President of Tajikistan Emomali Rahmon participated in the Central Asia plus Japan Dialogue Summit held in Tokyo, emphasizing sustainable development, regional cooperation, and the expansion of strategic partnerships with Japan, the Tajik president’s official website reported in the morning of December 20..
In his keynote speech, President Rahmon expressed his gratitude to the Government of Japan for its continued support in implementing vital projects across various sectors in Tajikistan, including the economy, infrastructure, transport, energy, agriculture, ecology, health, education, and sanitation.
Stressing the importance of the green economy in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals, Rahmon reportedly welcomed Japanese investment and technology to advance green energy initiatives and bolster Tajikistan’s real economy, particularly hydropower development. He noted the country’s ongoing transition toward a green industrial policy and the adoption of innovative, eco-friendly technologies in key production sectors.
“Japan’s contributions to small and medium-sized projects have been vital,” Rahmon stated, underlining the need for Japanese involvement in large-scale, nationally and regionally significant initiatives. He identified hydropower, mining, light and food industries, chemical and pharmaceutical sectors, mechanical engineering, and metallurgy as priority areas for investment.
Highlighting Tajikistan’s vast natural resources, the President reiterated the country’s readiness to cooperate with Japanese partners in resource extraction and processing. He also raised pressing environmental concerns such as climate change, droughts, floods, dust storms, and mudslides, urging collective efforts to protect ecosystems and water resources.
“We understand well how important it is to protect water resources as a source of life, food security, energy, and sustainable development,” he said, reaffirming Tajikistan’s leadership in global water diplomacy.
Rahmon invited international participation in the upcoming High-Level International Conference under the “Dushanbe Water Process,” scheduled for May 2026. He also expressed interest in joint efforts in biodiversity conservation, waste management, and climate adaptation.
Digital innovation featured prominently in his remarks. The President highlighted Tajikistan’s keen interest in artificial intelligence and digital technologies for scientific research, environmental monitoring, and efficient resource management. He called for support for Tajikistan’s proposed UN resolution on AI’s role in sustainable development in Central Asia.
Addressing logistical challenges faced by landlocked countries, Rahmon emphasized the need to enhance regional transport connectivity. He proposed the development of logistics centers and agro-logistical hubs in northern and southern Tajikistan to boost transit trade and economic integration.
Education and capacity building also featured as key areas of cooperation, with Rahmon commending Japan as a reliable partner in training specialists through programs such as JICA and JDS. He called for expanded collaboration in technical education, green technology adoption, and the establishment of research labs in hydropower, sustainable agriculture, and natural hazard management.
In closing, President Rahmon emphasized that the proposals presented during the summit reflect a shared vision for peace, mutual respect, and sustainable progress across the region.
