During the Dushanbe Invest–2025 International Investment Forum, the 5th meeting of the Joint Intergovernmental Commission between the Republic of Tajikistan and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia was held, focusing on economic, trade, investment, technical, and cultural cooperation, according to Khovar news agency.

The meeting, led by Sulton Rahimzoda, Chairman of the State-owned Committee for Investments and State Property Management of Tajikistan, and Khalid Al-Falih, Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Investment, explored key areas for enhancing bilateral relations in sectors such as economy, entrepreneurship, energy, industry, education, culture, and artificial intelligence.

Expanding strategic cooperation

Both sides expressed mutual interest in further expanding trade and economic ties and implementing joint projects in strategic sectors, including light and textile industries, tourism, pharmaceuticals, construction materials, mineral processing, and energy.

A major development in the relationship was the launch of a direct flight route between Dushanbe and Jeddah, expected to boost tourism and strengthen economic cooperation between the two countries.

Strengthening the Business Council and key projects

Special attention was given to the Tajik-Saudi Business Council, established in 2024. Participants agreed that the council would serve as a key platform for deepening business and investment cooperation between the two nations.

Sulton Rahimzoda highlighted the strong ties between Tajikistan and Saudi Arabia, noting that Saudi Arabia was one of the first countries to finance the Roghun Hydropower Plant, contributing US$100 million through the Saudi Fund for Development. He also emphasized the kingdom’s active involvement in other large projects, including CASA-1000, and initiatives supported through the Islamic Development Bank in areas like land irrigation, drinking water provision, and education.

Saudi Arabia’s commitment to continued cooperation

In his remarks, Khalid Al-Falih expressed Saudi Arabia's readiness to further expand economic and investment cooperation with Tajikistan, highlighting the significant potential for mutually beneficial relations between the two countries.

Key agreements and memoranda

At the end of the meeting, the Protocol of the 5th Joint Intergovernmental Commission was signed, along with two memoranda of understanding aimed at enhancing trade and economic interaction and developing joint projects in priority sectors.

A high-ranking delegation from Saudi Arabia, including representatives from both the public and private sectors, as well as leaders of major Saudi companies, arrived in Tajikistan to participate in the forum, which began on October 14.

Trade growth between the two nations

According to Tajikistan’s Customs Service, the bilateral trade between the two countries has shown steady growth in recent years.  Over the first eight months of 2025, a two-way trade between Tajikistan and Saudi Arabia has valued at over US$568 million.  This consisted of Tajikistan’s exports to Saudi Arabia estimated at US$236.7 and Tajikistan’s imports from Saudi Arabia worth US$331 million.  

From 2020 to 2025, total trade between Tajikistan and Saudi Arabia reportedly exceeded US$1.9 billion.