In a significant step toward strengthening regional water governance and enhancing investment prospects, Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan have officially launched a bilateral commission for the joint management of water resources.
Citing Kyrgyzstan’s Ministry of Water Resources, Agriculture, and Processing Industry, KaktusMedia reported on October 9 that the first meeting of the newly formed Kyrgyz-Tajik Water Management Commission has taken place in Dushanbe. The commission was reportedly created to advance sustainable water use, improve access to shared water and energy facilities, and coordinate responses to potential transboundary water-related challenges.
According to KaktusMedia, the Kyrgyz delegation was led by Deputy Minister and Director of the Water Resources Service, Almaz Jeenaliyev, while Tajikistan was represented by Zafarbek Davlatzoda, Director of the Agency for Land Reclamation and Irrigation under the Government of Tajikistan.
Kazinform reported on October 10 that the commission is also tasked with harmonizing water allocation schedules at hydro-technical facilities and modernizing infrastructure through investment. Transparency will be enhanced through regular hydrological data exchange and the coordination of emergency response efforts, helping to reduce risks for infrastructure and agricultural projects in both countries.
Meanwhile, BishkekInvest reported on October 21 that the commission was formally approved by the Cabinet of Ministers of the Kyrgyz Republic through order No. 860-t on October 4. This development follows the signing of a bilateral agreement between Bishkek and Dushanbe on March 13, 2025, aimed at ensuring sustainable access to key water and energy infrastructure.
“The commission being established is expected to become a pivotal platform for bilateral cooperation on water management. Of particular interest to international investors is the commission’s mandate to attract funding for the modernization and rehabilitation of critical water infrastructure, especially in border regions,” BishkekInvest said.
Functioning on a basis of parity, the commission will be co-chaired by representatives from both countries, with equal participation and decisions made by consensus. Meetings are scheduled to take place at least twice a year—before and after the growing season—alternating between Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan, signaling a commitment to ongoing dialogue and coordinated management.
For foreign investors, this initiative represents reduced geopolitical risk and a more predictable and transparent environment for launching major projects in water management and hydropower.
BishkekInvest notes that the launch of the Kyrgyz-Tajik Water Management Commission is more than a technical agreement—it marks a strategic advancement in regional partnership, efficient resource utilization, and the creation of a stable climate for foreign investment. Effective transboundary water management directly impacts energy security, agricultural productivity, and overall economic resilience in Central Asia.
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