President Emomali Rahmon’s recent visit to the U.S. has sparked renewed interest in the Tajik economy. In New York, a major investment forum showcased large-scale development projects to American companies from hydropower initiatives to green data centers.
U.S.-Central Asia Engagement via C5+1
An event titled Presentation on Tajikistan’s Investment Opportunities was held at the Vista LIC Hotel in New York. It was organized by the state-owned Tajinvest enterprise with support from the State Committee for Investment of Tajikistan and the U.S., Tajikistan Business Council. The gathering marked the tenth anniversary of the C5+1 platform, a regional framework for economic cooperation between the U.S. and Central Asia.
Timed to coincide with Rahmon’s official visit to Washington, the event was designed to promote Tajikistan’s economic potential to U.S. businesses.
Jonibek Ismoil Hikmat, Tajikistan’s permanent representative to the United Nations, opened the event with a speech emphasizing the country’s strategic aspirations.
“Today, we are creating a new Silk Road, not of caravans and goods, but of ideas, innovations, and investments,” he stated.
Elena Son, Executive Director of the U.S.-Tajikistan Business Council, encouraged American firms to more actively explore the Tajik market. She shared her experience accompanying major U.S. companies to Dushanbe, affirming that Tajikistan is increasingly ready for serious investment.
“They sometimes take a long time to get started, but once they do, no one can catch up with them,” she noted, describing the pace of Tajik partners once projects are underway.
Investment Mechanisms and Key Projects
Tajinvest CEO Dilshod Jurazoda delivered a presentation titled How to Invest in Tajikistan? He outlined legislative guarantees, investor support mechanisms, and the implementation of a One-Stop-Shop model within Tajinvest to streamline business entry.
Jurazoda highlighted a portfolio of strategic projects open to foreign investment, including:
- Dushanbe Mall
- Dushanbe Arena Hall
- Expo Center Dushanbe
- Sugdbarktaminot energy complex
- Mehrgon agro-cultural complex in Sughd
- Green data centers leveraging Tajikistan’s hydropower capacity
- Tourism infrastructure development projects
U.S. Businesses Signal Interest
The event featured interactive sessions, with participants pitching projects, engaging in open discussions, and networking in an informal setting.
Representatives of major U.S. investment and tech firms were in attendance, including Edward Mermelstein (Atlantic Bridge Capital), Val Kogan (Mid-Atlantic-Eurasia Business Council), Burke McCormack (Ardmore Capital), Mack Kerker and David Halpert (Penataran), Leon Nektalov (Leon Diamond), Sam Bousfield (Samson Sky), and Erkin Mustafokulov (United Bros LC).
The U.S. delegation stressed that direct dialogue with Tajik officials offered valuable insights into the local market and practical opportunities for cooperation.
The New York presentation underscored growing American interest in Tajikistan. With major projects on offer, abundant energy resources, and demonstrated government support, prospects for deepening bilateral economic ties appear increasingly favorable.
