Tajikistan and Russia aim to increase bilateral trade 2.5 times by 2030, officials said following a meeting of the Intergovernmental Commission on Economic Cooperation in Dushanbe on October 1.
The meeting was co-chaired by Tajik Prime Minister Qohir Rasoulzoda and Russian Deputy Prime Minister Marat Khusnullin. The sides discussed trade, investment, energy, transport and digitalization, Tajik state-run news agency Khovar reported.
According to Khusnullin, bilateral trade between the two countries increased by 25% in the first half of 2026, reaching 75 billion Russian rubles. Russian exports to Tajikistan reportedly grew by more than 26%, while imports from Tajikistan increased by 3.8%.
The two countries have also almost completely switched to settlements in national currencies, while freight traffic between them increased by 12.6% in 2026, Khusnullin said.
The sides discussed expanding supplies of Tajik agricultural and food products and bringing national standards closer together for organic and halal product certification.
According to the Tajik side, bilateral trade reached a record $2.47 billion in 2025. The officials also stressed the need to expand investment cooperation and establish joint ventures, including in raw-material processing.
AI, smart cities and cybersecurity
The talks also covered cooperation in nuclear energy, transport and logistics, culture, education and digital technologies.
Khusnullin said Russia and Tajikistan would work with representatives of Moscow on smart-city technologies, artificial intelligence and cybersecurity.
“Together with representatives of Moscow, we will address issues related to the ‘smart city’, artificial intelligence and cybersecurity,” he said, adding that Moscow had experience to share in these areas.
Nuclear energy document signed
At the end of the meeting, the sides signed the minutes of the Intergovernmental Commission.
Khusnullin also announced the signing of a separate document on nuclear energy. Its title, contents and specific agreements have not yet been disclosed.
The Russian deputy prime minister invited Tajikistan to participate in the Russia — Islamic World: KazanForum international economic forum in 2027.
Khusnullin described Russia and Tajikistan as strategic partners and allies, saying bilateral cooperation covers trade, industry, energy, transport, construction, education and culture.
National theatre impresses Russian guest
During his visit to Dushanbe, Khusnullin also toured Tajikistan’s newly opened National Theater, which began operating in August 2026 as part of events marking the country’s 35th anniversary of independence.
He praised the scale and architecture of the building and said he had observed significant changes in Dushanbe during previous visits, describing the city as becoming more modern and comfortable.
