Tajik President Emomali Rahmon has unveiled bold initiatives to boost regional cooperation, including the creation of a Regional Artificial Intelligence Center in Dushanbe and a unified digital e-commerce platform across Central Asia.
Speaking at the 7th Consultative Meeting of Central Asian Leaders, Rahmon outlined key steps to strengthen integration and collaboration across the region, The Caspian Post informs via Tajik media.
Driving Regional Integration and Economic Growth
The president highlighted priorities in economic development, security, humanitarian cooperation, and environmental sustainability. He emphasized the importance of the Treaty of Friendship, Good-Neighborliness, and Cooperation, underlining the commitment of Central Asian countries to partnership and trust.
Key proposals include:
Creating a single transport and logistics space
Expanding industrial and production integration
Boosting energy cooperation and modernizing transport corridors
Maximizing the potential of free economic zones
Strengthening Security and Humanitarian Ties
Rahmon called for joint action against terrorism, extremism, drug trafficking, and cyber threats, and stressed the need to train skilled personnel for relevant agencies. In the humanitarian sphere, he proposed establishing an International Innovation and Education Center, while emphasizing cooperation in science, culture, tourism, and sports.
Protecting the Environment
The president also highlighted urgent ecological challenges, including climate change, glacier melting, and dust storms, which impact food security across the region. He underlined that sustainable development in Central Asia is only possible through close and coordinated cooperation.
High-Level Cooperation with Uzbekistan
During the visit, Rahmon met with Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, focusing on expanding trade, energy, industrial, agricultural, and innovation cooperation. Trade between Tajikistan and Uzbekistan has exceeded $440 million in the first nine months of 2025, with strong potential for further growth.
The leaders also discussed regional security, counter-terrorism efforts, and cooperation within the UN, SCO, CIS, and Central Asia consultative meetings.
Culture, Heritage, and Recognition
Rahmon visited the Centre for Islamic Civilization in Tashkent, exploring research departments, rare manuscript collections, and exhibitions showcasing the historical contributions of scholars from Mawarannahr. He also attended the International “Heritage of the Future” Award ceremony, where Davlat Safar, Deputy Minister of Culture of Tajikistan, was honored in the Cultural Heritage category.
Outlook
The initiatives highlight Tajikistan’s push for digital innovation, AI development, and cross-border economic integration, signaling a stronger, more connected Central Asia ready to compete on the global stage.
