Tajikistan - The Times Of Central Asia

Viewing results 247 - 252 of 1486

Exports

Tajikistan Revises Export Duties to Boost Domestic Processing

The government of Tajikistan has approved revised export duties on raw materials and semi-processed goods, a move that has prompted considerable discussion within the business community. The changes, which directly affect exporters and producers, are intended to stimulate domestic processing and reduce the export of unrefined resources. The key reform replaces fixed tariffs with duties calculated as a percentage of a product’s market value. Previously, export duties were set at: €300 per ton for leather 20% or €100 per ton for silk and cocoons 10% for cotton fiber Under the new rules, export duties fluctuate with global market prices, allowing for more adaptive regulation. According to the Ministry of Economic Development and Trade, the reform is designed to promote higher-value production within Tajikistan. “The goal of this resolution is to reduce the export of raw materials and support the production of high-value goods,” said First Deputy Minister of Economic Development and Trade Ashurboy Solekhzoda. The revised duties apply to a range of commodities including cotton fiber, leather, silk, cocoons, minerals, concentrates, plant juices, and other semi-processed goods. However, around 34 categories of raw materials remain exempt from export duties. Tajikistan’s approach mirrors policies implemented in neighboring states. Kazakhstan imposes export duties on 44 product categories, including leather, wool, scrap metal, sunflower seeds, and oil. In Uzbekistan, export duties apply to over 86 types of goods, with some rates reaching as high as 100%. Such measures aim to reduce reliance on raw material exports, stimulate domestic value-added industries, and enhance export competitiveness. Economists and industry observers say the new policy could incentivize companies to expand local processing operations and reduce dependence on commodity exports. It may also enhance Tajikistan’s attractiveness to foreign investors interested in long-term, value-driven partnerships. Over time, the revised export framework is expected to help strengthen the national economy and integrate Tajikistan more deeply into regional supply chains across Central Asia.

Politics

From Reform to Deals: Central Asia Steps Onto the Global Stage at UNGA-80

Ecology, global instability, and the need for UN reform dominated the speeches of all five Central Asian presidents at the 80th session of the UN General Assembly. Presenting a united front while emphasizing national priorities, the leaders made clear that Central Asia intends to play a pivotal role in shaping the global future. UN Reform Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev was the first among the CIS leaders to address the assembly, speaking of a growing crisis of trust in multilateral institutions and calling for sweeping reforms. Tokayev emphasized the need to expand the UN Security Council, arguing that major powers from Asia, Africa, and Latin America must receive rotational representation, and that the influence of middle powers should be strengthened. “We need to create a new group of like-minded states that will professionally and decisively advance concrete proposals for reforming the UN so that it better responds to today’s challenges and tomorrow’s tasks,” he said, proposing Kazakhstan as a platform for these discussions. Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev echoed these concerns, highlighting the weakening of international institutions and the proliferation of global conflicts. He endorsed UN Secretary-General António Guterres’ UN-80 initiative and voiced support for the Pact for the Future, which sets out commitments to strengthen multilateral cooperation and address global challenges through 2045, the UN’s centenary. Mirziyoyev also advocated for an expanded Security Council to better represent developing countries. In his address, Kyrgyz President Sadyr Japarov called for a more just and representative Security Council, underscoring Africa’s right to greater participation. He also announced Kyrgyzstan’s candidacy for a non-permanent seat on the Security Council for 2027-2028, noting that his country has never before held such a position. Tajik President Emomali Rahmon warned of growing instability, uncertainty, and complexity in world affairs. Rahmon stressed the UN’s role as a platform for dialogue and cooperation and called for equal partnerships between large and small states to restore adherence to international law. Turkmen President Serdar Berdimuhamedov argued that the current global situation requires a "decisive shift toward coordinated interaction among states and international organizations to maintain peace and security.” He proposed declaring 2028 the Year of International Law to strengthen the legal foundations of global cooperation. Ecology and Finance On environmental issues, the Central Asian leaders focused on national and regional concerns. Tokayev addressed the ongoing shallowing of the Caspian Sea, while both he and Mirziyoyev raised the issue of the Aral Sea crisis, often described as "one of the world’s worst environmental disasters." Rahmon highlighted the rapid disappearance of glaciers, a point supported by Japarov, given the critical dependence of Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan on mountain water resources. Berdimuhamedov, meanwhile, proposed establishing a regional center for combating desertification in Central Asia. Other initiatives included the proposed Caspian Environmental Forum in 2026 and continued advancement of the Caspian Environmental Initiative, originally introduced by Ashgabat. Financial concerns were also prominent. Rahmon called for reforms to international financial mechanisms, citing the continued suffering of vulnerable developing countries from the impacts of economic crises, poverty, disease, natural disasters,...

