At the third Economic Forum “European Union – Central Asia,” which concluded on November 26 in Uzbekistan’s capital, Tashkent, Tajikistan showcased a wide range of investment opportunities and strategic initiatives.
The country’s delegation was led by First Deputy Prime Minister Hokim Kholiqzoda, who participated in plenary sessions and thematic panels. In his speech, Kholiqzoda highlighted Tajikistan’s interest in engaging in joint projects with the EU focused on sustainable regional development. He emphasized the importance of industrial cooperation, digital transformation, and energy system modernization.
During the forum, Kholiqzoda held bilateral meetings with EU Commissioner for International Partnerships Jozef Sikela and European Investment Bank Vice-President Marek Mora. The parties discussed advancing infrastructure and energy projects, supporting the green economy, and expanding investment partnerships.
Sulton Rahimzoda, Chairman of the State Committee for Investment and State-owned Property Management (GosKomInvest), spoke at a roundtable on the business and investment environment. He noted that Tajikistan is steadily implementing reforms to improve the business climate, protect investor rights, and attract foreign capital.
Rahimzoda emphasized that simplifying administrative procedures, developing business support infrastructure, and strengthening legal protections are key priorities of the country’s investment policy. He also noted that the EU remains a strategic partner for Tajikistan, particularly in sectors such as manufacturing, energy, transport, tourism, and digital technologies.
Expert sessions and EU investment plans
Other Tajik officials also took an active part in the forum’s expert sessions. Ulughbek Umarzoda, First Deputy Chairman of the Committee for Construction and Architecture under the Government of Tajikistan, spoke at a panel on enhancing professional skills in Central Asia.
Hakim Ismoilzoda, First Deputy Director of the Agency for Innovation and Digital Technologies under the Government of Tajikistan, joined a discussion on regional integration.
The European Union, in turn, presented several new initiatives aimed at strengthening resource security and promoting sustainable development in the region. EU Commissioner Jozef Sikela announced the launch of the following projects:
· DATA4CRM (€7.5 million) — to modernize geodata systems;
· SECURE CRM (€3 million) — to implement international resource management standards;
· GROW CRM (€3 million) — in cooperation with the EBRD, aimed at developing new projects and improving regulatory frameworks.
As part of environmental and social initiatives, a project to restore the Aral Sea region was presented: a grant of €8.8 million, along with €20 million in loans each from the EIB and AFD.
Security-focused programs are also ongoing — BOMCA (€12 million) and CADAP (€18 million).
According to Sikela, under the Global Gateway initiative, the EU is assembling a €12 billion investment package for Central Asia. The funding will target transport infrastructure, green energy, water management, digitalization, and the development of critical raw materials.
