Tajik political scientist Abdughani Mamadazimov believes that an international air cargo hub in Danghara could be one of the new flagship projects for consideration by China, or other interested parties.  

More than 85% of global freight is transported by sea, approximately 10% by land, and only 3-5% by air.  However, the dynamics of global freight transportation are gradually changing. The expansion of microchip production, mobile phones, and luxury goods is increasing the relevance and expansion of air freight, Mamadazimov noted.

Obvious benefits

According to him, these and other factors indicate that Tajikistan's political leadership or leading business structures should explore the possibility of building a transcontinental cargo center (air hub) in Danghara with the participation of Chinese airlines (possibly China Southern Airlines) in cooperation with interested airlines from Southeast Asia.  “Building an air hub at the crossroads of major air flows between the dynamically developing regions of Europe and East Asia is a more profitable and promising venture than creating a modern competitive airline, which could be undertaken after establishing an innovative airport and relevant infrastructure,” the expert said.

Roghun's support

The commissioning of the Roghun hydropower plant and the Kashgar-Dushanbe-Samarkand railway, along with Chinese capital, reportedly can provide substantial support for this project.  “The Danghara air hub will enhance the potential not only of southern Tajikistan but also of the entire southern Central Asia, which is less developed compared to other parts of this young region,” said Mamadazimov.  “Additionally, it will soon strengthen the region's connectivity with post-conflict Afghanistan, which is seeking its place in the division of labor and business at the crossroads of Central and South Asia.”

According to him, the growing place in the assortment of global air cargo for modern microchips, mobile communication devices, luxury consumer goods, and others, in turn, pushes for the creation of modern innovative multimodal cargo centers or hubs for timely or even preemptive delivery of goods and their components.

Increasing domestic gold mining and processing of precious stones and metals, with the subsequent creation of a new promising jewelry industry, reportedly also highlights the need for this air hub.

Long-term Prospects

The expert notes that the environmentally friendly agricultural products of Tajikistan, which are in high demand in global markets, present another case. “Cherries, apricots, peaches, plums, and lemons are all highly valued, and for their export, the construction of this air hub is necessary,” Mamadazimov said, noting that the Danghara air hub could deliver these sought-after products to the prospective markets of the Persian Gulf countries or the billion-strong markets of India and China within hours.

He further noted that as the global demand, especially in nearby regions (East and South Asia and the Middle East), for clean bottled water increases, “there is an incentive for us, as pioneers in promoting clean water worldwide, to increase the production volumes of clean mountain-glacial water.”

“Currently, our country is not effectively connected to regional and global markets, but this air hub will ensure a gradual and smooth entry into these promising markets,” said the political scientist.  “The creation of the Danghara air hub will allow our country, which shows good GDP growth rates, to smoothly enter the modern division of labor and services and finally overcome the lack of professionalism and provincial peripherality.”

“Regional competition and global trends with an innovative approach will gradually involve us in the modern processes of the global world.  If the "Kashgar-Dushanbe-Samarkand" railway firmly connects us with our closest neighbors, then the Danghara air hub will serve as our "promising window" to the whole of Eurasia.”

Danghara is a town in in Khatlon province.  In 2012, there were rumors that Danghara, which is President Emomali Rahmon’s hometown, might be the target of a plan to relocate the country's capital city. The rumors were spurred by the fact that a new international airport was being constructed in the area. Additionally, a major rail line was rerouted and the town's roads renovated.  Danghara is located 150 kilometers from Dushanbe.  The airport scheme is not the only reason Danghara’s residents were talking up their town as a possible successor capital.  They pointed to other unusual capital projects that Tajikistan’s government has brought to the area, including a complete renovation of the town’s roads and extensive building construction.  Townspeople speaking to RFE/RL at that time also noted that over the last decade, the government has steadily relocated families from the countryside to Danghara.

Even some government officials close to Emomali Rahmon in 2012 supported support the move of the capital from Dushanbe to Danghara.  For now, they are keeping mum on the topic.