Agricultural exports from Tajikistan to Russia have grown by approximately one-third over the first nine months, Izvestiya reports, citing Ms. Nigina Anvari, deputy Minister of Agriculture of Tajikistan.
"Over 70% of the trade balance between our two countries is comprised of agricultural products. Thus, in the first nine months of this year, Tajikistan's agricultural exports to Russia increased by more than 30%. At the same time, imports from Russia to Tajikistan rose by 38% compared to the same period in 2023," Ms. Anvari was quoted as saying.
Specifically, Tajikistan has boosted its exports of cotton fiber by 62%, fruits and vegetables by 47%, dried fruits by 60%, and dried apricots have doubled.
Tajikistan is reportedly eager to expand its exports and offers a diverse range of agricultural products. Tajik deputy minister of agriculture reportedly emphasized the need to strengthen cooperation in this area, suggesting the creation of a joint venture to streamline production and logistics chains for agricultural exports, not only to Russia but also to other countries. This would help Tajik producers access international markets with minimal costs and in compliance with global standards.
However, Tajikistan faces challenges with access to high-quality seeds and planting materials, which Russia is helping to address by supplying high-grade seeds to the country.
Growing bilateral engagement
Tajikistan and Russia have intensified their bilateral contacts in recent weeks. Since late September, high-profile Russian officials, including Prosecutor General Igor Krasnov and Deputy Prime Minister Marat Khusnullin, have visited Dushanbe.
A few days ago, Tajikistan’s President Emomali Rahmon and Foreign Minister Sirojiddin Muhriddin were in Moscow for meetings of the CIS Heads of State and Foreign Ministers.
In early October, a delegation from the Federation Council (Russia’s upper chamber of parliament), led by Speaker Valentina Matviyenko, paid an official visit to Dushanbe. Matviyenko stressed that cooperation with Tajikistan is among Russia’s foreign policy priorities, particularly in inter-parliamentary relations.
Russia remains Tajikistan’s largest trading partner, with bilateral trade exceeding $1.2 billion in the first eight months of 2024, 14.3 percent increase compared to the same period in 2023.
