Tajikistan, Belgium Forge Path for Broader Industrial, AI, and Trade Collaboration

Tajikistan and the Belgian region of Flanders are negotiating expanded cooperation in sectors including light and textile industries, machinery, pharmaceuticals, food production, artificial intelligence, tourism, and trade.

Flanders has been invited to participate in upcoming events hosted by Tajikistan’s Ministry of Industry and New Technologies and the International Investment Forum Dushanbe Invest 2025 in October, The Caspian Post reports per Tajik media.

A delegation from the Flanders government, led by Jill Willem Suetens, Head of the Protocol and Administrative Department, arrived in Dushanbe on August 11 at the invitation of the city’s executive authorities. The visit will run through August 16 and includes meetings with the city administration, the Ministry of Industry and New Technologies, the State Committee for Investment and State Property Management, and representatives from the National Academy of Sciences, the Tourism Development Committee, the Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the “Smart City” public enterprise, and the International University of Tourism and Entrepreneurship.

During discussions at the Ministry of Industry and New Technologies, officials explored collaboration prospects in light and textile industries, machinery, pharmaceuticals, food production, and artificial intelligence. The Belgian delegation was invited to participate in future ministry events in Tajikistan. The State Committee for Investment and State Property Management highlighted investment opportunities in tourism and trade and extended an invitation to the Dushanbe Invest 2025 forum.

To foster cultural exchange and showcase Tajikistan’s tourism potential, the delegation will visit the National Museum, Kohi Navruz Palace, Central Cathedral Mosque, Plov Center, Mehrgon Bazaar, Hisor Fortress, and the Varzob District.

Flanders is one of Belgium’s most industrially advanced regions, with major ports in Antwerp, Bruges, Ghent, and Ostend, and a population of 6.8 million, accounting for 58 per cent of the country. In 2024, Flanders ranked 15th globally in export volume, with leading exports including chemicals, pharmaceuticals, transport equipment, textiles, machinery, fruits, plastics, and gemstones.

Trade turnover between Tajikistan and Flanders exceeded 108 million euros in 2024, with Tajikistan exporting 102.36 million euros and importing 5.73 million euros from Flanders.