Uzbekistan–Tajikistan Trade Quadruples Since 2017, Experts See Further Growth Through Industrial Cooperation
Dushanbe, The Gulf Observer: Trade between Uzbekistan and Tajikistan has increased nearly fourfold between 2017 and 2025, rising from $238 million to $912 million, according to participants at an international conference held in Tashkent.
The figures were highlighted during the international scientific-practical conference titled “Uzbekistan–Tajikistan: New Perspectives for Alliance and Regional Cooperation,” organized by the International Institute of Central Asia and the Center for Strategic Research under the President of Tajikistan. The event took place on March 12 and brought together government officials, diplomats, academics, and experts from both countries.
Participants noted that Uzbek exports to Tajikistan have increased 3.7 times, while Tajik exports to Uzbekistan have grown more than fourfold over the same period, reflecting the rapid expansion of bilateral economic cooperation.
Speaking at the conference, Khurshed Asadov, Deputy Director of the Center for Economic Research and Reforms (CER), stated that two-way trade could grow by an additional 30–40 percent if Tajikistan replaces imports from third countries with products manufactured in Uzbekistan.
Asadov emphasized that industrial cooperation, particularly in agriculture, agrologistics, and transport infrastructure development, would play a crucial role in strengthening trade relations and boosting economic integration between the two neighboring states.
The conference also addressed broader areas of bilateral cooperation, including economy, transport, culture, and education, with a strong focus on expanding trade ties and industrial collaboration.
Akramjon Nematov, First Deputy Director of the Institute for Strategic and Interregional Research under the President of Uzbekistan, proposed the establishment of a joint industrial and technological space between the two countries. According to him, such cooperation could reduce dependence on external economic shocks, replace costly imports, and improve the global competitiveness of both economies.
Nematov added that closer industrial collaboration could also open new opportunities for accessing third-country markets, particularly in Afghanistan and South Asia.
Experts also stressed the importance of strengthening cooperation in the energy sector, including the modernization of irrigation systems and the construction of small hydroelectric power stations to address the challenges posed by climate change.
The development of renewable energy projects, such as solar and wind power plants, as well as the digitalization of agriculture in border areas, were highlighted as key priorities. These initiatives are expected to improve water management and introduce precision farming technologies.
According to conference participants, the establishment of agro-industrial clusters in border regions could significantly increase trade in agricultural products by reducing logistics costs. Diversifying agricultural production—from cotton to more profitable crops such as nuts, almonds, berries, and greenhouse vegetables—was also identified as an important step for future growth.
The conference concluded with discussions on shaping a new model of Uzbek–Tajik relations, based on strategic pragmatism, shared historical and cultural ties, and long-term development goals. Participants emphasized that stronger bilateral cooperation would not only enhance the economic prospects of both countries but also contribute to the stability and resilience of the broader Central Asian region.
The event featured three thematic sessions focusing on allied partnership, mutually beneficial cooperation in key sectors, and strengthened interaction in multilateral regional formats.
