Economy of Tajikistan

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• Tajikistan
• World economy

GDP

2024: GDP growth of 8.4% to $13.7 billion

In 2024, the volume GDP Tajikistan exceeded 150 billion somoni ($13.7 billion at the exchange rate as of December 30, 2024), and its real growth rates were recorded at 8.4%. This was announced by the President of the Republic Emomali Rahmon on December 28, 2024.

According to him, Tajikistan has entered a new stage of development: through the implementation of socio-economic strategies and programs, the country is seeking to improve key indicators. In particular, over five years (until 2024), the pace of development of the national economy averaged 7.7%. The cash incomes of the population rose from 48 billion somoni ($4.39 billion) in 2019 to 147 billion somoni ($13.44 billion) in 2024, that is, they increased by about three times. The average salary for this period increased by more than 1.8 times, and the average size of pensions - by 1.5 times.

Dushanbe

Since the beginning of 2024, the salary of military personnel, personnel and senior personnel, internal affairs bodies, prosecutors and other law enforcement agencies in Tajikistan has increased by 40%. The same amount increased scholarships, as well as the salary of civil servants, employees of budgetary organizations and institutions. The size of pensions showed an increase of 30%.

At the same time, inflation in 2024 was recorded at 3.6%, which became the lowest value for the period of independence of the republic. Prior to this, the minimum indicator was observed in 2013 - 3.7%. In 2022, inflation amounted to 4.2%, and in 2023 - 3.8%. In general, the country has a decrease in poverty and an improvement in the living conditions of citizens.

Let me remind you that over the past five years, the official salaries of employees of the budgetary spheres have been increased four times (in 2020, 2022, 2023, 2024) and in general in the amount of 100%. During this period, the rate of inflation or an increase in food prices was only 29%, - emphasizes Rahmon.[1]

2023: GDP growth of 8.3%

In 2023 GDP Tajikistan , it increased by 8.3% compared to the previous year. At the same time inflation , it slowed down to 3.8% from 4.2% in 2022. Such data were released by the Ministry of Economic Development and Trade of the Republic at the end of January 2024.

The materials of the department say that the economic development of the country in 2023 is ensured by a number of industries. In particular, an increase in the real volume of industrial production by 12% was recorded compared to 2022. The agriculture sector showed an increase of 9%, and investment in fixed assets rose by 22.5%. In the field of freight transportation, positive dynamics amounted to 16.6%. Registered growth in trade turnover by 13.4%, paid services - by 14.1%, passenger traffic - by 9.8%.

Tajikistan's GDP increased by 8.3%

In 2023, more than 7 billion somoni (over $654 million at the exchange rate at the beginning of June 2024) were allocated to organize new industrial production, expand fixed assets and establish production of new and competitive products at the expense of foreign investments and funds of enterprises in Tajikistan, which is 1.5 times more than 2022. The share of exports in foreign trade turnover increased from 20% to 30%, while the share of imports decreased from 80% to 71%.

As a result of the implemented policy, the level of poverty in the country decreased to 21.2% in 2023, the cash incomes of the population increased 3.3 times compared to 2017, and the number of entrepreneurs increased almost 6 times. In general, as noted by the Ministry of Economic Development, Tajikistan has stable macroeconomic indicators, despite the difficult geopolitical situation in the world and the strengthening of the consequences of climate change. In general, the volume of GDP in the country increased 1.5 times compared to 2017.^[2]

2020: Trade with Russia accounts for 12.2% of Tajikistan's GDP

Power

2024:90% of electricity is generated at the hydroelectric power station

Tajikistan, where more than 90% of electricity is generated at hydroelectric power plants, positions itself as one of the leaders in green power.

Tajikistan has announced plans to achieve electricity generation only from green resources by 2032, and become a green country by 2037.

