US - TAJIKISTAN
OUR MISSION
ADVANCING COMMERCIAL AND
INVESTMENT TIES BETWEEN
THE UNITED STATES AND TAJIKISTAN
ADVANCING COMMERCIAL AND
INVESTMENT TIES BETWEEN
THE UNITED STATES AND TAJIKISTAN
The main mission of the USTJBC is to advance its members’ commercial activities in Tajikistan and to encourage the American public and key decision-makers to develop stronger business relations with the people of Tajikistan.
Serving as a clearinghouse and driven by mutually beneficial interests, the USTJBC will provide practical views and share solutions with the governments and the private sectors of the United States and the Republic of Tajikistan on what can be done to further strengthen trade. These regular meetings with senior officials will be used as an advocacy tool to promote member-companies’ current and future business activities.
Tajikistan: a country with ancient history and vast opportunities
for strengthening cooperation with the USA
The Republic of Tajikistan and the United States of America share a history of more than thirty years of collaboration and productive partnership. Our nations have established dynamic structures and mechanisms for cooperation in key mutually beneficial areas. Over time, our countries' amicable relations and economic collaboration have grown and developed. Close to 30 agreements have been signed over these years to bolster our bilateral cooperation. Meanwhile, Americans have yet to discover a vast untapped potential and numerous opportunities, particularly in trade and economics, tourism, and cultural and humanitarian sectors.
Tajikistan, a country with ancient history, great intellectual and cultural heritage, abundant natural resources, especially water, sizeable human potential, and a unique geographical location in the "heart" of Central Asia, holds great importance for the region and the world. Historically, Tajikistan has been at the crossroads of several great civilizations and a part of various empires and dynasties, including the Achaemenid Empire, the Greco-Bactrian Kingdom, the Kushan Empire, and the Samanid Empire.
Tajikistan is home to several UNESCO World Heritage Sites, such as Proto-urban Site of Sarazm (inscribed in 2010), an ancient settlement that provides insights into early urbanization, Silk Roads: Zarafshan-Karakum Corridor (inscribed in 2023), a part of the historic Silk Road network, and the Tajik National Park (Mountains of the Pamirs) (inscribed in 2013), a pristine natural area in the Pamir Mountains.
These sites are recognized for their universal value and are protected under the World Heritage Convention. Tajikistan also has other locations on UNESCO's tentative list that are being considered for future nomination. These include the ancient towns of Takhti-Sangin, the Buddhist cloister of Ajina-Tepa, and the Hulbuk Fortress. The country's commitment to preserving its heritage is evident in its participation in international assistance requests and management strategies for World Heritage Sites.
These ancient historical sites are a testament to the dynamic nature of cultural evolution and the adaptability and creativity of human societies. They emphasize the importance of understanding cultural processes and their impact on the development of civilizations.
Americans can touch this ancient history in the Boulder-Dushanbe Tea House - a symbol of international friendship and cultural exchange, nestled in the heart of Boulder, Colorado. This unique establishment's history began in 1987, when a gift of a teahouse from Dushanbe, Tajikistan's capital, was announced to celebrate the newly established sister-city relationship with Boulder. From 1987 to 1990, over 40 artisans from various cities in Tajikistan meticulously crafted the teahouse's decorative elements. These included a hand-carved and hand-painted ceiling, tables, stools, columns, and exterior ceramic panels, showcasing patterns and skills passed down through generations – all references to the ancient history of Tajikistan.
The teahouse reflects antiquated artistic traditions from Central Asia, where such establishments serve as community hubs for social gatherings, chess games, and enjoying tea. The Boulder-Dushanbe Tea House is adorned with ancient art, characterized by natural motifs, pattern repetition, and vibrant colors. A standout feature is the colorful ceramic panels, which depict the "Tree of Life" enclosed by a mihrab motif, symbolizing the direction of Mecca. The teahouse sits along a brook, following the tradition of placing teahouses near water. The interior features hand-carved cedar pillars, traditional Tajik furniture, a fountain inspired by a 12th-century poem, and original oil paintings by a Tajik artist. The Boulder Valley Rose Society planted a rose garden, enhancing the teahouse's beauty and connection to nature. Today, the Boulder-Dushanbe Tea House stands as a testament to the collaborative spirit and cultural richness that can be achieved when people come together across continents, a celebration of global cooperation and cultural diversity, a symbol of friendship and collaboration between the Republic of Tajikistan and the USA.
