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Rahmon Unveils Tajikistan’s Roadmap for Economic Growth and Diplomacy

On December 28, Tajikistan’s President Emomali Rahmon delivered his annual address, titled “On Major Dimensions of Tajikistan’s Domestic and Foreign Policy,” during a joint session of both chambers of the Tajik Parliament. The president outlined key priorities for implementing domestic and foreign policy and advancing various sectors of Tajikistan's economy, including industry, energy, agriculture, transport, investment, entrepreneurship, education, science, healthcare, and social protection. Rahmon directed the government to draft a "Medium-Term Development Program for 2026-2030" by the end of 2025. Highlighting the need for innovation, he proposed declaring 2025-2030 the “Years of Development of the Digital Economy and Innovation.” Additionally, he announced plans to establish a University of Innovation and Digital Technologies in Kulob, building upon the existing Institute of Technology and Innovation Management. Rahmon noted significant progress in industrialization, with Tajikistan’s industrial production nearly doubling in the past five years. This growth included the creation of more than 2,040 industrial enterprises and 74,000 jobs. In the road and transport sector, Rahmon underscored the importance of transforming Tajikistan into a transit hub. Ongoing modernization and reconstruction efforts have already improved the country’s ranking in the World Economic Forum’s road quality index, rising from 50th to 44th among 165 countries. Rahmon highlighted that 43% of Tajikistan's 2024 state budget is allocated to the social sector. Over the past five years, public-sector wages have increased four times, doubling overall during this period. He instructed the government to further raise salaries for employees in education, healthcare, social protection, culture, sports, government agencies, law enforcement, and the military. Employment remains a strategic priority. Rahmon noted that 4.1 million jobs have been created since independence, and he directed regional and local authorities to generate an additional 1.4 million jobs across all sectors of the economy in the next five years. On foreign policy, Rahmon reiterated Tajikistan’s commitment to its “open doors” approach, expressing readiness to strengthen bilateral and multilateral relations. He emphasized the importance of constructive engagement with international and regional organizations, including the United Nations, international financial institutions, and development partners. Rahmon’s address outlined a comprehensive roadmap for Tajikistan’s development, combining innovation, infrastructure, and social investment with an open and cooperative foreign policy. His directives reflect a vision aimed at fostering economic growth, improving living standards, and enhancing the country's position on the global stage.

Finance Legislation Media Government Mass Media Media Freedom

Kyrgyz Journalists Reject Japarov Criticism of Foreign Funding in the Media

Kyrgyzstan's President Sadyr Japarov has criticized the country's media for its willingness to accept foreign funding. American diplomats disagree with the government’s “accusations,” while local journalists pointed out that Kyrgyz media operates with the help of advertising and grants. Speaking at the recent People's Kurultai (Congress) in Bishkek, Japarov criticized several Kyrgyz media outlets for receiving foreign funding, accusing journalists of spreading false information. According to him, most Kyrgyz publications have foreign sponsors. Japarov claimed that journalists obey their "masters" and are therefore deprived of freedom of speech. The president also shared data on foreign funding received by some opposition media outlets and NGOs. “These funds are accounted for in reports only superficially. Their foreign sponsors say, ‘Yes, they are doing a good job.’ But what’s really happening? Here, they spread false information, look for negativity, and undermine the reputation of others. And when lawsuits are filed against them, they immediately claim it’s an attack on freedom of speech,” Japarov said. The president addressed the leadership of the U.S. State Department, stating that funds should be directed directly to Kyrgyz authorities. “We will ensure their effective use. Do you want to raise the level of journalism? We can do it. Do you want complete freedom of speech? We guarantee it,” Japarov emphasized. A few days later, the U.S. Embassy in Bishkek responded to the criticism. “In the field of journalism, our assistance is aimed at funding fact-checking programs, supporting Kyrgyz-language journalism, and assisting investigative journalists in uncovering violations, including corruption,” the diplomats said in a statement. The embassy emphasized its belief that independent media, which performs a watchdog role in society, is crucial for any government. In an interview with The Times of Central Asia, journalist Chynara Sydykova shared that grant support enabled her to implement several socio-cultural projects. “These projects helped us grow and become independent professionals in directing, producing, and project management. Finally, it allowed us to simply become journalists capable of working honestly, objectively, and professionally, covering topics of public interest,” Sydykova said. The investigative journalist noted that none of the grant providers interfered with the work process. However, Sydykova admitted that manipulations could occasionally occur. “Journalists shouldn’t cling to every visible opportunity to get funding. They need to build a reputation so that no one would even think of using them as an agent of influence. Thanks to my television projects, I provided real help to respondents in the areas of health and social injustice,” Sydykova added. Public figure and journalist Alisher Tashmatov told The Times of Central Asia that he takes a neutral stance on grants. According to him, the most important thing is that grants allocated by foreign institutions should not threaten Kyrgyzstan’s national security. “In Kyrgyzstan, media survives through advertising and grants. Only a few receive funding from the state. Moreover, even state-owned media occasionally receives financial assistance from foreign institutions and companies,” he noted, adding that criticism of the authorities should be well-founded.

