Tajikistan 30 Years of Independence

RNI No. DELBIL/2008/31037 f/businesscentralasia | t/@bcamagazine | Part 2 of the September 2021 Business CentralCAPTURE THE EMERGING MARKETS OFAsia CENTRAL ASIA

Special edition Tajikistan 30 Years of Independence

The Republic of Tajikistan during 30 years of independence was able to strengthen the foundations of national statehood, develop and strengthen democracy in the country. It is specific interests and the system of national values and to protect the national policy. Contents Special edition Editorial

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www.facebook.com/businesscentralasia Part 2 of the 4 Celebrating 30th anniversary of Independence Vol. 13, No. 2, September 2021 p a t r o n s Tajikistan is a landlocked country in Central from 4.79 in 2014 to 5.47 index in 2020 grow- 6 India - Tajikistan Relations: A friendship based on Askar Aitmatov Asia, bordered by Afghanistan to the south, ing at an average annual rate of 2.27%. mutual trust and shared vision of prosperity Former Foreign Minister of Kyrgyzstan Uzbekistan to the west, Kyrgyzstan to the Tajikistan has a high rate of literacy due to the 12 SCO Foreign Ministers Council meeting Raj Kumar Kundu north and China to the east. The territory that modern system of free education, with an 13 Security Council Secretaries of SCO meet in Dushanbe R. K. Infrabuild Private Limited now constitutes Tajikistan was previously estimated 99.8% of the population having the home to several ancient cultures, including the ability to read and write. Agriculture consti- 14 Key economic priorities of Tajikistan in 2021 s e n i o r consultants Nazgul Abdysheva city of Sarazm of the Neolithic and the Bronze tutes the largest sector of country’s economy 16 Dushanbe, a fascinating capital Avtar Singh Age and was later home to kingdoms ruled by and contributes to 22.6 percent of the country’s people of different faiths and cultures, includ- GDP and 45.7 percent of the Tajik labor force. 9th Ministerial Conference of the Heart of Asia – e d i t o r Inderveer Singh ing the Oxus Valley Civilization, Andronovo Tajikistan has made steady progress in reduc- 18 Istanbul Process: Everyone stands for Afghanistan Culture, Buddhism, Nestorian Christianity, ing poverty and growing its economy. Between j o i n t e d i t o r Sadhna Singh and Vedic religion, Zoroastrianism, 2000 and 2018, the poverty rate fell from 83 Manichaeism and Islam. percent to 27.4 percent, while the economy c h i e f e x e c u t i v e Tajiks are the descendants of ancient Eastern grew at an average rate of 7 percent per year. Ranjeet Singh Negi Iranian inhabitants of Central Asia, in partic- The significant reforms have been undertak- c h i e f m a r k e t i n g ular, the Sogdians and the Bactrians, and pos- en by the government in Tajikistan to open Anil Bhola sibly other groups, with an admixture of west up the economy and introduce market-based h e a d o f f i c e Iranian Persians and non-Iranian people. mechanisms. Special emphasis has been laid Business Central Asia, On September 9 1991, modern day Tajikistan on human development issues, notably health Gupta Cement House, became an independent sovereign nation as and education. The National Development WZ 11/3, Vishnu Park, the Soviet Union disintegrated. A civil war was Strategy to 2030 sets a target of increasing do- New Delhi 110018 8 fought almost immediately after indepen- mestic incomes by up to 3.5 times by 2030 and Twenty years Kyrgyzstan Representation dence, lasting from 1992 to 1997. Tajikistan’s reducing poverty by half. To achieve this goal, of the SCO: 77/8 Chui Avenue, experience in integrating opposition factions Dushanbe has transformed its current growth Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan Cooperation for into government has won deserved praise. model and given the private sector more op- stability and Tel.: +996 703 134699 Email: [email protected] Major advances have been made in security portunities to invest, create jobs, and contrib- prosperity around the country, and stability has improved ute to the economy. Article by the Uzbekistan Representation significantly. Since the end of the war, newly Traditional areas such as improving agricul- Davron Ishnazarov President of Tajikistan established political stability has allowed the ture; boosting the business environment; res- Emomali Rahmon Ravshanovich 59 Apartment, 9 House, country’s economy to grow. cuing health and education systems; knitting Djar-ariq Street, Tajikistan is rich in water resources and hy- the country together with new infrastruc- Tashkent City, Uzbekitan dropower for export in the region. At pres- ture and communications; and combating 20 Industrial achievements in 30 years of independence: Email: [email protected] ent, the leadership of the country is creating the drugs trade, are high on the development Mining and precious metals industry Afghanistan Representation an economically viable electricity market that agenda. But above all, the government has tak- Fahiznoor Plaza, will also improve the consistency of the en- en some realistic steps to improve governance, 23 A chronology: Water initiatives of Tajikistan Haji Yaqub Square, ergy supply and promote regional economic to improve living standards and stability. 26 Glaciers of Tajikistan: The source of fresh water in the region 5th floor, #8a Aib Building, growth. In this context, a transparent com- Tajikistan continues to introduce elements of Kabul, Afghanistan 28 Mirzo Tursunzoda: Writer, peacemaker, petitive market to export electricity beyond strategic planning for development of moni- distribution Central Asia by playing a major role in the de- toring and evaluation system at the national and coupler of South and Central Asia Business Central Asia velopment of the CASA-1000 transmission line level. To support these processes the coun- 29 Current state and development prospects: is distributed in India, is being established. When finished, the $1.8 try has developed and operational legal frame- Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Factors of tourism development in Tajikistan billion, 750-mile line will allow Kyrgyzstan work and methodological base. Tajikistan, Turkey and and Tajikistan to sell clean, low-cost hy- At the same time, basic issues of infrastructure 36 Istaravshan is a museum city of Tajikistan Uzbekistan dropower to the energy-hungry markets of and communications also require serious Afghanistan and Pakistan during the peak attention. Therefore, a renewed infrastructure Important Note: Though due summer season. The new Power Central Asia has remained a central part of initiatives to care is taken, Business Central project, helps Tajikistan use its energy resourc- boost internal trade and link the whole county Asia is not responsible for the into regional initiatives. correctness and authenticity es in ways that reduce greenhouse gas emis- of the information, statistics, sions and create long-term energy security. Tajikistan has abundant freshwater resources, facts and figures, published Tajikistan is 112th in the overall Prosperity and varied natural resources, as well as favor- herein. Subject to New Delhi Index rankings. Since 2010, it has moved up able conditions for growing organic food prod- 32 jurrisdiction. the ranking table by 8 places. The country ucts. In addition to that Tajikistan is full of National holidays Printed, published, edited and performs most strongly in Social Capital and opportunities for brisk growth of eco-tourism, owned by Inderveer Singh from Health. In 2020, Tajikistan has earned 61.3 which is in line with the fundamental princi- of Tajikistan: 19/27B, Tilak Nagar, New Delhi Sada, Mehrgon 110018 and printed by him at score in ease of doing business, which is grow- ples of human development in the context of and Navruz Sun Shine Printers, A-17, First ing at an average annual rate of 4.33% since access to natural resources. These sacred holidays Floor, Naraina Industrial Area, 2015. Prosperity index of Tajikistan increased With a low crime rate, a growing range of Phase-II, New Delhi 110028 from 47.44 score in 2011 to 51.26 score in 2020 home-stay accommodation, and a friendly accompany the history for New Model Impex Private of Tajiks from its very Limited, Jhandewalan, growing at an average annual rate of 0.87%. population, Tajikistan is keen to push forward beginnings. New Delhi - 110055 The happiness index of Tajikistan increased and to welcome travelers.