Education

Heads Roll After Surprise School Visit by Tajikistan’s Education Minister

Several education officials in Tajikistan have been dismissed following an unannounced inspection by Minister of Education and Science Rahim Saidzoda, according to the ministry’s press service. On September 19, the minister conducted surprise visits to schools in the Yavan and Rudaki districts, inspecting teaching quality, student and staff discipline, classroom attendance, foreign language proficiency, and readiness for the autumn-winter season. At School No. 16 in Yavan, only half the students were present, and eighth and ninth-grade classes had been improperly combined. Of 21 available computers, only three were operational. Students were unable to answer basic questions in Russian and English and struggled to define “information technology.” The minister also reported poor discipline, unsanitary conditions, and inadequate winter preparedness. School director Munira Mirzozoda, who had served for over 11 years, was dismissed for what the ministry described as “irresponsible fulfillment of official duties.” At School No. 14 in Rudaki, the director was absent at the time of the visit. Classrooms were in disrepair, the transition to a 10-point grading system was delayed, and foreign language instruction was found lacking. At the kindergarten attached to the same school, the head was also absent, and the teaching staff received criticism for performance issues. On September 22, the ministry announced the dismissal of School No. 14 director Amriddin Rahmonov and kindergarten head Zarragul Faizova. Following the Yavan inspection, the ministry reported that all school computers were repaired, IT usage was improved, attendance increased, and class schedules were brought into compliance with national standards. The unauthorized practice of combining different grade levels was halted. The ministry emphasized that quality education depends on “strict compliance with standards and high responsibility from all employees of the system from management to support staff.” This was not Saidzoda’s first surprise visit. He previously inspected schools in the town of Hisor and kindergartens in Dushanbe, where similar issues were observed, including poor discipline, unsanitary conditions, and low student engagement. Experts continue to highlight long-standing problems in Tajikistan’s education sector, including shortages of qualified teachers, inadequate school infrastructure, and limited access to learning materials. Parents frequently voice concerns over the quality of instruction and are often asked to contribute funds for school maintenance and repairs.

UN General Assembly

Central Asian Presidents at UNGA-80: All Five Confirmed

New York, Sept 22, 2025 – Central Asia will have a strong presence at the 80th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA-80), with four of the region’s presidents confirmed to attend in person. One leader’s participation, however, remains unannounced. From Kazakhstan, President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev is scheduled to be in New York from September 21 to 23. The Kazakh presidency confirmed that he will deliver his country’s national statement and meet with other heads of state on the sidelines of the high-level week. Kyrgyzstan’s President Sadyr Japarov is officially confirmed to be in New York from September 22 to September 25, where he is scheduled to deliver a speech in the General Debate. Japarov will also join a UN Security Council discussion on AI and a high-level climate event, while holding bilateral meetings with Secretary-General António Guterres and leaders from multiple regions. In Tajikistan, the presidential press service announced on September 21 that President Emomali Rahmon departed Dushanbe for New York to attend UNGA-80. He is accompanied by senior officials and is expected to speak during the General Debate. From Turkmenistan, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov left Ashgabat on September 21 for a working trip to New York. Turkmen state media confirmed his participation in UNGA-80, marking his direct representation of the country at the session. Uzbekistan’s President Shavkat Mirziyoyev arrived in New York on September 20 for a visit lasting through September 24. His agenda includes addressing the General Debate on its opening day and holding bilateral meetings with UN Secretary-General António Guterres and other world leaders. With the General Debate opening on September 23, Central Asia is set to be represented at the highest level by all five of its nations: Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan.

