Tajikistan is accelerating the digitalization of its economy through new partnerships aimed at advancing AI and related technologies. The country’s Ministry of Industry and New Technologies has signed a memorandum of cooperation with the Eurasian Development Bank’s Digital Initiatives Fund (EDB DIF), focusing on AI and digital transformation.
The agreement was formalized in Dushanbe during the AI Conf 2025 international conference. It outlines joint innovation projects, knowledge exchange, and capacity building in the field of AI.
Key areas of cooperation include integrating AI into public administration, developing a multimodal large language model (LLM), and advancing initiatives in energy efficiency and cybersecurity.
“An Artificial Intelligence Council has been established under the ministry to supervise major national projects,” said Dauren Rakhimzhanov, Managing Director of the EDB’s Digital Initiatives Directorate. “Under the new memorandum, we will jointly develop AI technologies, exchange expertise, and expand the portfolio of digital projects in the Republic of Tajikistan.”
The agreement also grants Tajikistan access to the EDB DIF’s financial and technical resources, including grant programs designed to support digital solutions with cross-border integration potential and technology sharing among member states.
One of the first joint projects is the creation of the “Electronic Map of Dushanbe,” a digital platform that will underpin broader smart city development. The EDB signed a grant financing agreement for this project with the state unitary enterprise “Smart City” on September 24, 2025.
Alexander Petrov, Director of the EDB Digital Initiatives Directorate, emphasized the importance of international collaboration in developing AI.
“Strengthening cooperation in AI is essential, not only among EDB member states but also with global institutions,” Petrov said. “These projects facilitate knowledge exchange and contribute to building a resilient digital ecosystem.”
According to Petrov, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and other countries in the region have already shown interest in joining similar initiatives. He noted that such programs represent a step toward deeper economic integration across the Eurasian region.