2 Business Central Asia September 2021 3 Ambassador’s Message Tajikistan

Along with this process the government In July 2015 the Leader of the Nation, of Tajikistan under strong guidance of the President of Tajikistan Emomali Rahmon Celebrating Leader of the Nation Emomali Rahmon met with the Prime Minister of India was engaged actively in the restoration Narendra Modi during a state visit to of the rule of law and governance struc- Tajikistan, where both sides expressed 30th anniversary tures, rehabilitation of economy and so- satisfaction with the cordial and ex- cial spheres, accelerated return of more cellent ties between two countries and of Independence than one million forced refugees and dis- pledged to upgrade bilateral relations placed persons, as well as creating decent into a multifaceted strategic partnership. Message of the Ambassador of Tajikistan to India living conditions for them. Leader of the Nation, President of Lukmon Bobokalonzoda Thanks to the establishment of peace and Tajikistan Emomali Rahmon has paid six harmony, political stability and strength- visits to India in 1995, 1999, 2001, 2006, ening national unity, Tajikistan imple- 2012 and 2016. During his last visit to mented constitutional reform, restored India on December 14-18 2016, President and improved activities of all branches of Tajikistan Emomali Rahmon met On September 9 2021 the government and Rahmon as the Chair of the Supreme of the government and created a bicam- President of India Pranab Mukherjee, people of Tajikistan will celebrate the 30th Council and laid foundation for the fur- eral parliament. Moreover, the coun- Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Vice anniversary of the State Independence – a ther vital steps aimed at the restoration of try successfully ensured market-oriented President Hamid Ansari. During the vis- landmark and turning point in the modern the governance, rehabilitation of the econ- economic reforms, introduced various it three new bilateral cooperation agree- history of the country. On that day thirty omy and social spheres of the country. The forms of ownership, national currency, ments were signed. years ago an extraordinary session of the most importantly this session has contrib- improved banking and financial system, Later, in October 2018 the President of Supreme Council of the country unan- uted to the appraisal of the real threat to created favorable conditions for entrepre- India Ram Nath Kovind paid a state vis- imously adopted a resolution on “State the existence of the country and identi- neurship and investments, as well as for it to Tajikistan, where eight documents Independence of the Republic of Tajikistan.” fied the need for promotion of the unity the development of the social spheres. were signed for furthering cooperation in Regrettably at the dawn of its indepen- of the whole nation to preserve its inde- Over the period 1997-2020 the real GDP the various areas. dence, Tajikistan faced not only with pendence as a united and coherent state. of Tajikistan increased by five times and The next year in August both sides will complex issues of transition to a multi- The path to peace and tranquility in the its government effectively implement- celebrate 30th anniversary of the estab- party system, pluralistic society and mar- country, started from this historical ses- ed several vital infrastructure projects, lishment of the diplomatic relations. This ket economy, but also with the extreme sion, was not an easy one and was laid which contributed to the increase of en- milestone occasion will provide an exclu- difficulties of a civil conflict, which led to through eight rounds of peace talks and ergy production (2000 megawatts) and sive opportunity for furthering mutually the acute economic, social and political negotiations mediated by the United enhanced connectivity of the country beneficial and trusted cooperation, as well consequences. The historic 16th session Nations and its member states. A General through construction of 2000 kilometers idea to declare 2025 as the International his Afghan counterpart Mohammad for exploring new avenues of cooperation of the Supreme Council of the Republic Agreement on the Establishment of Peace of international highways and 220 kilo- Year for the Preservation of Glaciers, and Ashraf Ghani. The ninth edition of the considering the challenges and opportu- of Tajikistan, held in November 1992 in and Unity, concluding inter-Tajik peace meters of the railways. to define the date of the World Glacier Day. Ministerial Conference was held under ti- nities emerged due to the Covid-19. the ancient city of Khujand, elected the negotiations, was signed in Moscow on Today, Tajikistan as an active member This year Tajikistan is chairing the tle “Strengthening Consensus for Peace The relations between Tajikistan and Founder of Peace and National Unity, June 27 1997, which has been celebrated of the international community has es- Collective Security Treaty Organization and Development” and adopted the India building on lasting common his- Hon’ble Leader of the Nation Emomali annually as the Day of National Unity. tablished diplomatic relations with 179 (CSTO) and the Shanghai Cooperation Dushanbe Declaration, which was wel- torical and cultural roots, as well as stra- countries and has joined many interna- Organization (SCO). On September 16- comed by the high-level representatives tegically important partnership, cordial tional, regional and sub-regional organi- 17 2021 Dushanbe will host the 20th an- of the supporting countries and supporting and mutual trust at the highest level em- zations. The Government of Tajikistan is niversary Summit of the Heads of State regional and international organizations. brace many dimensions of human en- leading its independent multi-vector for- and Government of the SCO. It is expect- Tajikistan and India, building on shared deavor with a special focus on stability eign policy in a transparent and predicted that the Summit will review the activ- historical and cultural affinities between and security, defence, connectivity, trade, able manner, based on the principle of ities of the SCO over 20 years and provide their people, established diplomatic re- joint ventures, investments, industry, ag- “open doors” and aimed at strengthening venue for exchange of views on pressing lations on August 28 1992. Since that riculture, energy, disaster risks reduction, friendly relations with all countries. international and regional issues, includ- historical event both sides made every ef- culture, public health, education, hu- Since joining the United Nations on ing addressing the consequences of the fort to deepen and enhance cooperation manitarian affairs and etc. March 2 1992 Tajikistan commenced Covid-19 pandemic. As the current Chair for their mutual benefits. A series of the The new - fourth decade in the bilateral a series of the global initiatives aimed of the SCO Tajikistan is focusing a partic- high-level visits between the two coun- relations, which will start the next year, at the promotion of sustainable devel- ular attention on strengthening practi- tries have bolstered bilateral ties and fa- may provide additional opportunities and opment and integrated management cal cooperation in combating terrorism, cilitated creation of broad legal basis and avenues for enhancing and deepening of freshwater resources. At the initia- separatism and extremism, illegal drug frameworks for their bilateral cooper- mutually beneficial cooperation, including tive of Tajikistan, the General Assembly trafficking; enhancing trade, economic, ation, which nowadays embrace more through expanding G2G, B2B and P2P ties. of the United Nations unanimously ad- cultural and humanitarian ties; promo- than 70 documents. In February 1993, a Concluding, I would like to extend on opted in December 2016 its resolution, tion of gender equality and empower- visit of the high-level delegation of the behalf of the team of the Tajikistan proclaiming period of 2018-2028 as an ment of women and girls. government of Tajikistan to India laid the Embassy in New Delhi heartfelt congrat- International Decade for Action “Water On March 30 2021 Tajikistan host- foundation for the development of rela- ulation to all our compatriots on the up- for Sustainable Development.” Building ed the 9th Ministerial Conference of tions between the two countries. During coming State Independence. We are also on this success and considering the im- the Heart of Asia – Istanbul Process, this visit, the Declaration on means privileged to convey our best wishes to pact of climate change on freshwa- which was inaugurated with the state- and areas of cooperation between the the friendly people of India and looking ter resources, the President of Tajikistan ments delivered by the Hon’ble President Republic of Tajikistan and the Republic of forward to enhancing and strengthening H.E. Lukmon Bobokalonzoda (center) with staff members of the Embassy of Tajikistan in India. Emomali Rahmon recently proposed an of Tajikistan Emomali Rahmon and India was signed. ties between our countries.

