“TAJIKISTAN OFFERS A RARE COMBINATION OF POLITICAL STABILITY, CONSISTENT ECONOMIC GROWTH, ABUNDANT RESOURCES, AND A STRATEGIC LOCATION AT THE CROSSROADS OF CENTRAL ASIA. OVER THE PAST 25 YEARS, THE ECONOMY HAS EXPANDED AT AN AVERAGE OF 7.7% ANNUALLY.”

PLEASE BRIEFLY EXPLAIN THE KEY ECONOMIC ACHIEVEMENTS OF TAJIKISTAN SINCE GAINING INDEPENDENCE IN 1991.

Since achieving independence, Tajikistan has pursued an ambitious reform path aimed at building a modern, competitive, and inclusive economy. Two long-term national development strategies and 335 sectoral and regional programs have been successfully implemented. Today, the National Development Strategy to 2030 and the Medium-Term Development Program 2021–2025 are guiding the country’s progress, with the overarching objective of improving the living standards of all Tajik citizens.

The early years of independence were marked by considerable challenges, including the civil conflict from 1992 to 1997, the breakdown of Soviet-era supply chains in manufacturing and agriculture, and the transition from a centrally planned to a market economy. Despite these difficulties, and against a backdrop of global economic volatility, Tajikistan—under the leadership of President Emomali Rahmon—has maintained an average annual growth rate of 7.7% over the past 25 years.

The country’s GDP has risen from \$1 billion in 2000 to \$14.2 billion in 2024, a fourteen-fold increase. GDP per capita has grown from \$158 to \$1,368 during the same period, even as the population more than doubled. Poverty has been reduced dramatically, from 83% in 1999 to 20.4% in 2024, while state budget revenues have grown from 252 million somoni in 2000 to 46.9 billion somoni in 2024.

Infrastructure development has been a core driver of this transformation. Over 2,550 kilometers of roads, 346 bridges, 6 tunnels, and 219 kilometers of railways have been built. More than 2,000 MW of new energy capacity has been installed, along with 287 hydroelectric power plants, 1,500 kilometers of high-voltage lines, and 50 substations. In social infrastructure, the country has constructed more than 3,670 schools and 3,076 healthcare facilities, creating a stronger foundation for human capital development.

IN 2024, TAJIKISTAN ACHIEVED 8.4% ECONOMIC GROWTH, DRIVEN BY MULTIPLE SECTORS. WHAT REFORMS AND POLICIES HAVE HELPED SUSTAIN THIS MOMENTUM, AND HOW WILL YOU ADDRESS EXTERNAL PRESSURES?

In 2024, the global economic environment presented significant headwinds: geopolitical tensions, trade disruptions, sanctions affecting key partners, supply chain bottlenecks, volatile commodity prices, and the intensifying impact of climate change. To mitigate these risks, the Government implemented an anti-crisis Action Plan that combined structural reforms with targeted investment and fiscal measures.

This approach prioritized socio-economic resilience, strengthening competitiveness, expanding production and export capacity, investing in infrastructure, improving the business climate, developing human capital, and focusing public spending on priority areas. The result was robust growth across the economy: industrial output rose by 20%, agriculture by 10.6%, trade turnover by 13.6%, passenger transportation by 13.4%, paid services by 13%, freight transportation by 11.5%, and fixed capital investment by 8.4%.

Over the past decade, Tajikistan’s average growth rate has been 2.6 times the global average, while inflation has remained in single digits—well below that of key trade partners. International ratings agencies have recognized these improvements: Standard & Poor’s and Moody’s now rate Tajikistan at B stable and B3 positive, respectively. Major reforms have strengthened the investment environment. Tajikistan joined the WTO and several key international agreements, including the Apostille Convention, the International Arbitration Convention, and the UNESCAP Framework Agreement on Facilitation of Cross-Border Paperless Trade. A new Public-Private Partnership framework was created, supported by a PPP Council and an implementation center.

Administrative procedures have been streamlined: business registration now takes just one day instead of 49; the number of required permits has fallen from 600 to 59; and the number of taxes has been cut from 21 to 7. Inspections and approvals have been simplified by reducing the number of responsible authorities, lowering costs and barriers for entrepreneurs.

