The year 2024 has been a breakthrough for Kazakhstan-Tajikistan relations.  A treaty on allied relations, over 15% growth in trade turnover, and joint investment projects have elevated the partnership between the two countries to a new level.  During a December 11 briefing in Dushanbe, Kazakhstan’s Ambassador to Tajikistan, Valikhan Turekhanov, described this year as the most productive in the history of their cooperation and highlighted the prospects for further development in key areas.

Special attention was given to the results of Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev’s visit to Dushanbe on August 22–23, 2024.  The meeting between the heads of state provided an opportunity to discuss future collaboration in politics, economics, energy, and industry.

Among the key milestones, Turekhanov emphasized the signing of the Treaty on Allied Relations on August 23, 2024.  This treaty solidifies commitments to cooperation in healthcare, education, economics, and joint defense efforts.

Trade growth and new support measures

The bilateral trade and economic relations between Kazakhstan and Tajikistan are showing steady growth.

In October 2024, a two-way trade between the two countries grew by more than 15% compared to the same period last year, reaching approximately US$1.1 billion.

Tajikistan’s imports from Kazakhstan include: wheat; wheat flour; liquefied natural gas; aluminum oxides; barley; pasta; and chemical compounds.

Kazakhstan is offering discounts of 30% to 50% for Tajik freight carriers.  These measures aim to enhance economic cooperation between the two countries and facilitate transit operations.

Investment cooperation: key achievements

As of August 2024, Kazakhstan's investments in Tajikistan's economy over the past five years totaled US$700 million.

There are 92 joint ventures in Tajikistan involving Kazakh investments.

In Kazakhstan, 89 companies founded by Tajik entrepreneurs operate successfully.

On October 16, 2024, the two countries signed an agreement to establish a joint direct investment fund.

Key sectors for investment include: finance; telecommunications; light and food industries; electric power; non-ferrous metallurgy, mining.

Joint projects

Kazakhstan and Tajikistan are actively developing joint ventures.  One promising area is the production of flour, confectionery products, and processing livestock products.

In 2024, a project involving a Tajik company was implemented in Kazakhstan’s Aktobe region to produce sunflower oil with a capacity of up to 36,000 tons per year.

Kazakhstan has also shown interest in investing in Tajikistan’s energy and mining sectors.

In April 2024, discussions were held about the joint development of a quartz deposit in Tajikistan’s Varzob district.

Outlook for 2025

In 2025, the two countries plan to deepen cooperation in areas such as transportation, construction, digitalization, telecommunications, and agriculture.

Of particular note is their collaboration in digitalization: Kazakhstan is supporting Tajikistan in developing e-government systems by implementing eGOV and Smart Bridge solutions.

Kazakhstan and Tajikistan continue to demonstrate strong mutual understanding and a commitment to expanding their partnership.

Joint efforts in industrial cooperation, energy, transportation, and digital technologies will enable both countries to not only strengthen their economies but also improve the quality of life for their populations.