Windmills and solar panels are not particularly interested in Tajikistan. But the republic hopes that cooperation between Dushanbe and Berlin on hydropower issues will continue: Germany has made a contribution to the construction of the Tajikistan and Sebzor power plants in GBAO, as well as to the modernization of the Nurek hydroelectric power station. And the Tajik side would very much like the Germans to help with the Rogun hydroelectric power station, which has become a long-term construction project that threatens to undermine the national economy.

In return, Tajikistan is ready to provide Germany with access to the extraction of rare earth metals necessary for the production of windmills and solar panels.

2020: Very low energy consumption per capita

and

Information Technology

2024

GTA and Counter-Strike games banned in Tajikistan

On October 31, 2024, it became known that the Ministry of Culture of Tajikistan announced the ban on the popular computer games Grand Theft Auto and Counter-Strike in the country. The basis for the ban was the presence of elements of violence, murder and robbery in games.

According to RBC, the city department of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Dushanbe issued a warning to citizens and owners of computer clubs about a strict ban on the distribution of unethical and cruel videos and games in accordance with the legislation of the republic.

GTA and Counter-Strike banned in Tajikistan

Law enforcement agencies in Tajikistan recorded cases of crimes committed by young people and adolescents who were negatively influenced by these video games. In this regard, the Dushanbe police announced raids and verification activities in gaming clubs.

Counter-Strike is a series of multiplayer first-person shooters where the gameplay is built on the confrontation of two teams - "special forces" and "terrorists." The first version of the game was released in 2000, the last - Counter-Strike 2 - appeared in September 2023. The developer is Valve.

Grand Theft Auto is an action-adventure video game series developed by Rockstar North. The gameplay is built on completing tasks related to criminal activities - robberies, car thefts and other offenses. The last part of the series, GTA V, was released in 2013.

According to the publication, the Ministry of Culture of Tajikistan conducted an examination of these games, based on the results of which it was concluded that there was illegal content in them. The agency recommended that parents strengthen control over what games their children play in order to avoid a negative impact on the psyche of adolescents.^[3]

Russia and Tajikistan launched joint digital projects worth ₽2,5 billion

Russia and Tajikistan have launched joint projects in the field of digitalization totaling over ₽2,5 billion. This was announced in October 2024 by the chairman of the Russian-Tajik Business Council (RTDS) Islam Nazaraliev. These initiatives are aimed at developing information technology and training qualified personnel in the field of the digital economy. Read more here.

Telecommunications

• Cellular (Tajik market)

Foreign trade

2024

Russia becomes largest importer of goods to Tajikistan, ahead of China

Russia took a leading position among suppliers of goods to Tajikistan, providing 26.9% of total imports in 2024. Such data were published by the Statistics Agency of Tajikistan in February 2025. The second place among the country's largest trading partners was taken by China with a share of 22.1%, and Kazakhstan, which accounted for 15.6% of all supplies, is in third position.

According to Sputnik, the head of the Statistics Agency of Tajikistan Jamshed Nurmakhmadzoda said that the country's total foreign trade in 2024 exceeded $8.9 billion, an increase of 6.9% compared to 2023.

Dushanbe

Major importing countries to Tajikistan in 2024:

1. Russia - 26.9%.
2. China - 22.1%.
3. Kazakhstan - 15.6%.
4. Uzbekistan - 5.9%.
5. Switzerland - 5%.

Iran# — 3,8%.

1. Turkey - 3%.

Belarus# — 2,4%. # Republic of Korea - 2.1%

1. USA - 1.9%

According to the Customs Service of Tajikistan, the structure of imports is dominated by:

1. Petroleum products - 12.2%.
2. Cars - 7.6%.
3. Wheat - 4%.
4. Liquefied gas - 3.7%.
5. Lumber - 3%.
6. Mobile phones - 2.3%.
7. Sugar - 1.9%.
8. Vegetable oil - 1.4%.
9. Alumina - 1.3%.

According to the agency, the total volume of imports to Tajikistan amounted to $6.9 billion, an increase of 18.4% compared to 2023. In the total structure of trade turnover, imports accounted for 78.4%, exports - 21.6%.