THE GREEN ECONOMY DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY 2023–2037 AIMS TO ATTRACT OVER 50 BILLION SOMONI IN INVESTMENT. WHAT ARE ITS PRIORITY SECTORS AND HOW WILL YOU ENGAGE THE PRIVATE SECTOR?

The Green Economy Development Strategy is designed to position Tajikistan as a regional leader in sustainable growth. It is structured in five stages. The first two (2023–2028) focus on raising awareness, building capacity, integrating green principles into legislation, and initiating pilot projects. The following two (2029–2034) extend these principles to major sectors such as energy, industry, agriculture, transport, and tourism, while reinforcing institutional frameworks. The final stage (2035–2037) will emphasize sustainable resource management, expand green investments, and create a green investment market.

Tajikistan’s natural advantages underpin its green ambitions. Over 64% of Central Asia’s water resources originate in the country, and hydropower accounts for the vast majority of electricity production—yet only 6% of the 527 billion kWh potential is currently harnessed. With 280–330 sunny days per year, Tajikistan could produce around 25 billion kWh of solar energy annually. Today, 98% of electricity is already generated from renewable sources, and the President’s vision is for Tajikistan to become a fully green economy by 2037.

Beyond energy, the Strategy identifies opportunities in green manufacturing, electric transport, organic agriculture, eco-tourism, and green trade. Twelve priority sectors are targeted, ranging from sustainable transport and eco-friendly construction to environmental education and gender equality in green industries. Private sector involvement is critical. The Strategy encourages investment through concession agreements, investment contracts, PPPs, and direct investment. Existing legislation and international conventions provide strong legal guarantees, while the Government offers tax and customs incentives. Private sector contributions are expected to reach 17 billion somoni, with green projects positioned as both profitable and environmentally beneficial.

WHAT ARE THE MINISTRY’S TOP PRIORITIES FOR THE NEXT FIVE YEARS IN ECONOMIC DIVERSIFICATION, TRADE EXPANSION, AND GLOBAL INTEGRATION?

The Government’s development agenda—articulated in the President’s Address to Parliament—focuses on digitalization, innovation, artificial intelligence, green growth, industrialization, food security, human capital, foreign investment attraction, and infrastructure. By 2030, two of the four strategic goals of the National Development Strategy will be fully achieved and two nearly so. Over the next five years, priorities will include diversifying the economy, enhancing competitiveness, increasing the share of the middle class, achieving middle-income country status, and expanding transit and aviation capabilities. There will be a strong push to develop tourism infrastructure to international standards, improve rural access to clean water and healthcare, expand preschool and inclusive education, and leverage both domestic and international financing to advance strategic goals.

According to the Government’s medium-term forecast, the economy is expected to grow by an average of 8.7% annually until 2030. Over the next five years, GDP is projected to nearly double, GDP per capita to increase by 1.8 times, industrial output by 1.8 times, agricultural output by 1.6 times, and foreign investment by 2.4 times. The share of the middle class should rise to 45%, while income, wages, pensions, and stipends will see significant increases. Public services, education, healthcare, and social protection will also experience major quality improvements.

WHY IS TAJIKISTAN CONSIDERED AN ATTRACTIVE DESTINATION FOR FOREIGN INVESTMENT?

Tajikistan offers a rare combination of political stability, consistent economic growth, abundant resources, and a strategic location at the crossroads of Central Asia. Over the past 25 years, the economy has expanded at an average of 7.7% annually. The country’s youthful population—75% under the age of 35—provides a dynamic workforce, while access to low-cost, renewable energy enhances the competitiveness of industrial and commercial ventures.

The Government has built a business-friendly climate through simplified procedures, digital public services, and investment facilitation tools. Free Economic Zones offer tax incentives, while national strategies emphasize green energy, digital transformation, and the adoption of AI and advanced technologies. Together, these factors create commercially attractive and environmentally sustainable opportunities for investors who are ready to engage in one of Central Asia’s fastest-growing economies.