Translated with AI
Tajikistan's Ministry of Economic Development and Trade is taking steps to modernize the economy by introducing digital technologies and simplifying processes in free economic zones. A new online portal and the "Single Window" project are aimed at facilitating business registration, reducing bureaucratic procedures, and attracting investment, creating conditions for sustainable economic growth. This was reported to NIAT Khovar by Manuchekhra Majon, Head of the Ministry's Main Department for Investment Policy and Regional Development.
She reported that the Ministry is developing a unified process for administering all business procedures in free economic zones.
According to her, this concerns business registration, tax administration, visa issuance, work permits, and other permits. These processes will be centralized through single digital service centers in each zone, eliminating unnecessary bureaucracy and reducing time costs. The reform is based on international standards and provides for the creation of service companies in the SEZs to develop infrastructure and attract investment. Furthermore, the term of free economic zones has been extended from 25 to 50 years following investor requests, aimed at creating a stable and long-term business environment.
Rents for plots in new SEZs, particularly along the border with Afghanistan, have been reduced. Over the next two years, plans are underway to fully centralize business processes and implement digital services that will allow for online document submission, minimizing human error and speeding up application processing.
According to the ministry, 120 enterprises are currently registered in five free economic zones. In the first three months of 2026, they produced goods worth 166 million somoni, with tax and customs revenues almost three times higher than government investment in the zones' infrastructure. However, certain challenges remain, particularly in the zones bordering Afghanistan, where political instability is impacting investment attractiveness. However, as the situation gradually stabilizes, investor interest in these zones is growing. In particular, new enterprises are registering in the Panj and Ishkashim zones, and interest from Chinese investors is being observed.
Head of the SEZ Administration Department, Jovid Huseinzoda, announced that a new digital tool—an online catalog—was launched in 2025.
According to him, the catalog includes over 100 products manufactured in the SEZ and is available in five languages. Since its launch, it has been used by over 10,000 visitors. The platform enables the digitalization of key business processes, including registering entities, obtaining status, certificates, visas, registering with tax authorities, and other procedures. Moreover, the catalog contains not only information about the SEZ but also covers data for the entire country and region, including information on mineral resources, distances to borders and airports, and infrastructure. The portal also highlights promising investment areas and existing barriers to business.
According to the agency, the implementation of digital initiatives has already yielded significant results. Export volumes from the SEZ have increased by 35 percent over the past year, while international trade inquiries have grown by 50 percent. Fifteen new foreign investors have also been attracted, creating additional jobs and boosting economic potential. The average transaction size has increased by 20 percent, demonstrating the increased competitiveness of products and the effectiveness of cooperation terms.
The Ministry views the online catalogue as a strategic tool for digitalizing the economy and modernizing foreign economic activity, facilitating the creation of a transparent and accessible environment for international trade and investment.
As Jovid Huseinzoda noted, the project's implementation will contribute to further export growth, enhance investment attractiveness, and strengthen the country's economic resilience. He emphasized that Tajikistan's free economic zones are already demonstrating the successful implementation of digital technologies, and the government continues to develop infrastructure, implement international management standards, and enhance process transparency.
The online catalog and the "Single Window" initiative are seen as the first stages of a comprehensive digital transformation of the country's economy. These tools are already demonstrating practical economic benefits and could potentially accelerate the integration of Tajikistan's free economic zones into international trade and investment chains.
It is noted that the project to create a national digital platform, "Single Window for FEZs," is being implemented in cooperation with the Ministry of Economic Development and Trade of the Republic of Tajikistan. It is funded by the Government of the Russian Federation as part of international cooperation aimed at supporting digitalization and sustainable development and is designed to last for 48 months.
