Translated with AI
On April 29, a meeting of the Government of the Republic of Tajikistan, chaired by Emomali Rahmon, was held to summarize the country's socioeconomic development for the first quarter of 2026 and identify objectives for the remainder of the year.
At the beginning of the meeting, key macroeconomic indicators were discussed. In his address, Tajik President Emomali Rahmon analyzed the current situation and outlined specific tasks for government agencies. Particular attention was paid to the impact of the global political situation, trade and economic restrictions, and the consequences of climate change. In these circumstances, the priorities were identified as ensuring economic stability, protecting the domestic market, and reducing dependence on external factors.
Despite external challenges, economic growth reached 8 percent in the first quarter of 2026. This growth was driven by increases in industrial production by 14 percent, agriculture by 8 percent, fixed capital investment by 34 percent, paid services by 8.5 percent, and trade turnover by 22 percent.
Freight traffic also increased by 14 percent and passenger traffic by 11 percent. Inflation was 1.2 percent, lower than the same period last year.
Tajik President Emomali Rahmon emphasized the need for rational resource use, food and energy security, and the development of competitive production. The government, ministries, and agencies have been instructed to maintain macroeconomic stability and respond promptly to external risks.
Particular attention was paid to state budget execution. Budget revenue was fulfilled at 108.3 percent, with over 16.7 billion somoni received. Tax revenues accounted for 119.4 percent, while the Customs Service accounted for 102.9 percent. However, the president cited the growing tax arrears as a serious problem.
In this regard, the Ministry of Finance, the Tax Committee, and the Customs Service have been instructed, in conjunction with local authorities, to ensure full budget revenue implementation and take measures to reduce arrears. Tasks have also been set to improve tax administration, strengthen customs controls, and expand the tax base.
The Ministry of Finance has been instructed to ensure the timely fulfillment of social obligations, including the payment of wages, pensions, and benefits, and to strengthen oversight of industry financing.
It was noted that 87 public investment projects worth 51.6 billion somoni are being implemented in the country. However, according to the president, their implementation does not fully meet established requirements. Projects in energy, land reclamation, irrigation, and some educational facilities are lagging behind, due to insufficient management and oversight.
Responsible agencies have been tasked with ensuring the timely and high-quality implementation of projects, strengthening oversight of the use of funds, and addressing existing shortcomings. They have also been tasked with intensifying cooperation with development partners to attract additional financial resources.
Attracting foreign direct investment has been identified as a key factor in economic growth. The State Investment Committee has been tasked with analyzing the reasons for the decline in foreign direct investment and presenting a concrete action plan within a month. Other agencies have been instructed to step up efforts to attract investment and engage foreign companies in the implementation of priority projects.
Tajik President Emomali Rahmon emphasized the need to invest in the processing industry, modern technologies, and the production of high-value-added products.
The National Bank has been tasked with implementing an effective monetary policy in conjunction with credit institutions, maintaining the stability of the national currency, and reducing foreign exchange pressure. Tasks have also been set to reduce interest rates, expand entrepreneurs' access to financing, and extend loan terms.
Particular attention was given to the development of cashless payments and digital infrastructure. The President ordered the implementation of a unified payment system, especially in remote areas, and the creation of an interdepartmental working group on the digitalization of the budgetary and financial sector.
The Ministry of Economic Development and Trade has been tasked with implementing a digital platform for monitoring strategic documents using artificial intelligence. Government agencies are also instructed to integrate services into a single portal, eliminate disparate systems, and ensure the recognition of electronic documents.
The industry has been tasked with analyzing the reasons for the decline in the mining sector's performance, establishing domestic processing of raw materials, and utilizing idle capacity.
In the agricultural sector, the president identified food security as a strategic objective. He instructed the government to carry out timely sowing, efficiently use land, implement greenhouse technologies and drip irrigation, develop livestock farming, increase food production, and reduce dependence on imports. Tasks were also set to improve land reclamation and provide the industry with mineral fertilizers.
At the end of the first quarter, foreign trade turnover amounted to $2.676 billion, an increase of 12.8 percent. However, the trade balance remains negative at $1.648 billion. Therefore, instructions have been issued to increase exports of processed products and expand foreign markets.
In education, the government has set goals to improve the quality of education, expand preschool coverage, and develop the sciences. In healthcare, it has been tasked with addressing staff shortages, especially in remote regions, developing the pharmaceutical industry, and strengthening drug quality control.
The implementation of improvement plans for the 35th anniversary of state independence was also discussed. The completion rate was 106.7 percent, but in a number of regions, indicators remain unsatisfactory. Leaders were instructed to address the backlog, ensure construction quality, and increase investment and public participation.
During the meeting, reports from relevant ministries and agencies were heard, and strategic documents were reviewed, including the development of the communications sector until 2040, programs in education and public service, and data on land resources.
At the conclusion of the meeting, Tajik President Emomali Rahmon instructed that all decisions made be strictly and effectively implemented, and that improvements and preparations for cultural events for the 35th anniversary of the country's independence be intensified.
