On July 22, 2025, the first Central Asian International Economic Forum was held in Dushanbe, with the participation of Deputy Minister of Economic Development and Trade, Mr. Akhliddin Nuriddinzoda.
The Forum was organized at the initiative of the Ministry of Economic Development and Trade of the Republic of Tajikistan in cooperation with the Tajikistan-Russia Business Council. Its aim was to strengthen regional cooperation, enhance economic integration, and attract foreign investment. The event brought together representatives from Central Asian countries, international organizations, business communities, and experts in the field.
In his opening speech at the Forum, Mr. Nuriddinzoda emphasized that under the leadership of the Founder of Peace and National Unity – Leader of the Nation, President of the Republic of Tajikistan, H.E. Emomali Rahmon, Tajikistan is implementing its regional economic policy based on sustainable integration and equitable partnership with Central Asian countries. He noted that in the current context, key issues of regional coordination among the states of the region have been addressed, with new priorities shifting towards green development, digitalization, and economic integration.
During the Forum, Mr. Nuriddinzoda also spoke at a session dedicated to free economic zones, industrial and digital parks. He discussed the development of industrial clusters, the expansion of digital technology parks, and the use of digital platforms for production integration.
At another session on enhancing economic cooperation and establishing practical mechanisms for regional integration, Mr. Nuriddinzoda outlined Tajikistan’s position on the need to adapt interaction formats and tools to new interregional economic conditions and sustainable development goals. He emphasized Tajikistan’s commitment to expanding cooperation with international organizations in the fields of economic development and trade, and expressed the country’s readiness to actively share its experiences and initiatives in regional integration.
The Forum also included sessions on strengthening cooperation among regional countries through digitalization, developing clusters, empowering women in the economy, and the rational use of natural resources.
On the sidelines of the Forum, five memorandums of cooperation were signed to foster practical interaction between free economic zones and business structures. These agreements cover cooperation between the administrations of the “Kulob” and “Sughd” free economic zones and the Russia-Tajikistan Business Council, as well as the establishment of new ties between the “Kulob,” “Danghara,” and “Panj” free economic zones and the “Navoi” free economic zone (Republic of Uzbekistan). These memorandums are expected to enhance cooperative potential and promote the implementation of joint economic initiatives.
In conclusion, the outcomes of the Forum confirmed that economic processes in Central Asia are moving toward deeper integration, digitalization, and green development. The Republic of Tajikistan, under the leadership of President Emomali Rahmon, plays an important role in this process by offering practical and realistic initiatives aimed at strengthening regional ties and promoting sustainable development.
