability. There’s also potential in piloting innovative projects such as artificial glaciers and high-altitude reservoirs to store meltwater for agricultural use. The third area is climate-adaptive farming. International investors can support initiatives that promote drought- and heat-resistant seeds, mobile-based agri-advisory services, and demonstration farms showcasing regenerative agriculture techniques. These interventions not only improve yields but also build long-term resilience.

​

Capacity building is equally vital. We welcome collaboration with universities and vocational institutions to train farmers in sustainable practices, and with NGOs and multilateral agencies to strengthen extension services and reform regulatory frameworks. Tajikistan is actively exploring innovative finance mechanisms. We’re seeking support to issue sovereign green bonds and tap into multilateral climate finance instruments such as the Green Climate Fund. Impact investors have a unique opportunity to finance SMEs and agri-startups implementing adaptive technologies. The door is open for strategic partnerships that align with our climate and food security objectives.

WHAT IS TAJIKISTAN’S STRATEGY FOR EXPANDING PARTNERSHIPS WITH WESTERN COUNTRIES TO MODERNIZE THE AGRICULTURE SECTOR?

Tajikistan sees cooperation with Western countries, particularly the European Union, as central to the modernization of our agricultural sector. Our strategy is focused on transitioning from traditional subsistence farming to sustainable, tech-enabled, and market-oriented agriculture. A first pillar is diversification and modernization. With over 60% of the population engaged in agriculture, we are working with Western partners on technology transfer, farmer training, and the upgrade of physical infrastructure—particularly cold storage, processing units, and irrigation.

Sustainability is a second cornerstone. We prioritize water-efficient irrigation systems, organic farming, and agroforestry. EU partnerships have been pivotal in setting certification standards and promoting best practices in soil conservation and crop rotation. On the value chain front, Tajikistan seeks to move up the ladder—from raw commodity production to agro-processing and branded exports. We’re encouraging Western investment in food processing, packaging, and logistics. We also look to expand exports of fruits, vegetables, and dried produce to European markets. Here, the EU can support us through technical assistance for certification, trade facilitation, and market access.

Agri-tech is a particularly promising frontier. We are keen to adopt precision farming, satellite mapping, and AI-based tools for real-time crop monitoring and decision-making. Our farmers increasingly rely on mobile apps for weather forecasts and pest alerts. European investors and startups are well-positioned to bring innovations that can scale. Tajikistan’s modernization strategy offers concrete entry points for cooperation—from digital platforms to sustainable infrastructure and value chain integration. With our cooperation with the EU, we are aligning with global agricultural standards while strengthening food security, rural employment, and export competitiveness.

WHAT SPECIFIC INITIATIVES ARE BEING PURSUED TO BOOST CROSS-BORDER TRADE IN AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTS?

​

Tajikistan views regional cooperation as a driver of agricultural development and food security. Our efforts focus on trade facilitation, infrastructure development, and regulatory harmonization with neighboring countries including Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, and Afghanistan. We have established cross-border trade zones such as the Andarkhon Trade Logistics Hub and the Oybek-Fotekhobod Free Trade Zone, which enable streamlined movement of fruits, vegetables, and agro-processed goods.

These hubs include cold storage, customs services, and warehousing—encouraging private sector participation and easing logistics bottlenecks. Tajikistan also hosts platforms like the Bactria Food Expo, where producers from across the region meet buyers from Central and South Asia. These events foster long-term export contracts and regional integration.

We’re also modernizing customs through initiatives like the GIZ-backed “Trade Facilitation in Central Asia” program, which supports pre-arrival electronic declarations, digital inspections, and harmonized procedures across Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, and Uzbekistan. Another step forward is the trilateral Khujand Agreement, signed with Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan, which outlines cooperation on border trade platforms and permanent exhibitions for agricultural and industrial goods.

This facilitates predictable trade relationships and coordinated supply chains. To expand regional food security, we are actively working to align our veterinary, phytosanitary, and export standards with our neighbors. Through platforms like CAREC and ECO, we promote knowledge-sharing and the creation of regional standards for packaging, storage, and quality control.Tajikistan is also investing in shared infrastructure such as bonded warehouses in the Sughd Free Economic Zone and regional value chains in dried fruit, juice, and dairy. Together, these efforts contribute to a more integrated and resilient agricultural system across Central Asia.

AS PART OF BROADER AGRI-FOOD TRANSFORMATION, WHAT AGRO-PROCESSING OR LOGISTICS INFRASTRUCTURE PROJECTS ARE CURRENTLY BEING PREPARED FOR PUBLIC-PRIVATE PARTNERSHIPS OR FOREIGN DIRECT INVESTMENT IN TAJIKISTAN?

Tajikistan is actively preparing a series of agro-processing and logistics projects aimed at attracting foreign direct investment and public-private partnerships as part of its national agri-food transformation strategy. One flagship initiative is the EU- and EBRD-supported Enhanced Competitiveness of Tajik Agribusiness Project (ECTAP). This facility provides guarantees, technical assistance, and grants to agribusiness SMEs in areas such as cold storage, dairy and juice processing, and greenhouse development.

Our Free Economic Zones—including Sughd, Danghara, Panj, and Iskashim—offer a variety of tax and customs incentives to agro-industrial investors. Planned projects include fruit and vegetable processing plants, cotton-based textile clusters, and logistics centers linked to branch railways. In terms of regional connectivity, we are exploring participation in transnational infrastructure corridors like the Five Nations Railway, which aims to link China, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Afghanistan, and Iran. While still in planning stages, these corridors are designed to support export logistics and are open to PPP participation.

Through agencies like Tajinvest, we are working to streamline procedures, improve land access, and promote legal frameworks that enable joint ventures and long-term investment in agro-industrial infrastructure.