The President of Tajikistan Emomali Rahmon held a high-level meeting here with Sultan Al-Marshad, the Chief Executive Officer of the Saudi Fund for Development (SFD), to discuss the expansion of financial cooperation and support for major infrastructure and social projects in Tajikistan.
According to the presidential press service, the talks focused on strengthening bilateral collaboration through increased investment in priority social and economic initiatives. The two sides reviewed current and future areas of cooperation and highlighted the importance of strategic development financing.
Key sectors for cooperation
Special attention was given to the Saudi Fund’s involvement in large-scale infrastructure programs in Tajikistan. Among the key sectors discussed: education and healthcare; transportation infrastructure; hydropower development; and water resource management.
President Rahmon emphasized the critical importance of these sectors for the country’s long-term growth and social stability.
Support for Roghun and Kulob projects
During the meeting, President Rahmon expressed deep gratitude to the government of Saudi Arabia and the Saudi Fund for Development for their continued support, especially:
- US$100 million in financial assistance for the construction of the Roghun Hydropower Plant, a cornerstone project for Tajikistan’s energy independence;
- US$30 million allocated for the ring road project in the city of Kulob, aimed at improving regional connectivity.
Commitment to strategic partnership
Both sides reaffirmed their mutual interest in deepening cooperation and accelerating the implementation of socially impactful and infrastructure-driven initiatives. The President and SFD leadership agreed on the need to:
· Diversify formats of collaboration
· Leverage the full potential of bilateral ties
· Enhance the efficiency and impact of funded projects
The meeting concluded with a shared confidence in the progressive development of Tajikistan–Saudi Fund relations, guided by principles of strategic partnership and mutual trust.
This high-level engagement is part of Tajikistan’s broader efforts to attract sustainable foreign investment and foster long-term development through international partnerships.
The Saudi Fund for Development (SFD) is a Saudi Arabian government agency that assists developing countries by financing social and infrastructure projects. Its development program seeks to support the economies of recipient countries by enhancing economic growth and promoting job opportunities. It also administers loans and grants extended by the Saudi government to developing countries. The SFD was established in 1974 and began operations in 1975. As of today, it is reportedly involved in approximately 3,750 projects across 71 countries.