4 Business Central Asia September 2021 5 Indian Ambassador’s Message Special edition Tajikistan

of approx. 14.5 tones. Furthermore 192,000 India - Tajikistan Relations doses of Covishield vaccines, manufac- tured by Serum Institute of India, were supplied to Tajikistan under the COVAX A friendship based on mechanism. India has also decided to gift its indigenously developed Cancer treatment system Bhabhatron-II to Tajikistan mutual trust and shared for treatment of cancer patients. Despite the two countries being geo- graphically so close to each other, unfor- vision of prosperity tunately the bilateral trade is far below by Viraj Singh, Ambassador of India to Tajikistan its true potential. Starting from a meager $1.53 million in 1996-97, today the bilateral trade has increased by more than 30 times and reached $48 million in 2020- India-Tajikistan friendship find sits roots being on building a long-term partner- was setup in Dushanbe with Indian assis- 21, with a zenith of $75 million in 2017- in the historical warmth of linguistic and ship with Tajikistan, both bilaterally and tance and trained thousands of IT profes- 18. Land route connectivity remains a cultural bonds between our people. For at regional level. The year 2021 is an im- sionals, who formed the first generation major bottleneck but the two countries centuries trading caravans have unin- portant milestone in our history as India of IT Specialist of Tajikistan. Currently are working on various solutions to en- terruptedly carried ideas, traditions and celebrates its 75th Independence Day and India is executing the first phase of the hance regional integration and connec- people across both sides and brought the Tajikistan marks the 30th anniversary of 8-lane Dushanbe-Chortut Highway tivity including use of Chabahar Port minds together. These exchanges have a its independence. Project, which will help improve the traf- Ambassador of India to Tajikistan His Excellency Viraj Singh. and International North South Transport left deep imprint on our culture, customs Sharing similar world view on peace and fic situation in Dushanbe and which is Corridor. The India-Central Asia Business and language. Through movement of peo- prosperity, India and Tajikistan cooper- the first section of proposed Ring Road Council, which has been established in ple, goods and ideas including spiritual inate and work together in a large number around Dushanbe city. The Project is be- to serve in various capacities the Tajik na- with satellite mapping and weather fore- 2020, is working with major trade associ- terfaces, both the nations have enriched of regional and international organiza- ing executed under the $20 million grant tion and its people. Similarly, over the last casting that help to prevent and mitigate ations of India and the five Central Asian each other. The works of medieval Indian tions. Tajikistan has been a key support- in aid assistance by Hon’ble President of 20 years thousands of Indian students have disasters. Tajikistan also experiences fre- countries to enhance trade and invest- poets Bedil, Zebunisso and Amir Khusrav er of India’s membership in the Shanghai India Ram Nath Kovind during his vis- completed their degree in medicine from quent natural disasters and technolo- ment. As far as investment are concerned, still delight the Tajik people, and the bal- Cooperation Organization (SCO), which it to Tajikistan in October 2018. The two Avicenna Tajik State Medical University gy could help reduce the impact of such there are Indian companies involved in lads of Mirza Tursunzoda about India con- India joined in 2017, and of India’s per- sides are also discussing mechanism for in Dushanbe and returned to India to use disasters to a large extend. In this con- the construction of power plants and tinue to inspire people of both countries. manent membership of the expanded UN undertaking High Impact Community their knowledge to help their compatriots. text India and Tajikistan are successfully power transmission lines and in the hos- Since the establishment of diplomat- Security Council. Tajikistan has also been Development Projects in Tajikistan which will With a view to allow Tajik professionals collaborating in use of space technolo- pitality business in Tajikistan. With a actively engaged in India-Central directly help the local Tajik communities. to keep pace with the ever-evolving tech- gy to tackle similar critical environmen- view to further strengthen commercial Asia Dialogue, an Indian initia- People are a nation’s richest resource and nological landscape, India has and is in tal challenges. The cooperation which and business ties, India has offered a $1 tive to promote developmental Indian education and training has al- the process of implementing in Tajikistan started in 2017, with training of 60 Tajik billion Line of Credit to the five Central partnership between India and lowed our Tajik brothers and sisters to a few projects involving IT excellence and specialists at Indian Space Research Asian countries and Tajikistan has shown the five Central Asian Countries. upgrade their knowledge and skill in di- industrial training centers. As announced Organization in various space technologies interest in using this facility for carrying Our nations also share common verse areas and disciplines. Under India’s during the visit of Hon’ble Prime Minister is now being vigorously pursued through forward the construction of the Roghun view in ensuring peace, stabil- Technical and Economic Cooperation Narendra Modi to Tajikistan in 2015, to established institutional mechanism. Hydroelectric Power Project. ity and security in the region, (ITEC) Program, more than 1500 Tajik promote IT education and computer lit- One of India’s biggest strength is its The year 2021 has brought a fresh im- including about establishing professionals both from government and eracy amongst the Tajik students India niche capabilities in the pharmaceuti- petus to India Tajikistan relationship. lasting peace in Afghanistan. private sectors have attended short du- has setup IT labs in 38 schools across cal, health care and hospitality sectors. The year has seen numerous high-lev- Like India, Tajikistan too is a de- ration training and skill development Tajikistan, including in a school which Owing to availability of affordable world- el exchanges with Indian political lead- veloping country and in the spir- courses in India in fields such as banking, caters to educational needs of the chil- class treatment, India has emerged as the ership visiting Tajikistan for the various it of South-South Cooperation finance, Information Technology, busi- dren of the Afghan refugees in Tajikistan. preferred destination for medical tour- meetings of Shanghai Cooperation India has been assisting ness management, tourism development, Recently, high end computing equipment ism for Tajik citizens. India’s pharmaceu- Organisation, which is being chaired by Tajikistan in its development communicational skills, health manage- was gifted to Tajik Centre of Strategic tical products which offer high efficacy Tajikistan in 2021. These visits have al- Celebrating Children’s Day on November 14, 2020 by sharing its experiences and ment, public policy, legislative processes Research to enable them to process data at affordable price, occupy approx. 30% lowed the two sides to take stock of the through paintings on the theme - Victory of Light of knowledge, gained over the last and drafting, cyber & computer securi- and material for their research activities. of Tajik pharmaceutical market. Even current status of relationship and ex- over Darkmess organized by the Indian Embassy. seven decades of India’s inde- ty etc. Seeing the high demand for such Currently, the two countries are work- during this Covid-19 pandemic, when change views of the way forward. pendence, in areas as diverse as training courses, ITEC slot allocation for ing to establish the Atal Bihari Vajpayee the world has witnessed closing down Needless to say, many more areas of co- ic relations 29 years ago both the coun- Information Technology (IT), education, Tajikistan has been increased from 150 Information Technology Center of of borders and transit connectivity, the operation and collaboration are there tries have extended and deepened their telecommunication, health and agricul- to 200 per year with effect from the year Excellence and Training in Dushanbe in- pharmaceutical trade between India and that remain to be explored between cooperation in all spheres of human en- ture. Over the years, India has undertak- 2019-20. In addition, under Government volving latest technology and equipment, Tajikistan has not only flourished in 2020 our two beautiful nations and there are deavor - political, economic, cultural, seen many developmental infrastructure of India’s ICCR scholarship program including a Super Computer. but has doubled over 2019. Businesses a number of geographical and logisti- curity, human resource development projects in Tajikistan. The renovation and more than 350 Tajik students have so far India has developed robust disaster man- have turned more innovative and have cal challenges that need to be overcome. and people to people contact. In the modernization of Varzob Hydro Power completed their Bachelor, Master and agement practices given the incidence started utilizing direct chartered cargo However, the motto, ‘Дӯстӣ сархад context of India’s Connect Central Asia Plant 1 & 2, credited with stabilizing elec- Ph.D level studies in Indian Universities of multiple disasters, both natural and flights to bring in high value and low vol- надорад (Dusti Sarhad Nadorad) - Policy, Tajikistan finds a special place in tricity supply to Tajikistan’s capital city of under which Tajikistan has been allocat- man-made, that impact us frequent- ume pharma products into Tajikistan. Friendship knows no border’ will contin- India’s foreign policy as part of our ex- Dushanbe was completed at a cost of $20 ed 25 slots per year. These professionals ly. These are being further augmented In the time of Covid-19 pandemic, India ue to inspire us to build an even stronger tended neighborhood with India’s focus million in 2012. In 2006 Bedil IT Center and students upon their return continue by niche Indian advancements in space supplied essential medicines to Tajikistan bilateral relationship.

