Around 500 business representatives from Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan gathered in Dushanbe on July 8 for a major business forum held on the sidelines of Kyrgyz President Sadyr Japarov’s state visit to Tajikistan.
Speaking at the event, Tajik President Emomali Rahmon highlighted the recent growth in bilateral trade and expanding economic and cultural ties between the two nations. He emphasized that the agreements reached during the forum would serve as a solid foundation for deepening cooperation based on principles of good neighborliness and lasting friendship.
“The outcomes of this forum will add new practical dimensions to our bilateral relationship,” Rahmon noted.
President Japarov echoed this sentiment, calling the event a continuation of recent political agreements and a step toward a new level of economic partnership. He pointed to the signing of a historic border agreement in March and the adoption of the Khujand Declaration of Eternal Friendship as milestones in Tajik-Kyrgyz relations.
“Today’s agenda focuses on increasing trade, deepening industrial cooperation, developing joint infrastructure projects, and actively engaging regional actors in trade and investment processes,” Japarov stated. He also reassured participants that both governments are committed to creating favorable and predictable conditions for business and investment.
Numerous contracts were signed during the forum, particularly between tourism companies from both countries, which inked nine cooperation agreements during B2B meetings. Entrepreneurs discussed joint tourist routes and strategies to attract foreign tourists.
Business leaders also agreed to collaborate in transportation, logistics, industry, and energy.
According to Tajikistan’s State Committee on Investment and State-owned Property Management (GosKomInvest), the forum led to several key outcomes:
- Signing of multiple agreements on trade, economic, and investment cooperation between enterprises and relevant agencies;
- Discussion of joint projects in energy infrastructure, transport, and light industry;
- Plans for future B2B and B2G (business-to-government) meetings, product exhibitions, and the creation of coordination mechanisms between business communities and state bodies to ensure long-term cooperation.
Official statistics show that bilateral trade between Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan totaled just over US$6 million over the first five months of 2025. Tajikistan imported approximately US$4.7 million worth of goods from Kyrgyzstan and exported over US$1.3 million in return.