The post-COVID era, compounded by severe global challenges and conflicts, emphasized a necessity for increased international cooperation, trust, and joint action, particularly in economic policy and cooperation. There is a pressing need for coordinated efforts to stabilize markets, ensure energy security, and support those most affected. Addressing these issues requires a concerted effort from governments, international organizations, and the private sector to implement policies that mitigate the adverse effects of the current crises and lay the groundwork for a resilient economic future.
Tajikistan's economic strategy in recent years has aimed at addressing existing and preventing potential financial challenges. It focuses on efficiently using available resources, industrializing the country, and creating new jobs. Additionally, priorities include:
Developing a 'green economy.
Accelerating the digitization of the economy.
Developing human resources.
Raising the competitiveness of domestic goods.
Bolstering export prospects.
Enhancing the quality of social services.
Accelerating the digitization of the economy.
Developing human resources.
Raising the competitiveness of domestic goods.
Bolstering export prospects.
Enhancing the quality of social services.
Under the National Development Strategy 2030 framework, the Government of Tajikistan is implementing comprehensive economic reforms to ensure prosperous growth and sustainable development. Throughout this process, Tajikistan has cooperated with esteemed international financial institutions and partners for many years. With their support, numerous investment projects and programs have been realized across different sectors of the national economy.
In 2023, Tajikistan's Gross Domestic Product increased by 8.3%. Over the past seven years, the GDP has grown by 1.5 times, with an average annual pace of 7.5%. To facilitate investment and business operations, the Government of Tajikistan, in collaboration with development partners and international experts, has enacted numerous laws and regulations to attract foreign companies. The reforms aim to increase transparency, improve the business and investment climate, simplify public service processes, reform the tax system, eliminate administrative barriers, and reduce the number of required permits and licenses. The nation's legislation offers over 200 different guarantees and tax and tariff preferences to investors and businesses. Notably, Tajikistan has been a member of the World Trade Organization since 2013.
Despite the absence of oil and gas reserves, Tajikistan boasts significant untapped hydropower resources. As a country rich in water, it generates 96% of its electricity from hydropower facilities, ranking it among the top six nations worldwide in 'green energy' production. The hydropower sector, a renewable energy source, presents vast opportunities for lucrative investments. Tajikistan's total hydropower potential exceeds 520 billion kWh, with 95% of this capacity still available for development and investment. Investors have the potential to realize considerable economic benefits by engaging in energy sector projects.
Tajikistan's export potential is anchored in the supply of primary aluminum and its products, minerals, precious metals, electricity, cotton goods, fresh and dried fruits, vegetable products, processed agricultural items, and medicinal herbs. Housing some of the largest mineral deposits in Central Asia, Tajikistan has explored significant reserves of lead, zinc, antimony, tungsten, tin, and rare earth metals. The country stands out for its substantial noble metal reserves, including 28 known gold deposits. Notably, the Great Konimansur, one of the world's largest silver deposits, is distinguished by its exceptional reserves.
Tajikistan ranks 130th in global greenhouse gas emissions, indicating that its per capita emissions are among the lowest worldwide—a significant contribution to tackling global environmental challenges. The goal is to attain a 100% 'green energy' electricity supply by 2032. Tajikistan takes pride in declaring that all products bearing the 'Made in Tajikistan' trademark are manufactured using clean energy.
Today, five free economic zones are operational in Tajikistan, hosting hundreds of successful business entities. Notably, entities within Free Economic Zones are exempt from all taxes and customs duties, except social and income taxes for employees.
Tajikistan, known for its location in one of the most densely populated regions of the world, offers a vast consumer market. The industrial sector also presents promising opportunities for cooperation. The country's rich natural resources, particularly water and considerable human potential, create substantial opportunities to produce and export competitive industrial products using modern, energy-efficient technologies. Entrepreneurs have promising prospects in machinery, chemicals, textiles, and others. As Tajikistan continues its extensive industrialization, the agrarian sector remains pivotal to its development. With over 70% of the population residing in rural areas and agriculture providing 60% of employment, investments in this sector and the introduction of technology and agricultural machinery could prove highly profitable for investors.
Tourism presents a unique opportunity for collaboration. Tajikistan boasts numerous historical and cultural sites, a favorable climate, breathtaking natural beauty, and unique landscapes that appeal to tourists.
It is pleasing to note that one of the most effective platforms is the US-Tajikistan Business Council. Thanks to the business-to-business (B2B) and business-to-government (B2G) discussions, the Tajik Government has increased interest in mutually beneficial cooperation between American companies and Tajik partners. We hope to soon witness how various business ideas can be transformed into real projects.
We invite you to explore the depths of Tajikistan, a land steeped in ancient heritage and unique traditions, offering a broad, unexplored market potential.
Embassy of the Republic of Tajikistan to the United States of America
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