6 Business Central Asia September 2021 7 Platform of cooperation Special edition Tajikistan

Article by the President of Tajikistan Emomali Rahmon, Chairman of the Council of Heads of SCO Member States in 2021 international and regional organizations. combating the contemporary challenges international organization. To establish By establishing partnerships with the and threats within SCO. the organization as such, it was essen- world community within the framework It should be highlighted that SCO, the tial to go through a period of fruitful and of international and regional organiza- twentieth anniversary of which we are multifaceted cooperation. Twenty years of the SCO: tions, Tajikistan has expanded cooper- celebrating this year, has confirmed from Considering the development of the in- ation with the UN and its specialized the first day of its activity that it is a dy- ternational situation and the surge in se- agencies, SCO, CSTO, OSCE, ECO and namic organization and a reputable in- curity threats in the region at the end of Cooperation for stability OIC, as well as with other development ternational institution not only in the the 90s of the last century, the “Shanghai partners, international and regional fi- region but also at the global level. Five” member states faced the crucial de- nancial institutions. Over its twenty-year history, SCO has cision. It was necessary to agree on the and prosperity In the framework of multilateral diplomacy, turned into one of the most influential in- creation of a new, improved organiza- Tajikistan pays particular attention to the ternational organizations of a new type, tion as one of the most important tools to development of fruitful relations within the into a unique regional structure that has counter the new threats and challenges framework of the Shanghai Cooperation repeatedly proved its universal charac- that are gaining strength. Organization (hereinafter referred to as ter in resolving topical world issues. The Taking into account the real state of af- SCO/organization). It is no coincidence course of events in the era of globaliza- fairs, the Heads of State decided to ini- that the current Foreign Policy Concept tion has clearly shown to all political tiate the foundation for creating a of the Republic of Tajikistan notes: actors that no state alone is capable of ef- more complete structure based on the “Active participation of the Republic of fectively dealing with modern challenges “Shanghai Five,” which could unite Tajikistan in the Shanghai Cooperation and threats. Under such circumstances, China, Russia and all the Central Asian Organization aims to strengthen only coordinated measures and joint ef- countries into a single regional organiza- good-neighborly ties, friendly and ami- forts of all states can be effective. tion. Considering the identified tasks an cable relations among the member states A popular proverb says, “A friend in need intergovernmental commission was es- and observers of the organization, as well is a friend indeed.” SCO member states in tablished, which carried out immense as ensuring security, stability and sus- the most difficult times of the outbreak of consultative work. tainable development in the region”. the Covid-19 pandemic have demonstrat- On August 25 1999, fourth summit of the Therefore Tajikistan perceives priori- ed their solidarity, provided effective sup- “Shanghai Five” was held in Bishkek. ty areas of its activities within the frame- port to each other on many problematic At this forum, it was decided to transfer work of this organization not only in the issues. The world has once again become the initiative to hold the fifth summit of spheres of security and economic collab- convinced that the member states of the Heads of State to Tajikistan. oration but also in the development and organization are committed to the values The presidency of the Republic of improvement of multilateral cooperation and principles of the “Shanghai Spirit.” Tajikistan in the “Shanghai Five” lasted in the cultural and humanitarian fields. SCO has gone through a long process of from September 1999 to July 2000. Tajikistan also supports the involve- formation to reach the current stage of During the presidency, we carried out com- ment of observer states in the sphere of development and become a powerful prehensive preparatory work on holding the summit of the “Shanghai Five,” to which the leadership of Uzbekistan was invited. The meeting of the Heads of the “Shanghai Five” countries, which took place on July 5 2000 in Dushanbe, became a re- markable event of particular significance. The “Shanghai Five” was called President Emomali Rahmon addressing the participants of the meeting of the Council of Foreign Ministers of the SCO in Dushanbe on July 14, 2021. the “Shanghai Forum” in Dushanbe. It was this Dushanbe decision that laid the foundation for the creation of SCO. Since the early days of gaining its state Along with this, the foreign policy of our its feasible contribution to ensure secu- Thus, a proposal to transform the independence, Tajikistan, based on the state aimed at ensuring wide-ranging rity and peace, the establishment of ben- “Shanghai Five” into a regional interna- principles of the “open doors” policy, and effective participation of the coun- eficial international cooperation and tional organization, which is current- peacefulness and objectivity established try in relevant international and regional constructive dialogue, and takes the ad- ly known as the Shanghai Cooperation and subsequently extended and strength- organizations. Through the implemen- vantage of the capabilities of internation- Organization, was introduced in ened friendly, equal and mutually bene- tation of such policy, Tajikistan makes al and regional organizations to enable Tajikistan. The Dushanbe Declaration of ficial relations with most countries of the the sustainable development of the coun- 2000 laid down the fundamental ideas world and with number of them estab- try and strengthening its position in the about the goals, objectives and main di- lished strategic partnership. One of the international arena. rections of activities of the future presti- priorities of the international strategy of The world has once again This year Tajikistan celebrates the 30th gious regional international organization Tajikistan is the policy of good-neighborli- become convinced that Anniversary of state independence. - SCO, which today has taken a worthy ness and multilateral cooperation with the the member states of the During this short period by historical place in world political reality. Central Asian states. The creation of an at- standards, our country has established Later, on June 15 2001, a meeting of mosphere of credibility and security along organization are committed full-fledged diplomatic relations with Heads of State took place in Shanghai the entire perimeter of the country’s bor- to the values and principles of 179 countries of the world and has be- during which a Joint Declaration on ders is one of the key goals of this policy. the “Shanghai Spirit.” come an active member of prestigious Official logo of Tajikistan chairing and 20th anniversary of Shanghai Cooperation Organization. Uzbekistan’s accession to the “Shanghai

