Tajikistan Weighs Eurasian Economic Union Membership

Tajik Minister of Economic Development and Trade Zavqi Zavqizoda has announced that Tajikistan’s potential membership in the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) is currently being closely examined by an interagency working group.

“The question of Tajikistan’s membership in the EAEU is being examined by an interagency working group that is conducting a comprehensive analysis of the matter,” Zavqizoda said, The Caspian Post reports per Tajik media.

He noted that the group comprises representatives from key government bodies, including the economic sector, Ministry of Justice, Customs Service, and the Tax Committee. The working group is assessing the situation thoroughly, factoring in the global economic landscape, rising geopolitical tensions, and other external considerations.

“The working group takes into account the experience of countries similar to those in the Union when preparing its analysis and will present its conclusions and recommendations,” he added. However, Zavqizoda did not specify when the findings would be released.

Tajikistan has been exploring the possibility of joining the EAEU since 2015.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has frequently emphasized the importance of Tajikistan deepening cooperation with EAEU member states and has recognized the positive progress in relations within the organization.

Earlier, Tajikistan’s Foreign Minister Sirojiddin Muhriddin stated that the government is carefully reviewing the experience of other countries before making a decision on EAEU membership. He highlighted that the government is weighing the benefits and drawbacks, taking into account the experience of Kyrgyzstan and Armenia.