Finance Legislation Government Criminal Executive Code Public Security

Uzbekistan Moves to Penalize Financing of Mass Disturbances

Uzbekistan’s Parliament, the Oliy Majlis, is taking decisive steps to address the organization and financing of public disturbances. On December 11, the Legislative Chamber approved a draft law amending Article 244 of the Criminal Code. Passed in its first reading, the amendments aim to strengthen the country’s legal framework for tackling mass disturbances. During a parliamentary session on December 24, the draft law advanced further, reaching its third reading and gaining adoption. The updated Article 244 introduces several significant changes: A new third section establishes specific liability for individuals undergoing training with the intent to participate in mass disturbances. A fourth section introduces fines for financing such activities. A fifth section provides an exemption from criminal liability for individuals who voluntarily report to law enforcement after undergoing such training. These amendments are designed to deter organized disturbances while promoting cooperation with authorities.

Afghanistan Government Society humanitarian aid

Uzbekistan Sends Food and Medicine to Afghanistan

Uzbekistan has delivered humanitarian aid to Afghanistan. The aid package includes food and medicines, with nine wagons of “Salomatlik” (Health) medical and sanitary products en route to the country. From December 25 to 30, residents of Afghanistan’s Balkh region will receive free medical examinations conducted by qualified Uzbek doctors. This humanitarian initiative follows a request for medical assistance made during a meeting between the governments of Uzbekistan and Afghanistan. To further strengthen bilateral ties, Uzbekistan’s Ambassador to Afghanistan, Abibek Usmanov, met with Mawlawi Abdul Salam Hanafi, Afghanistan's Deputy Prime Minister for Administrative Affairs, in Kabul on December 24. During the meeting, Usmanov underscored the importance of enhancing cooperation between the two countries across various sectors. He highlighted Uzbekistan’s willingness to deepen economic and trade relations, emphasizing the interest of Uzbek businesses in projects such as establishing health centers, exporting medicines, constructing cement plants, and engaging in coal trade.

Agricultural Produce Law and Order Government Human rights Cotton Legislation

German Firms Urged to Address Human Rights Risks in Uzbek Cotton

German companies, supported by the Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development and the German textile sector, are increasingly exploring Uzbekistan as a potential market. A report titled Relevant Human Rights Expertise: Risk Assessment for German Companies in the Textile Industry of Uzbekistan evaluates how these firms comply with supply chain laws and fulfill their human rights obligations. The report underscores ongoing challenges in Uzbekistan’s cotton industry, despite recent reforms. Key issues include risks of forced labor, government interference in cotton production, and poor working conditions. Farmers face coercive contracts, insecure land tenure, and restricted union rights. These problems persist even after Uzbekistan privatized its cotton industry and adopted the ‘cluster’ model, which integrates farming, processing, and manufacturing. Umida Niyazova, founder of the Uzbekistan Human Rights Forum, highlighted widespread violations, including illegal land seizures and forced production quotas. She emphasized the lack of protections for cotton workers. Additionally, the report warns that some Uzbek cotton may be entering German markets indirectly through suppliers in Turkey and other countries. The report stresses that effective human rights due diligence is essential for maintaining brand integrity. However, according to author Ben Vanpeperstraete, German companies are failing to adequately address risks associated with Uzbek cotton. Public communications by firms often lack tailored approaches to identifying and mitigating these risks. Forced labor risks in Uzbekistan’s cotton industry remain significant, the report states, despite ongoing reforms. Corporate disclosures frequently omit recognition of forced labor as a sourcing risk. The report calls on businesses to adopt due diligence practices that address Uzbekistan’s restrictions on unionizing and civil society activities. Companies are urged to map and disclose their supply chains to enhance compliance and traceability. Trade between Germany and Uzbekistan surpassed €1 billion in 2023, with German investments in Uzbekistan reaching €800 million by early 2024.

public transport Social Services Court Cases Government Transport

Bishkek Court Upholds Decision to Dismantle Trolleybus Lines

The Bishkek Administrative Court has ruled in favor of a decision by the city's Mayor’s Office to dismantle trolleybus lines legally. Representatives of the municipality successfully argued the legality of their actions. The city government plans to completely replace trolleybuses, an environmentally friendly mode of transportation, with buses. To implement this plan, workers have reportedly cut power lines at night, causing widespread transportation disruptions. This move has faced significant backlash from Bishkek residents, who filed a lawsuit and lodged a complaint with the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), which had financed the purchase of new trolleybuses. This decision follows months of controversy. Previously The Times of Central Asia reported that activists had opposed the dismantling of trolleybus lines, labeling the actions as illegal. A month ago, the same court had deemed the municipality’s actions unlawful after city officials failed to appear in court or provide necessary documentation. Municipal authorities argue that trolleybus operations are financially unsustainable and require substantial investment to maintain the infrastructure. “The city hall continues to work on improving urban space, modernizing public transport, and enhancing infrastructure to make the city safer, more comfortable, and attractive for residents and guests of the capital,” the municipality said. However, activist Bermet Borubayeva and other advocates for the preservation of trolleybuses expressed disappointment with the court’s decision. In an interview with The Times of Central Asia, Borubayeva criticized the ruling, noting that the mayor’s office had only substantiated the dismantling of lines on a few streets, not across the entire city. “Residents demand transparency and legality in the actions of the authorities and will continue to fight for the preservation of trolleybuses. Despite the wrongful actions of city officials, the judge recognizes them as legal. This ignores the interests of the plaintiffs,” Borubayeva said. Human rights groups have vowed to challenge the court’s decision. A new trial concerning Bishkek’s trolleybuses is scheduled for January 13.