8 Business Central Asia September 2021 9 Platform of cooperation Special edition Tajikistan

Five” was adopted, and a declaration on of SCO member state. The summit of the communication to facilitate the solution Organization not only succeeded in starting an observer in the UN General Assembly challenges and threats, in particular, ter- the establishment of SCO was signed Heads of State of the member states in of international issues. Since the very be- to address these issues but also to become as well as effective cooperation with the rorism and extremism, illicit drug traf- based on the accumulated experience Dushanbe laid a solid foundation for the ginning of SCO establishment, the en- a structure that occupies strong positions Commonwealth of Independent States ficking and other manifestations of within the “Shanghai Five.” elaboration of a legal basis for the proce- tities were set up to meet the demands in the international political arena. and ASEAN testifies to the growing status transnational organized crime. As humanity entered the new century, dure for granting the status of SCO mem- of modern realities. For instance, SCO SCO’s activities are focused, which is very of the Organization in world politics. Tajikistan believes that SCO member states the world has witnessed the emergence ber state. This procedure was further Secretariat and the Executive Committee important, not only on political issues On the other hand, further progress and ex- should not only preserve the traditions of of a powerful international structure. discussed and finalized at the next sum- of SCO Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure but also on economic ties. Within the pansion of SCO depend on many regional good-neighborliness, but also find new One of the important steps in the formation mit of Heads of State. (RATS), which have been operating since framework of the Organization, the long- and international factors. This is, primari- optimal ways to solve existing or emerg- and development of SCO was the meeting In 2015, the leaders of SCO countries ap- January 2004, were identified as perma- term economic cooperation plans have ly, the geopolitical situation in the world, ing problems of a socio-economic nature. of the Council of Heads of State in 2005: it proved a decision to commence the pro- nent bodies or structures based on mu- been approved by the member states, cooperation in matters of regional security To date, our countries have achieved pos- took a fundamental decision to grant ob- cedures for admitting India and Pakistan tual agreement of the parties. Beijing the purpose of which is to facilitate the and trade and economic development. itive results in all these areas. However, in server status within the organization to to membership in the organization, and city was determined as the venue of SCO free movement of goods, services and It would be appropriate to state that the a rapidly changing world, we should not three major Asian powers - India, Iran and resolutions were also signed on grant- Secretariat, while Tashkent city was the technologies among all member states. role of Tajikistan, as one of the founders of stop there, but move forward and solve venue of SCO Executive Committee. topical issues of a political, economic and Generally, analyzing the overall arrange- social nature. Together we should strive to ments of SCO establishment and all ensure security in the region and the peace- phases of its development it should be ful coexistence of all countries of the world. emphasized that many political, histori- In 2020, the presidency of the organi- cal and economic factors led to the emer- zation handed by Russia to Tajikistan. gence of the Organization in the political Accordingly, the jubilee summit of the space of Eurasia, the most important of Heads of SCO States will be held in which are: Destruction of the bipolar sys- Dushanbe on September 16-17 2021. This tem in international relations; forma- is very significant since the initial deci- tion of a new world order as a result of sion to establish SCO was taken in the the collapse of the former USSR; rise of capital of our country. new challenges and threats, among of We are confident that after celebrating its which terrorism, extremism and separat- anniversary, SCO will continue to be an ism were the most dangerous phenome- active structure, an effective platform for na; realization of the principles of a just exchanging views, developing common world order, dominated by the aspira- positions and agreeing on various points tion for joint development, taking into of view, and will also improve its policy account the experience of relations that following the demands of the times. have developed among the countries of SCO’s activities fully comply with the ba- the region within the framework of the sic principles of the foreign policy strat- “Shanghai Five”; joint pursuit for new ef- egy of our state. We are interested in fective mechanisms that would enhance further strengthening its role in solving the regional integration of countries; for- the key tasks of strengthening peace and mation of a new model of cooperation in security, expanding trade, economic, cul- Flags of all Shanghai Cooperation Organization member countries. the region, where the priority areas are Shanghai Cooperation Organization Defence Ministers’ meeting in Dushanbe on July 28, 2021. tural and humanitarian ties. security, economic interaction and coop- In conclusion, I would like to note that Pakistan. Earlier in 2004, status was granting Belarus an observer status at SCO, as eration in all areas. The interaction of countries in the fight SCO, is essential in the process of forma- from the very beginning of its founda- ed to Mongolia. The geographical expan- well as on granting the status of a dialogue In fact, in the years when SCO was found- against crime, in the spheres of culture tion and development of the organization. tion, SCO has been striving to estab- sion of the organization made it possible partner to Azerbaijan, Armenia, Cambodia ed, significant changes took place in the and education, science and innovative Tajikistan chaired the Council of Heads of lish fair international relations. Twenty to rise its international significance. and Nepal. Thus, SCO has promptly world that completely altered the content technologies, as well as in such areas as State in 2008 and 2014, and the Council years of the Shanghai Cooperation Later in 2007, SCO countries signed evolved from a standard regional orga- and vectors of world politics. In this regard, health care and the agro-industrial com- of Heads of Government of SCO member Organization’s activity, which coincid- an Agreement on Long-Term Good nization into a large international orga- the countries that initiated the establish- plex is also gaining strength. states in 2006, 2010 and 2018. ed with a very difficult period in inter- Neighborliness, Friendship and Cooperation. nization. Such a rapid expansion of the ment of this organization had to adapt it to Twenty years of SCO’s activity confirms that We will expand our activities within national relations, have shown that the In 2009, a decision was taken to grant the organization over just two decades, both new world realities, to fast-paced condi- this organization is reputable and influential the framework of the organization and Organization has become a real force in status of a dialogue partner to Sri Lanka in structure and in the variety of activi- tions and seek a worthy place for it in the platform for discussing and solving press- strengthen our relations with its mem- the arena of global politics. SCO member and Belarus. ties, demonstrates precision in determin- world political arena. The new conditions ing regional and international issues. bers, continue our joint activities with- states have achieved a high degree of co- In 2012, SCO leaders adopted a Declaration ing the goals and good intentions of SCO. required the newly formed regional inter- Accordingly, Tajikistan is involved in in SCO in the field of countering modern operation and trust in resolving the is- on Building a Region of Long-Term Peace This process produced its first results at national organization - SCO, to operate its activities, including in the Program sues of policy, economy and security. and Shared Prosperity. In the same year, the summit of the Shanghai Cooperation differently, more actively contribute to of Multilateral Trade and Economic Annual meetings at different levels not Afghanistan gained observer status in SCO, Organization in Astana in June 2017. The the solution of topical regional problems. Cooperation of SCO member states and only provide an opportunity to a time- and Turkey became a dialogue partner. two largest countries in the region, India The question arose in this way: the or- interacts in the implementation of vari- We are confident that after ly solution of urgent problems, but also In 2014, India and Pakistan officially ap- and Pakistan, have obtained the status of ganization must have the capability and ous projects and in other areas. celebrating its anniversary, provide quick responses in the rapid- plied for SCO membership. This coin- member states of the Organization. ability to meet the interests of the mem- Over twenty years of its activity in the SCO will continue to be an ly changing world. All these indicate that cided with Tajikistan’s chairmanship It is noteworthy that, according to the ber states, to carry out economic, trade, field of international politics, SCO has the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, in SCO in 2013-2014. This period gave a fair opinion of most experts, such or- cultural and humanitarian integration in been a hallmark of an effective organiza- active structure, an effective at the origin of which was also our State, new impetus to the procedure for con- ganizations in the contemporary world complicated international circumstances. tion and has won great authority in the platform for exchanging views, is indeed a very promising structure both sidering the issue of granting the status are the essential organizers of interstate The further activities of SCO proved that the fast-growing world. Its recognition as developing common positions. in the regional and the global scale.

