The Russian Ministry of Transport is proposing the construction of new logistics hubs and warehouse complexes in Tajikistan to enhance the efficiency of freight transportation, Russia’s state-run news agency TASS reported on October 10, citing Dmitry Zverev, State Secretary and Deputy Minister of Transport of the Russian Federation.
Zverev reportedly highlighted the need for these facilities during the roundtable, entitled "Trade, Economic, and Investment Cooperation between Tajikistan and Russia,", which recently held in Dushanbe.
He explained that to improve the efficiency of logistics chains—especially in terms of establishing new routes and consolidating goods for projects like "Agroexpress"—it is essential to build hubs and Class A and B+ warehouse complexes in Tajikistan to facilitate cargo accumulation.
Zverev also mentioned that this would lead to significant changes in rail freight rates, making transportation more accessible for consumers and shippers. He noted that rail freight traffic between Tajikistan and Russia increased by 29% in 2023 and remained steady in the first eight months of 2024, which he called a "positive indicator."
Furthermore, Zverev pointed out that the annual volume of road freight transportation between the two countries is around 150,000 tons. He sees potential for substantial growth in this sector, emphasizing the need for cargo consolidation centers in Tajikistan, potentially developed in cooperation with Russian entrepreneurs.
It is important to note that Russia is Tajikistan's largest trading partner, accounting for one-fifth of the country's foreign trade turnover.
According to data of the Agency for Statistics under the President of Tajikistan, a two-way trade between Tajikistan and Russia in January-August 2024 has valued at US$1.268.6 billion, which is 14 percent more than in the same period last year. Imports from Russia made up 94.5% of the bilateral trade between the two countries.
