The head of Iran’s Trade Promotion Organization (TPO), Mohammad Ali Dehghan Dehnavi, visited Tajikistan alongside Industry, Mining, and Trade Minister Seyed Mohammad Atabak to discuss expanding industrial, mining, and trade cooperation between the two countries. The visit was at the invitation of Tajikistan’s Minister of Industry and New Technologies, Sherali Kabir.
Tehran Times reported on February 17 that key topics during the visit included boosting trade in pharmaceuticals, medical equipment, construction materials, and exploring a preferential trade agreement. Dehghan Dehnavi’s agenda also includes talks on a potential preferential trade agreement and the development of joint industrial and mining projects. The Tajik delegation is expected to present further details and introduce relevant representatives.
Tehran Times notes that currently, bilateral trade between Iran and Tajikistan stands at about $500 million, with officials optimistic that it could reach $1 billion through enhanced economic collaboration.
An Iranian trade delegation is accompanying the ministers to promote Iran's export capabilities and expand commercial ties. Additionally, the two countries have taken steps to simplify trade by lifting the visa regime for international truck drivers, effective from March 2026. This allows Tajik and Iranian truck drivers to cross each other's borders without a visa.
The visa waiver agreement for land borders was discussed in April 2025 during a meeting between Tajik President Emomali Rahmon and Iranian Minister of Interior Eskandar Momeni. The initiative aims to foster smoother travel conditions for citizens of both nations. Previously, in 2025, the visa regime for air travel was fully lifted, allowing citizens of both countries to travel for up to 30 days within a 90-day period.
Tajikistan has also emphasized expanding cooperation with Iran in civil aviation. Following a joint safety oversight mission, Tajikistan praised Iran’s Civil Aviation Organization (CAO) for its technical expertise and commitment. The Iranian team assessed Tajikistan’s aviation safety system across eight core areas, including legislation, personnel licensing, and airworthiness, and provided recommendations to enhance oversight capacity ahead of an International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) audit in 2026.
In October 2025, the two countries addressed banking issues and established a joint investment task force to boost cooperation in energy, infrastructure, and agriculture. Collaboration in technical services, mining, infrastructure, agriculture, and knowledge-based industries remains a key focus.
The visa-free travel agreement has already bolstered cultural and medical tourism, along with business interactions, strengthening the cultural and historical ties between Tehran and Dushanbe. Analysts note that these deepening ties position Iran as a reliable partner for Tajikistan’s sustainable regional development, contributing significantly to both nations' economic and diplomatic growth, Tehran Times noted.