10 Business Central Asia September 2021 11 Summit | Forum Special edition Tajikistan

The Tajik side informed the participants that according to the decision of the Organizing Committee, all persons, with- SCO Foreign out exception, involved in the preparatory work for the summit, have been or are being vaccinated in a mandatory manner. Ministers Council During the meeting, the ministers stated that sustainable development in the meeting SCO space is impossible without ensuring an adequate level of security. The Ministerial Council signed a resolution to submit to the Dushanbe summit the up- dated SCO Program of Cooperation on countering terrorism, separatism and extremism (2022-2024). The SCO Ministerial Council attached special attention to the situation in Afghanistan. Profound concern was stated at the prospect of deterioration of the situation in that country as a result of the withdrawal of the coalition forces. The heads of delegation discussed issues of further stronger economic cooperation. The ministers adopted as a basis the Plan of Joint Measures to overcome the negative socio-economic consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic. The cultural and humanitarian dimension was in the center of attention of the ministers. The delegated for the first time in the history of the organization negotiated the Regulation on the SCO Anthem initiated by Tajikistan. The meeting deliberated on the issues of strengthening the positioning of the SCO President Emomali Rahmon (center) with heads of delegations - participants of in the international arena. It highlighted the meeting of the Council of Foreign Ministers of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization President Emomali Rahmon with heads of delegations of the meeting of Security Council Secretaries of the SCO member nations on June 24, 2021. pose for a group photograph in Dushanbe on July 14, 2021. the dynamically strengthening reputation of the SCO at the external track and issues of cooperation between the Organization related to cooperation in jointly address- On July 13-14 2021, Dushanbe hosted a new type and powerful part of the in- and the UN and its specialized agencies. ing threats posed by international terrorism, the Shanghai Cooperation Organization ternational relations system. The ministers welcomed the adoption of Security Council extremism, separatism, religious radicalism (SCO) Foreign Ministers Council (FMC) The ministers agreed that joint work on the Resolution “Cooperation between the and transnational organized crime, includ- meeting chaired by the Minister of the progressive advancement of all issues UN and the SCO” during the 75th session ing drug trafficking and arms smuggling. Foreign Affairs of Tajikistan Sirojiddin on the multifaceted agenda of the SCO of the UN General Assembly. Secretaries of SCO President Emomali Rahmon noted that Muhriddin. The SCO FMC meeting be- contributes to strengthening the devel- The members of the Council exchanged Tajikistan attaches the greatest impor- came a key event towards the SCO jubi- opment of the Organization and increas- views on expanding the SCO Dialogue meet in Dushanbe tance to the meeting of the Security Council lee summit to be held in Dushanbe on ing its international reputation. Partner institution membership. They Secretaries of the Shanghai Cooperation September 16-17 2021. During the meeting, they noted that in ac- signed Ministerial Council decisions on Organization member nations. Prior to their meeting the foreign min- cordance with the SCO Main Events Plan, granting this status to Saudi Arabia and It was noted that the SCO Regional Anti- isters were received by the President of as of today, over 50 events, including sev- Egypt to be submitted for approval by the Terrorist Structure could play an import- Tajikistan, Chairman of the SCO Heads of en ministerial gatherings have been held by Council of Heads of State. The ministers The Founder of Peace and National of Kyrgyzstan Marat Imankulov, the ant role in ensuring regional security and State Council, Emomali Rahmon. various SCO mechanisms of interaction. approved the SCO Secretariat Report for Unity, Leader of the Nation, President of Special Assistant to the Prime Minister strengthening ties between member states in The heads of foreign policy offices ex- In this context, the ministers expressed the past year and the draft SCO Secretary Tajikistan Emomali Rahmon met with of Pakistan on national security Moeed countering modern threats and challenges. changed in views on the SCO activities sum- their readiness to cooperate closely to General Report on the Organization’s ac- heads of delegations taking part in the W. Yusuf, the Security Council Secretary While discussing the issues of coopera- mary during the 20 years and discussed the hold nearly 30 other events of the SCO tivities for the reporting period. meeting of the 16th session of Security of Russia Nikolai Patrushev, the Security tion between the SCO member nations steps for further development of interac- bodies, including 12 at the level of heads At the conclusion of the meeting, the for- Council Secretaries of the Shanghai Council Secretary of Tajikistan Nasrullo in ensuring reliable information security tion within the Organization. They also of ministries and departments at a high eign ministers expressed confidence that Cooperation Organization member na- Mahmudzoda, Deputy Secretary of the and jointly combating cybercrime, they exchanged in views on the burning inter- substantive level by September of this year. the meeting results would make a wor- tions held on June 24 2021. National Security Council of Uzbekistan also touched upon on biological and food national and regional issues. The meeting The heads of delegations noted that in thy contribution to the further strength- The National Security Advisor to the Prime Bobur Usmanov and Director of the security amid the coronavirus pandemic. participants stated that the SCO, having preparation for the Dushanbe meeting ening of good-neighborliness, friendship, Minister of India Ajit Kumar Doval, the Executive Committee of the SCO Regional A special attention was given to the cur- relied on the ‘Shanghai Spirit,’ during the of the Council of Heads of State, it is ex- cohesion, mutual trust and mutually Assistant to the President and Security Anti-Terrorist Structure Jumakhon rent political and military situation in two decades established itself as a repu- tremely important to follow all anti-epi- beneficial cooperation between the SCO Council Secretary of Kazakhstan Asset Ghiyosov attended the meeting. Afghanistan and the alarming tendencies table intergovernmental organization of demic requirements. member states. Issekeshev, the Security Council Secretary The issues discussed at the meeting were of its escalation.

