Tajikistan intends to increase its exports to Europe, particularly through trade preferences. This was stated by the President of Tajikistan, Emomali Rahmon, in his speech at the Central Asia-European Union summit in Samarkand on April 4, according to the Tajik president’s official website.
“We aim to further expand the export of products from Tajik producers to European markets, including by utilizing mutual trade preferences," he said.
The President of Tajikistan emphasized the importance of attracting European investments in various sectors of the economy, including energy, industry, and agriculture.
He highlighted that relations with the EU at all levels—bilateral and multilateral—remain a top priority of Tajikistan's foreign policy. He also noted the key role of the "Roadmap for Deepening Cooperation between Central Asia and the European Union," which has become the foundation for expanding interregional cooperation and connectivity.
The issue of sustainable energy development was one of the central topics in Emomali Rahmon's speech. He reportedly pointed out that for Tajikistan, the energy sector, particularly renewable energy sources, is essential not only for meeting national needs but also for regional cooperation.
Tajikistan is interested in cooperation with the EU in the field of green energy, as well as the modernization of hydropower infrastructures, such as the Nurek hydropower plant (HPP) and Qairoqqum HPP as well as the construction of the Sebzor HPP. The President emphasized the importance of renewable energy sources and stated that Tajikistan plans to increase the share of electricity generated from solar and wind sources to 10% of the total by 2030.
Furthermore, Rahmon expressed confidence that the EU would actively participate in international initiatives, such as glacier protection, as well as in the development of infrastructure, including the CASA-1000 project for electricity transmission to South Asia.
The President reminded that the first international high-level conference on glacier protection will be held in Dushanbe in May, with the expected participation of European and regional partners.
Speaking about interregional ties, Emomali Rahmon noted that cooperation in education, tourism, and cultural exchanges is an important factor in deepening mutual understanding and expanding connections between peoples. In this context, he expressed interest in opening branches of European universities in Tajikistan and increasing quotas for education in European universities.
