Speaking at the Tajikistan-Iran Trade, Investment and Tourism Forum in Dushanbe,  Tajik President on January 16 outlined sectors like tourism and hydropower as areas, which could drive the bilateral trade between the two countries.  He especially invited Iranian investments in hydropower, according to the Tajik president’s official website.   

“The use of Tajikistan's hydropower potential will benefit not only the republic but also the countries of the region, including Iran," Emomali Rahmon stated.  

He noted that currently only 5% of Tajikistan's hydropower potential is utilized, but plans are underway to significantly increase this figure in the future.

Rahmon reminded the audience that Tajikistan ranks eighth globally in terms of total hydropower resources and second in per capita hydropower potential.  Furthermore, 98% of the country's electricity is generated from renewable sources, placing Tajikistan sixth in the world by this indicator.

Tajik president also emphasized that the government has introduced 110 trade and customs benefits and over 240 legal guarantees for investors.

"In our view, one of the key incentives for investing and doing business in Tajikistan is the opportunity to operate in line with modern global trends toward a 'green' economy," Rahmon said.

The president highlighted significant achievements in economic cooperation between the two countries, including projects such as the Sangtuda-2 Hydropower Plant, the Istiqlol Tunnel, and others.

"Notably, in 2024, a two-way trade between the two countries rose almost 50% compared to 2023.  This demonstrates significant potential for further development of economic ties," Rahmon added.

According to him, these projects contribute to strengthening friendly relations between the countries and their peoples.  The implementation of the program of economic and trade cooperation between the two countries for the period until 2030 is expected to yield tangible results.

Tajik president believes that the Joint Intergovernmental Commission for trade and Economic Cooperation, the Entrepreneurs' Council, and the Investment Committee will play key roles in strengthening bilateral cooperation.

The President of the Islamic Republic of Iran, Masoud Pezeshkian, for his part, reportedly emphasized the readiness and commitment of the Iranian Government and business and investment circles to strengthen and expand relations with Tajikistan, and called on both sides to find new and profitable ways of cooperation.

It is worth noting that the Tajikistan-Iran Trade, Economic, Investment and Tourism Forum began on January 15 with a Dialogue of representatives of the private sectors of the parties, and continued and successfully concluded on January 16 with the presence of the heads of state.

Based on the results of these activities, 13 cooperation documents were signed between entrepreneurs and investors of Tajikistan and Iran worth more than 450 million US dollars.

The Committee for Tourism Development under the Government of Tajikistan says six of those cooperation documents pertain to the tourism sector.

On the first day of the forum, Jamshed Jumakhonzoda, Chairman of Tajikistan’s Committee for Tourism Development, met with Reza Salehi Amiri, Minister of Cultural Heritage, Tourism and Handicrafts of Iran.  The parties discussed prospects for tourism development, attracting foreign tourists, and investment opportunities for improving tourism infrastructure. Particular attention was given to creating favorable conditions for mutual growth in tourist flows and sharing experiences in organizing tourism events. The participants emphasized the need to promote the cultural heritage of both countries to attract more travelers.