12 Business Central Asia September 2021 13 Policies | Relations | Economy Special edition Tajikistan

According to the statement, in 2021 en- as our fourth national goal.” hancing the effective use of the existing The President elaborated further that “in Key economic opportunities and resources, commis- 1991, only 358 industrial enterprises were sioning and running of the new and ex- registered in the country. In 2020 alone, we isting resources, encouragement of the established and put into operation 300 new priorities of domestic and foreign investment will re- industrial enterprises and workshops cre- main at the focus of the government. ating more than 6,500 jobs. As a result, last Tajikistan in 2021 In the accordance with the Presidential year the number of industrial enterprises address, several steps have been under- reached 2.274, and we expect this num- taken during the year to fulfill the tasks ber to exceed 3.500, or increase by more and goals. First of them is related to “a than 54 percent in the next seven years.” full transition to international financial Touching upon energy sector the reporting standards and e-financing sys- President recalled that “during our inde- tem, including e-procurement system pendence, we implemented 34 public in- since we are lagging behind in this area. vestment projects and more than 2,000 The main goal of these steps should be MW of new electricity capacity was put “improving the investment and business into operation, and the electricity gener- environment and encouraging direct in- ation increased from 17bn kW/h in 1991 to vestments to ensure sustainable nation- 21 billion kW/h in 2019. The government al economic development is a priority in of Tajikistan intends to expand the con- our economic policy.” struction and reconstruction of a number Therefore, relevant ministries and agen- of small and large vital facilities to en- Newly inaugurated innovative industrial and technological park of Darvoz district. cies were mandated “to bolster their activ- sure energy security in future and to fully ities to attract direct investment, further meet the power needs of the population improve the investment climate and busi- and the national economy.” corridors. The Ministry of Transport independence, 22 public investment proj- ness environment, to introduce electronic Speaking on connectivity the President jointly with other relevant ministries and ects were implemented on development system for submission and review of appli- underlined that “in recent years, the road agencies need to strengthen the transport of agriculture, including construction cations, issuance of licenses, permits and and transport sector has been developing infrastructure, create transit corridors, and reconstruction of irrigation infra- certificates for business activities and elim- steadily, and as a result, we have achieved ensure access to seaports and establish structure, development of new lands, im- inate subjective factors in this process. They one of our strategic goals, i.e. connectiv- border terminals and logistics centers.” provement of land reclamation, and the need to make sure the businesses are reg- ity of our country with other economies In relation of another strategic goal of agriculture sector equipment with the istered through electronic and digital sys- of the region.This year, we will start the the country – ensuring food security, the necessary machinery, high quality seeds tems fully and ensure operation of service implementation of 10 other public in- President stressed that “according to the and access of the sector’s players to fi- President of Tajikistan Emomali Rahmon during the annual address to the parliament. centers for entrepreneurs and investors vestment projects with the total amount analyses the agricultural production av- nance. More than 112,000 hectares of in towns and districts of the country.” of 8 billion Tajik Somoni to construct erage growth made 7.3 percent annual- new orchards and vineyards have been As the President stated, “currently devel- and renovate transport and communica- ly between 1997 and 2020 and increased created in the country during the inde- On January 26 2021, the President of current difficulties and maintaining pos- opment of digital technologies is a key to tions infrastructure and construct transit by five times in this period. During the pendence, which has been significantly Tajikistan, the Leader of the Nation, His itive trends in improving living standards economic competitiveness. To strengthen contributing to the country’s food securi- Excellency Emomali Rahmon delivered and prosperity of the population, at- the institutional framework of the digital ty, public employment, and growth of ex- an annual address to the parliament of tained since its independence. economy, the development of informa- port and supply of the food and garment the country, where key priority areas of The President further elaborated that tion and communication infrastructure industries with raw materials.” domestic and foreign policy of the country “the rapid changes in the current world throughout the country, the digitaliza- To this end, he mentioned to the rele- for 2021 were highlighted. In his speech, and their negative impact on the world tion of the national economy and the ex- vant stakeholder on the “need to make the President made an overall assessment economy require us to promote sustain- pansion of the “e-government” process, sure to effectively use the land resourc- and emphasized the achievements of the able, inclusive and green development. the Government and relevant agencies es, primarily household and presidential country since its independence, the 30th To this end, the government needs to in- are mandated to undertake necessary ac- lands, store and use high quality seed and anniversary of which is being celebrated tensify its activities on addressing threats tions for establishment of an agency for thereby obtain up to three harvests, es- on September 9 2021. and crises, creation of development-cen- innovation and digital technology of the pecially in 2021. Given the current com- In his statement the President defined that tered opportunities and financial re- President Office of Tajikistan.” plex situation in the world, we need to “the supreme goal of the Tajik state and the sources, diversification of the economy, The President during the address high- make sure to be prepared for any poten- government is to ensure sustainable eco- expansion of the digitalization, access to lighted that “after we attained indepen- tial challenge and avoid any scarcity and nomic growth of the country through in- finance and business support, address- dence, we completely revised our public shortage of food products that our popu- creased efficient use of available resources ing social issues, climate change and the policy in the field of industry by focusing lation might encounter.” and opportunities, finding new windows transition to a green economy. In oth- on strengthened production and export He further instructed the relevant minis- for development, improvement of edu- er words, in the context of the rapidly of end products through the introduction tries and committees to undertake firm cation, healthcare, and human resources changing and tense situation in the cur- of new technologies, increased use of lo- actions to encourage domestic and foreign and thereby improve the living standards rent world, Tajikistan primarily needs cal raw materials, their full processing investment to develop the sector, establish of the glorious people of Tajikistan.” to rely on its domestic capacity and op- and wider use of labor resources. To grad- logistics centers and ensure processing, Therefore, all efforts and activities of portunities and make greater efforts for ually increase the production of compet- packaging and export of agricultural prod- the government and development part- economic development, ensuring food itive industrial products, we declared the ucts in line with the market requirements ners will be focused on overcoming the security and public health.” intensive industrialization of the country Production plant of polypropylene bags “Ghayur-Pak” in Dushanbe. and international quality standards.