Tajikistan also increased exports to a number of countries: to China by 21.1%, to Switzerland by 19.4%, to Kazakhstan by 10.1%, to Turkey by 12.3%, to Uzbekistan by 9.1%, to Iran by 5.9%, to Russia by 4.9%, to Afghanistan by 5% and to the UAE by 1.3%.

The increase in imports from Russia is associated with the expansion of economic cooperation between countries. According to the Customs Service of Tajikistan, the main growth in supplies occurred in the segments of petroleum products, cars and lumber.^[4]

Growth of trade between Russia and Tajikistan by 15.6% to $1.98 billion

The volume of trade between Russia and Tajikistan in 2024 increased by 15.6%, reaching $1.98 billion. Such data in February 2025 was published by the Statistics Agency under the President of Tajikistan. The structure of bilateral trade is dominated by imports of Russian goods, while the export of Tajik products to Russia remains at a significantly lower level.

According to AsiaPlus, referring to the data of the National Bank of Tajikistan, more than 90% of mutual settlements between the countries are carried out in Russian rubles. The head of the National Bank of Tajikistan Firdavs Tolibzoda explained that back in 2021, the share of the ruble in settlements was 50%, but from 2022 a gradual rejection of the dollar in favor of the Russian national currency began. In this regard, banks in Tajikistan work mainly with those Russian financial institutions that did not fall under sanctions restrictions.

The volume of trade between Russia and Tajikistan in 2024 increased by more than 15%

According to the publication, the import of Russian goods to Tajikistan is 95.2% of the total bilateral trade. In 2024, oil products, food products and industrial products were supplied to the country. At the same time, Tajikistan's exports to Russia amounted to $96 million, the main categories of supplies were vegetables, fruits, as well as mineral resources, including ores and concentrates.

The basis of all Tajik exports are:

• Mineral products and concentrates - 24.3%,
• Untreated aluminum - 9.5%,
• Cotton fiber - 8.8%,
• Electricity - 4.7%,
• Fruits and vegetables - 2.6%,
• Cotton yarn - 1.5%,
• Cement - 1.4%.

In the import structure, a significant part is occupied by:

• Petroleum products - 12.2%,
• Cars - 7.6%,
• Wheat - 4%,
• Liquefied gas - 3.7%,
• Lumber - 3%,
• Mobile phones - 2.3%,
• Sugar - 1.9%,
• Vegetable oil - 1.4%,
• Alumina - 1.3%.

As of 2024, Russia remains Tajikistan's largest trading partner, providing 26.9% of the country's total imports. This is followed by China (22.1%) and Kazakhstan (15.6%).^[5]

Export growth doubles to $1.94 billion

The volume of exports Tajikistan in 2024 reached $1.94 billion, an increase of 2.1 times compared to 2013, when the figure was $943.4 million. Such data were presented on February 10, 2025 by the Ministry of Economic Development and Trade of the country. In the structure of export supplies, minerals, precious metals and agricultural products took leading positions.

According to Finmarket, Tajikistan's export structure in 2024 is as follows:

• minerals (24%);
• precious metals (17.8%);
• other semi-precious metals, including antimony (13.3%);
• cotton yarn and products from it (10.9%);
• primary aluminum and its products (10.4%);
• electric power (5.8%);
• copper and products from it (2.7%);
• agricultural products (2.6%);
• various clothes and textiles (2.5%);
• cement and other chemical products (1.4%).

Tajikistan

Tajikistan's total foreign trade turnover in 2024 reached 8.95 billion, which is 7.57 billion (7.6 million) more, an increase of 19.2% compared to the previous year.

The structure of imports was dominated by food products for consumption (7.7%), petroleum products (11.8%), land vehicles (11.5%) and technological equipment (7.4%). Also, a significant share was occupied by ferrous metals (6%), precious and semi-precious metals (5%), wood and products from it (4.9%).

The Ministry of Economic Development and Trade of Tajikistan noted that export growth was made possible by organizing the production of goods with high added value. In 2024, exports of new products such as antimony, copper, textiles, chemical products, alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, as well as processed agricultural products amounted to more than $439.2 million.

