Tajikistan President Emomali Rahmon has proposed Saudi Arabia to establish a joint fund to finance major investment projects.

The Tajik president’s official website says this initiative was discussed at Emomali Rahmon’s meeting with Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Investment Khalid Al-Falih, which took place on November 10 in Riyadh on the sidelines of the Extraordinary Joint Arab-Islamic Summit.

President Rahmon reportedly emphasized that developing trade and economic cooperation is a priority area within the strategic partnership between Tajikistan and Saudi Arabia.  

They, in particular, addressed the establishment of a joint fund aimed at financing large-scale investment projects in both countries, says a statement released by the Tajik president’s press service.  

The meeting reportedly also focused on expanding investment, technical, and cultural cooperation.  Key steps toward achieving this include regular intergovernmental commission meetings, business forums, and product exhibitions.

The parties also discussed potential joint projects in industries such as light manufacturing, food production, metallurgy, pharmaceuticals, energy, and agriculture.

During the meeting, they raised the idea of establishing modern logistics centers and joint manufacturing enterprises to enhance economic ties between the two nations.

President Rahmon also highlighted the importance of the direct flight route between Dushanbe and Jeddah, launched in March 2023, as a critical step in expanding business and cultural exchanges.

Both parties expressed hope for a new direct route between Dushanbe and Riyadh, which they believe would significantly increase the flow of tourists from Saudi Arabia to Tajikistan.

President Emomali Rahmon arrived in Riyadh on November 10 to participate in the Joint Arab-Islamic Summit.  

The Ministry of Investment (MISA) (previously the Saudi Arabian General Investment Authority SAGIA) is a Saudi Arabian government ministry that oversees foreign investment in the country by issuing licenses to foreign investors.  It was established as the General Investment Authority in 2000 during the reign of King Fahd and was transformed into a ministry in 2020 through a royal decree issued by King Salman.