TASHKENT, Uzbekistan, June 17. Tajikistan and
Uzbekistan plan to increase trade turnover to $2 billion by 2028,
expanding bilateral economic initiatives and cross-border
commercial partnerships, Prime Minister of Tajikistan Kohir
Rasulzoda said at the opening of the 5th Tashkent International
Investment Forum (TIIF 2026), Trend's special correspondent reports.


"Thanks to the far-sighted policy and firm will of the leaders
of our countries - Emomali Rahmon and Shavkat Mirziyoyev - the
borders between our states have become bridges of friendship, and
the economic space has become a field for implementing large-scale
joint initiatives. To attract investment, alongside benefits,
preferences, and favorable conditions, the political will of state
leaders is of immense significance," he said.


Rasulzoda noted that the trade turnover between Tajikistan and
Uzbekistan grew from $70 million to $1 billion in a short
period.


"Today, the governments face the task of bringing it to $2
billion by 2028," he added.


The Prime Minister also pointed out that cargo transportation by
road between the two countries has increased 100-fold. Furthermore,
Rasulzoda stated that 530 joint ventures are currently operating,
and this figure increases every year.


"All of this has made it possible to create hundreds of
thousands of additional new jobs and improve the welfare and living
standards of the two brotherly nations. To date, more than 130
enterprises with the participation of Uzbek capital operate in
Tajikistan. At the same time, the number of active companies with
Tajik investments in Uzbekistan has already exceeded 410. Our
partnership has reached a qualitatively new level. The clearest
confirmation of this trend is the fact that today, the private
sector of Tajikistan is already implementing investment projects in
Uzbekistan worth around $2 billion," he said.


Rasulzoda also shared details about Tajikistan's economic
achievements in recent years.







"At the end of 2025, GDP growth in the country stood at 8.4%. In
the current year of 2026, we are maintaining the bar at the level
of 8%. Over the past year, Tajikistan's economy attracted nearly $7
billion in foreign investment, which is 35% more than the previous
year. Interest in us is growing from all sides. Investments from
CIS countries increased by 54%, and from non-CIS countries by more
than 23%," the Prime Minister said.


As Rasulzoda noted, the main and undeniable advantage of
Tajikistan is the absolutely "green" foundation of its economy.


"We generate 98% of our electricity from hydroelectric power
plants and rank among the world's top six leaders in this
indicator. By 2032, we plan to reduce our carbon footprint to zero.
In a world where environmental standards are becoming stricter by
the day, Tajikistan offers investors a unique opportunity to
manufacture products with a 100-percent 'green' certificate," he
added.


The 5th anniversary TIIF 2026 began its work in the capital of
Uzbekistan on June 16, becoming a key platform for dialogue among
investors, government agencies, and international financial
organizations.


The anniversary forum is designed not only to consolidate
previous successes but also to expand the geography of
participants, deepen sector specialization, and strengthen the
practical orientation of the events. TIIF today serves as an
indicator of international capital trust and a platform for
integrating Uzbekistan into global value chains.