The department's analysis shows that since Tajikistan's accession to the WTO, the volume of foreign trade has grown significantly. If in the period from 2008 to 2012 the average figure was 4.3 billion, then in 2024 it reached almost 9 billion.^[6]

2023: Russia's trade with Tajikistan updates record of $1.71 billion

Trade between Russia and Tajikistan in 2023 increased by 2.7% compared to 2022 and exceeded $1.71 billion. The recorded volume turned out to be a record, according to the press service of the Russian trade representative office in Dushanbe at the end of January 2024. Read more here.

2022

China is the largest export destination

Trade turnover of the Russian Federation and Tajikistan increased by 18.3% to $1.4 billion

The trade turnover of Russia and Tajikistan in 2022 reached $1.4 billion, which is 18.3% more than a year earlier. Vladimir Padalko, Vice President of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCI) of the Russian Federation, cited such data on April 13, 2023 following the results of the "contact exchange" of small and medium-sized enterprises of the two countries in Dushanbe. Read more here.

Trade turnover with Russia grew by 34% to $1.5 billion

The Russian-Tajik trade turnover for eleven months of 2022 amounted to more than 1.5 billion, the dollars growth of 34% of the year Russia still holds the first place among trading partners. Tajikistan

The rise of trade with the United States and the EU due to bypassing sanctions against the Russian Federation

The rapid growth of trade flows USA EU with neighbors Russia may be a sign that sanctions can be avoided, the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development believes.

German exports to Russia from May to July 2022 fell 38% compared to the average for the same period in 2017-2019. However, it almost doubled to Armenia and more than tripled to Kyrgyzstan - a trend also seen in trade flows to the Caucasus and Central Asia from the US, Britain and EU countries.

Investments

2024

Foreign investment in Tajikistan jumped 73% to $4.9 billion over the year

The volume of foreign investment in the country in 2024 amounted to $4.9 billion, which is 73% more compared to 2023. Such data were announced by the Prime Minister of Tajikistan Kohir Rasulzoda at a government meeting on January 17, 2025.

According to him, Tajikistan is showing significant growth in attracting foreign investment, which in turn contributes to the socio-economic development of the country. As part of the discussion of the results of the country's development, the prime ministers noted that the gross domestic product (GDP) of Tajikistan in 2024 amounted to 154.3 billion somoni, which is 22.6 billion somoni more compared to the previous year. In 2024, inflation remained at a low level, amounting to only 3.6%. This indicator indicates the stability of the country's economy, despite external challenges.

Gissar

In addition, an increase in budget revenues was recorded in Tajikistan. So, in 2024 they amounted to 46.9 billion somoni, which is 5.3% more than planned. The country's customs service also exceeded its plans, showing a result 6.8% above the established level. Increased taxation has also played a role in increasing the budget, which confirms the improvement of the business climate and the sustainability of the economy.

Against the backdrop of increased investment and positive economic indicators, Tajikistan also continues to develop the production sector. In 2024, 740 new production enterprises were opened, which contributed to the creation of about 20 thousand new jobs. The volume of production increased by 20%, amounting to 53.8 billion somoni. These indicators confirm the successful implementation of economic reforms and attracting investors to support growth.

An important element of strategic development is the modernization of the energy system, in which $1.7 billion was invested. These funds will increase the stability of the country's energy supply, which is especially important for the growth of industry and agriculture, which also showed positive dynamics. In 2024, the agricultural sector increased production by 10.6%, reaching 74 billion somoni.^[7]

Russia's investments in Tajikistan's economy exceeded $1.5 billion in 10 years

The total volume of Russian investments in the economy of Tajikistan over the past decade exceeded $1.5 billion. This was announced in early October 2024 by the Prime Minister of Tajikistan Kokhir Rasulzoda at a meeting of the Tajik-Russian intergovernmental commission in Dushanbe.

