A Green Vision for Sustainable Growth
This year’s forum, themed “Green Investment: Today’s Opportunity for Tomorrow’s Sustainability,” reflects Tajikistan’s strategic focus on environmentally conscious development. Supported by the Government of Tajikistan and organized in collaboration with the State Committee on Investment and State Property Management, and the Executive Authority of Dushanbe, the event aims to attract foreign direct investment in sectors such as green economy, digitalization, and accelerated industrialization.
Over 1,000 participants from dozens of countries, including government officials, business leaders, and representatives of international organizations, have gathered to explore investment opportunities and share experiences in modern economic models such as ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) frameworks.
Iran’s Strategic Engagement
Iran’s delegation, comprising both public and private sector representatives, is attending the forum as a follow-up to President Masoud Pezeshkian’s state visit to Tajikistan in January 2024. That visit resulted in the signing of 23 memorandums of understanding across diverse fields, including trade, energy, agriculture, mining, biotechnology, rail transport, and counterterrorism.
Ali Madanizadeh, Iran's Economy Minister, scheduled to deliver a keynote address at the forum, emphasized Iran’s readiness to expand cooperation in energy, infrastructure, and agriculture. In his remarks, he highlighted the shared cultural and civilizational heritage between the two nations as a foundation for deeper collaboration.
Meeting of Minds: Madanizadeh and Rahmon
On the sidelines of the forum, Madanizadeh met with Tajik President Emomali Rahmon in a cordial session that underscored the growing momentum in Iran–Tajikistan relations. Conveying greetings from President Pezeshkian, Madanizadeh expressed Iran’s appreciation for Tajikistan’s principled stance in recent geopolitical developments, including its condemnation of attacks by the Zionist regime and the United States against Iran.
The Iranian minister congratulated President Rahmon on the successful organization of recent international summits and reaffirmed Iran’s invitation for the Tajik leader to visit Tehran. He proposed practical strategies to deepen bilateral ties, including the establishment of special financial and banking mechanisms, the use of national currencies, barter systems, and joint project implementation to insulate economic cooperation from external pressures.
Banking and Trade: Building Resilience
As head of the State-Owned Banks Assembly, Madanizadeh addressed lingering banking issues between the two countries. He proposed the creation of direct payment channels, reciprocal credit lines, and the use of national currencies to facilitate trade. He also requested Tajikistan’s assistance in resolving outstanding claims related to the Sangtuda-2 power project and other financial disputes dating back several years.
To institutionalize cooperation, Iran announced the signing of a memorandum of understanding to establish a joint investment working group. This initiative builds on three foundational economic agreements: mutual investment protection, avoidance of double taxation, and customs cooperation. Three sessions have already been held, with the latest concluding during the 17th summit in Shiraz.
Engineering, Energy, and Infrastructure
Iranian companies are poised to play a significant role in Tajikistan’s infrastructure development. Madanizadeh outlined opportunities for collaboration in construction, road building, housing, and urban development. He also emphasized Iran’s capabilities in engineering and technical services, noting that their presence in Tajikistan would facilitate the transfer of expertise and accelerate project execution.
In the energy sector, Iran proposed joint ventures in hydropower plant construction, electricity transmission lines connecting Tajikistan, Afghanistan, and Iran, and renewable energy initiatives. These projects align with Tajikistan’s National Development Strategy 2016–2030, which prioritizes structural reforms, investment climate improvement, and digital connectivity.
Digital Economy and Knowledge-Based Growth
Iran’s commitment to supporting Tajikistan’s digital transformation was another focal point of the discussions. Madanizadeh announced Iran’s readiness to help establish a joint science and technology park and promote knowledge-based companies. He also proposed collaborative efforts to digitalize Tajikistan’s economy, leveraging Iran’s experience in tech innovation and smart infrastructure.
The Iranian private sector is equally engaged, with over 160 Iranian-funded companies currently active in Tajikistan. Madanizadeh emphasized the importance of exchanging specialized delegations and increasing Iranian traders’ awareness of the Tajik market. He described the Dushanbe Investment Forum as a valuable platform for mutual understanding and engagement.
Trade Growth and Future Targets
Bilateral trade between Iran and Tajikistan has witnessed remarkable growth, rising from $57 million in 2019 to over $377 million in 2024. This includes $114.5 million in Tajik exports to Iran and $263.2 million in Iranian exports to Tajikistan. Both countries are now pursuing an ambitious target of $1 billion in trade volume.
The volume of transported goods and services in 2024 has increased 3.2 times compared to two years ago, reflecting the dynamism of the partnership. Key sectors of cooperation include agriculture, energy, technology, and mineral resources.
Tajikistan’s Economic Outlook
Tajikistan’s economy is on an upward trajectory, with an 8.4% GDP growth in 2024, reaching $14.2 billion, and a projected 6.7% growth in 2025. The country offers substantial potential in agriculture, hydropower, mineral resources, and tourism. Its strategic location and commitment to regional integration make it a vital gateway for Iran to access Central Asian and Eurasian markets.
Conclusion: A Shared Vision for the Future
The Dushanbe International Investment Forum has not only showcased Tajikistan’s investment potential but also reaffirmed the strength of Iran–Tajikistan relations. Through high-level meetings, strategic proposals, and concrete agreements, both nations have demonstrated their resolve to build a resilient, forward-looking partnership rooted in shared values and mutual interests.
As the forum continues, the Iranian delegation’s active engagement is expected to yield new collaborations that will shape the economic landscape of the region for years to come.
Hossein Amiri - ahmad shirzadian
