At the 10th Meeting of Agriculture Ministers of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) member nations, which was held in Kunming, China on July 29, Tajikistan and Belarus reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening agricultural cooperation. The talks took place between Tajik Agriculture Minister Qurbon Hakimzoda and his Belarusian counterpart, Yuri Gorlov.
According to the Tajik Ministry of Agriculture (MoA), the two ministers discussed expanding trade and economic ties with a focus on modernizing the agro-industrial sector — a growing priority among SCO member states.
Core priorities of cooperation
The discussions centered on joint ventures for processing agricultural products. The ministers emphasized the establishment of facilities for processing meat, milk, fruits, and vegetables, the development of pedigree livestock for meat and dairy, and the enhancement of agricultural machinery production.
A key highlight was support for Tajikistan’s state-owned company "Agrotekhservice" in Hisor, where GS-5 brand tractors and combine harvesters are assembled. This was identified as a promising area for future investment and technology transfer.
The sides also explored cooperation in horticulture, viticulture, seed production, and poultry farming. They addressed the importance of adapting agriculture to climate change and combating pests — critical issues as weather risks grow in the region.
Education emerged as a strategic focus. According to agronews.com, 11 Tajik students are currently studying agricultural sciences in Belarus, and both countries expressed interest in expanding this program. Developing skilled agricultural professionals is seen as vital to the resilience of the agro-industrial sector.
Growing trade ties: key figures and focus areas
Over the first five months of 2025, a two-way trade between Tajikistan and Belarus has grown by 34.8% compared to the same period in 2024.
Belarus exports sugar, powdered milk, meat products, livestock, and eggs to Tajikistan, while importing dried fruits, cotton yarn, and textiles in return. Belarusian officials have expressed interest in increasing imports of Tajik dried fruits.
A new dimension of cooperation involves the Agency for Special Property Supply under the Government of Tajikistan. In 2025 alone, 20 contracts were signed for the supply of canned fish, chilled beef, and pedigree cattle. These agreements are expected to strengthen logistics and technology ties and support the development of specialized supply chains between the two nations.
Upcoming meetings in Dushanbe
Looking ahead, Dushanbe is set to host two major events from September 17 to 20, 2025: the 18th meeting of the Tajikistan-Belarus Intergovernmental Commission for Trade and Economic Cooperation and the 37th meeting of the CIS Council of Agriculture Ministers.
These events are expected to feature active participation from the private sector, the signing of new agreements, and expanded business connections.
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