According to TASS, the head of the Tajik government stressed that the Tajik side presented Russia with a number of promising projects to attract additional investments. In this regard, Rasulzoda proposed the creation of a separate subcommittee on investment cooperation within the framework of the intergovernmental commission.

Dushanbe, Tajikistan

Russia traditionally ranks first among Tajikistan's foreign trade partners. In the first eight months of 2024, the volume of foreign trade between the two countries exceeded $1.2 billion, which is 14.3% more compared to the same period in 2023.

In Tajikistan, there are more than 300 companies with the participation of Russian capital. More than 70 constituent entities of Russia maintain trade and economic ties with the republic. The main items of Russian exports to Tajikistan are oil products, food, chemical products, wood, ferrous metals and machine and technical products.

At the meeting of the intergovernmental commission, issues of cooperation between the two countries in the field of trade, economy, migration, power, agriculture, the creation of joint industrial enterprises, as well as in the scientific, educational and cultural spheres were discussed.

In November 2023, Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin announced that the volume of Russian investments in the Tajik economy exceeded ₽148 billion. At the same time, Tajik President Emomali Rahmon noted the presence of significant unused reserves in bilateral cooperation and proposed to take measures for their more complete use.^[8]

Agriculture

2019: Low use of pesticides in agriculture

Industry

2023: Iran opens Dushanbe drone factory

In July 2023, it became known that an Iranian-designed unmanned aerial vehicle production plant was opened in Tajikistan. We are talking about Ababil-2 drones manufactured by the Iranian Aircraft Industry Company. Read more here.

Consumption

2023: Beef is the most consumed type of meat

2019: Beef is the most consumed type of meat

Tourism

2023: Growth of tourist flow from Russia by 92.8% to 262.4 thousand tourists

In 2023, 262.4 thousand tourists from Russia visited Tajikistan, which is 92.8% more than a year earlier. Such data in February 2024 led to the Committee for the Development of Tourism under the Government of Tajikistan.

According to the ministry, the largest number of tourists came to Tajikistan in 2023 from neighboring Uzbekistan (805.9 thousand people), which is 15% more than in 2022. The flow of vacationers from Kazakhstan also increased (by 31.8%, to 31.5 thousand people), from Turkey (by 61.2%, to 10.8 thousand people). The tourist flow to Tajikistan from China turned out to be the most massive - 13 thousand citizens of this country visited the country, which is 4.9 times more than in 2022.

Lake Karakul, Tajikistan

The head of the tourist police of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Tajikistan Dilafruz Karimova said that Russian tourists comply with the laws of the republic.

Tourists from Russia behaved very well, there were no such cases that they committed offenses, behaved adequately, she assured (quote from TASS). According to her, tourists from the Russian Federation are most interested in the mountains.

At the end of January 2024, the press service of the President of Tajikistan Emomali Rahmon reported that in general, in 2023, the flow of tourists to the republic increased by 20% and the number of visits to the country for this purpose exceeded 1.2 million people. To increase the attractiveness of the republic, the head of state ordered the creation of working groups at all levels of government, they will control the construction of infrastructure for tourism, develop folk crafts, deal with personnel issues related to the industry, as well as landscaping settlements, maintaining cleanliness and nature protection, the press service of the President of Tajikistan said.

According to the chairman of the tourism development committee under the government of the republic, Kamoliddin Muminzod, according to preliminary data, the contribution of the tourism sector to the country's GDP in 2023 is 3% and reaches 3.9 billion somoni, on average, the expenses of each tourist in the country are 3.5 thousand somoni, or $325.^[9]

Transport

2023: Imports of 3,316 electric vehicles totalling $59m

According to the Customs Service under the Government of Tajikistan, in 2023, 3316 electric vehicles were imported to the republic for a total of $59 million. Such figures were released in August 2024.

According to the adopted program for the development of electric transport, by 2028 it is planned to establish the production of electric vehicles and charging stations in Tajikistan, as well as create the necessary infrastructure for their operation. In the future, it is also planned to develop technologies for the disposal of batteries.

Notes