India

Central Asia Deepens Trade Links with India Amid Growing Economic Ties

Trade between the countries of Central Asia and India is growing, edging closer to the $2 billion mark and signaling a new phase in cooperation across the Eurasian continent. According to data from the Eurasian Development Bank (EDB), this surge reflects the expanding economic footprint of both regions. Nikolay Podguzov, Chairman of the EDB, emphasized that Central Asia and India are not only continental neighbors but also markets with significant untapped potential. Of the bank’s seven member states, four — Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan — form the heart of Central Asia. Their growing engagement with New Delhi is now setting the tone for broader regional cooperation. Strong Growth as a Foundation The economic fundamentals supporting this trend are healthy. Central Asia has maintained steady growth of around 4.5% annually, while India’s economy continues to expand even faster, at roughly 6% per year. But despite this positive backdrop, there are still logistical hurdles. Trade routes between India and Central Asia must pass through intermediary countries such as Iran, Russia, or Azerbaijan — each adding layers of bureaucracy, customs costs, and delays. Experts argue that overcoming these transit bottlenecks will be crucial if India and Central Asia are to unlock the full potential of their partnership. New initiatives like the International North-South Transport Corridor and discussions on India’s role in developing Chabahar Port in Iran reflect ongoing efforts to make these pathways more efficient. Kazakhstan: The Leading Partner Kazakhstan is India’s largest trading partner in Central Asia, with bilateral trade crossing $1 billion — more than half of the region’s total trade with India. Astana supplies uranium, which is important for India’s civilian nuclear energy program, along with crude oil and steel products. In return, India exports pharmaceuticals, textiles, and consumer goods, with exports valued at around $260 million. The two countries also collaborate in strategic sectors such as energy security and defense. In 2022, India and Kazakhstan conducted joint military drills under the Kazind exercise, which reflects a broadening relationship beyond commerce. Uzbekistan: A Growing Market Trade with Uzbekistan has risen steadily, approaching $500 million in bilateral turnover, while India’s exports to Uzbekistan are valued at around $1.3 billion. Pharmaceuticals, machinery, and agricultural products dominate New Delhi’s exports, while Uzbekistan provides fruits, minerals, and cotton to the Indian market. Uzbekistan and India recently increased engagement through forums like the India-Central Asia Dialogue, where issues of connectivity, counterterrorism, and energy cooperation are regularly discussed. Tajikistan: Small but Strategic Although trade volumes with Tajikistan hover around $100 million, the partnership has strategic importance. Aluminium from Tajikistan’s massive TALCO smelter is a key export, while India provides medicines and consumer goods to Tajikistan. Beyond commerce, Dushanbe is a vital security partner for New Delhi. India operates a military facility in Tajikistan — the Farkhor Air Base, its only such presence abroad. Kyrgyzstan: Modest Trade, Strong Ties Kyrgyzstan’s trade with India is relatively small, at about $50 million, but the relationship is significant in the context of regional institutions like the Eurasian Economic Union...

Regional Influence

Opinion: Ex-U.S. Ambassador Warns Washington Has Ceded Information Space in Central Asia

Former U.S. Ambassador to Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan, Daniel Rosenblum, has warned that Washington has “surrendered” its influence in Central Asia’s information sphere, allowing Russia and China to dominate the narrative. His remarks were reported by the Yale Daily News following a lecture at Yale University on September 15. Rosenblum, who served as U.S. ambassador to Uzbekistan from 2019 to 2022 and to Kazakhstan from 2022 to 2025, delivered a speech titled “Battling the Firehose of Falsehood: Confronting Russian Disinformation in Central Asia.” He described how Russian disinformation campaigns frequently portrayed U.S. diplomats as destabilizing actors. In one example from 2023, Russian outlets falsely claimed a NATO base had opened in Kazakhstan. “While it is easy to joke about such an absurd idea,” Rosenblum said, “the intent behind such Russian information operations is deadly serious.” Rosenblum noted that U.S. embassies attempted to counteract these narratives by highlighting tangible achievements, including COVID-19 health initiatives, agricultural partnerships, and academic exchange programs. However, he argued that much of this work has unraveled since 2023, citing the dismissal of over 1,300 State Department personnel, the elimination of USAID programs in the region, and recent cuts to Voice of America and Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty. “Eight months into the second Trump administration, it seems clear that the information war is over in Central Asia, not because the Russians won. We have simply surrendered,” he said. Rosenblum also emphasized China’s expanding influence through the Belt and Road Initiative, observing that Beijing “was doing a pretty good job of winning friends and influencing people” via infrastructure investment and cultural outreach. In a post-lecture interview, Rosenblum underscored that the challenge is now largely domestic. “The biggest challenge today is ourselves,” he said. “We have to decide as a country, do we want to be engaged in the world or not? If we cut ourselves off from the world, we will ultimately be less secure and less prosperous.” This concern was echoed in earlier analysis for The Times of Central Asia by Arman Amini, a term member of the Council on Foreign Relations and an Atlantic Council Millennium Fellow. “Over the past decade, China has steadily expanded its presence in Central Asia, not through military force, but by building roads, trade corridors, and digital infrastructure,” Amini noted. “As the United States scaled back its regional footprint following its withdrawal from Afghanistan, Beijing moved quickly to fill the void. Today, China has positioned itself as the region’s dominant external power, while the U.S. risks being left on the sidelines.” The lecture was attended by approximately 80 people in person and online. It was organized by the Central Asia Initiative of the MacMillan Center, the Edward J. and Dorothy Clarke Memorial Fund, and Asian Crossroads, a student group dedicated to raising awareness of Central Asia.