14 Business Central Asia September 2021 15 Capital City Special edition Tajikistan

and Large Cities, the International Yakub. A mosque was built in Dushanbe, of important international high-lev- the National Museum of Antiquities of Organization of Sister Cities, Boulder- which is a majestic architectural struc- el forums in the fields of water resourc- Tajikistan, the Museum of Ethnography, Dushanbe, Dushanbe Sister Cities, the World ture of Tajikistan, as well as the larg- es and security. It is gratifying to note the Museum of Musical Instruments Organization of Cities and Local Self- est religious site built during the years that, taking into account the successes named after G. Zavkibekov, the House- Government... Today Dushanbe has es- of independence. About 900 sports fa- achieved in the development of tourism, Museum named after G. S. Aini, M. A Fascinating tablished twinning relations with 18 cilities of various levels have been cre- on October 3, 2019, during the cities of the world. It is gratifying that ated, the number of which is growing meeting of the tourism minis- Capital Dushanbe, as a scientific and cultural from year to year. A significant event in ters of the member countries center of the republic, is developing dy- of the Economic Cooperation by Rustam Emomali, Mayor of Dushanbe namically. Reconstruction of cultural and Organization, Dushanbe was historical monuments is underway, im- declared the tourism capital of provement of the city continues, and at- the member countries of the tractive tourist routes are being created. The symbol of the city is Organization for 2020-2021. Dushanbe has literally been transformed embodied in the memorial According to a poll by the in- during the years of independence. Over complex of the National Unity formation agency “Turstat” the past 30 years, architecturally remark- and Revival of Tajikistan with of the Russian Federation, the able buildings of the National Library, the the monument to such world capital was included in the National Museum of Tajikistan, Kokhi list of 10 safe cities in the CIS, Somon, Kokhi Navruz, Dushanbe Plaza famous scientists and great as well as in the top ten cit- and a number of other objects, which thinkers and literature. ies for tourism. In honor of have become the pride of the residents of the 30th anniversary of the the capital, have been built in our capital. republic’s independence, it A striking landmark of the city is “Kokhi the city is the commissioning of the larg- is planned to build and re- Navruz,” which embodies the national est sports complex in the country - the construct more than 4201 flavor of ancient and modern architecture Tennis Palace and the water sports com- objects for various purpos- The capital is also famour for its cool fountains and history. Among modern monuments, plex. One of the largest flagpoles in the es. Currently, Independence and lush colorful flower beds across the city. one can single out a monument to the world was built in Dushanbe; its height Square is being built in the founder of the Tajik state Ismoil Somoni, is 165 meters, entered in the Guinness city, 7 modern hotels, a stadium for 30 Tursunzade House-Museum, etc. The a statue of the poet Rudaki, and the founder Book of Records. The stable political situ- thousand seats and much more are un- symbol of the city is embodied in the me- of Tajik-Persian classical poetry. In honor of ation, tangible socio-economic achieve- der construction. Today, guests of the morial complex of the National Unity the great classic, a beautiful park “Rudaki” ments made it possible to hold major capital of Tajikistan will find comfortable and Revival of Tajikistan with the mon- with colorful fountains was erected. authoritative events of international and hotels such as Dushanbe Serena, Hyatt ument to Ismoili Somoni, in the majestic More than 20 public libraries with a regional significance in Dushanbe, in- Regency Dushanbe, Hilton Dushanbe, monuments to such world famous sci- book fund of 3.20 million copies oper- cluding the Summit “Conference on Tajikistan, etc. Guests of our capital can entists and great thinkers of science and ate in the city. The most beautiful ar- Interaction and Confidence Building visit various museums of the city, such literature, such as Abuabdullo Rudaki, chitectural monument is the National Measures in Asia,” as well as a number as the National Museum of Tajikistan, Abuali ibn Sino, Abulkasym Firdausi, Library of Tajikistan. Dushanbe is nota- Omar Khayyam, Sadriddin Gafurov, ble for its squares, parks of culture and and Bobodjon dr. The State Academic Dushanbe, the capital of sovereign districts: Ismoili Somoni, Sino, Firdausi recreation. Today in the city there are Theater of Drama named after Abulkasim Tajikistan, is the political, economic and and Shokhmansur. The unique and inim- more than 60 parks and squares, laid out Lakhuti, State Academic Theater of Opera cultural center of the country, a city in itable nature of Dushanbe with and Ballet named after Sadriddin Aini, which the breath of the fabulous East is many monuments of nature, Russian State Drama Theater named af- felt. This year marks the 60th anniversa- culture and history can right- ter V. Mayakovsky, State Youth Theater ry of the return to the city of its historical fully contribute a particle of its named after Makhmudjon Vokhidov, name “Dushanbe.” The capital, located knowledge and experience to State Puppet Theater, Experimental in the embrace of picturesque and flow- the general palette of ideas that Theater for Young Spectators named after ering foothills, in the vast emerald val- expand and enrich the cultur- Mukhammadzhon Obrazovy Kasymov ley of the turquoise river bed, connects al space of the Commonwealth. miniatures “Oina”, a number of cine- all regions of the country through high- Within the framework of the mas, State complexes “Kokhi Borbad” ways, railways and airways. The majes- year of the tourist capital, an- and “Kokhi Vakhdat,” State Philharmonic tic gates, created in four directions of the nounced by the Economic of Tajikistan named after Akasharif capital, personify the traditions of ur- Cooperation Organization, the Dzhuraev, State Circus of Tajikistan, ban planning and a sustainable system executive body of state power amphitheater “Akhorun.” Every year of urban governance, the noble qualities of the city of Dushanbe has de- the number of tourists wishing to see of philanthropy, brotherhood and hos- veloped a special plan for hold- Tajikistan is growing. In 2019 alone, more pitality of the inhabitants of the capital. ing this international event, Dushanbe’s largest park “Rudaki.” than 1 million 450 thousand people vis- The area of the city, located in the fer- which includes a set of measures ited the country. The city of Dushanbe, tile Gissar valley at an altitude of 930 me- aimed at giving the city a new image. It on 1080 hectares, the most significant the capital of sovereign Tajikistan and the ters above sea level, on both sides of the should be emphasized that the capital of which is the botanical garden “God’s scientific and cultural center of the an- Dushanbinka River, is 203.2 square kilo- of Tajikistan - Dushanbe is a member of Iram.” Islamic architecture is represent- cient Tajik nation, is the pride of all resi- meters. The city has four administrative the International Assembly of Capitals ed by the mosque and madrassa of Haji The 18th century Hisor Fort on the outskirts of Dushanbe. dents of Tajikistan “from young to old.”

16 Business Central Asia September 2021 17 Multilateral Cooperation Special edition Tajikistan

President further emphasized that the 9th Ministerial Conference of the activities of the “Heart of Asia - Istanbul Process” from its establishment in 2011 to Heart of Asia – Istanbul Process the present day, have undoubtedly played an important role. “Tajikistan fully supports the implementation of a compre- Everyone stands hensive international strategy to ensure stability and restore peace in Afghanistan,” he said and added that “We hope that the for Afghanistan international community, with its new initiatives and proposals, will further improve the mechanism of cooperation and assistance to Afghanistan.” The Heart of Asia-Istanbul Process is a regional initiative of Afghanistan and Turkey, which was launched on November 2 2011 in Istanbul, with the motto “Istanbul process on regional security and cooperation for a secure and stable Afghanistan.” The process aims to promote regional security, economic and political cooperation centered on Afghanistan through dialogue and confidence building measures. Following conference the Dushanbe Declaration adopted. According to it, the participants supported the ongoing efforts for the peace A group photo of all participants of the meeting after adopting the Dushanbe Declaration which stressed the need to develop regional cooperation as an effective way to confront common challenges and improve security and stability in Afghanistan. process and the continuation of the negotiations between the government of Afghanistan and the Taliban. While rec- on a political settlement, and in this re- emphasized the importance of supporting and rural development for the creation ognizing the importance and contri- gard, they affirmed that any political set- the Afghan government in capacity build- of improved alternative, licit livelihoods butions of neighboring countries and tlement must protect the rights of all ing, in particular of the security forces. for farmers and demand-reduction sup- regional and international partners, they Afghans, including women, youth and The participants were concerned about port, increase public awareness of count- called upon them to maximize their ef- minorities. It should also respect the the high level of illicit cultivation and er-narcotics issues and build the capacity forts for the success of the peace process. strong desire of Afghans to achieve du- production of opium in Afghanistan, the of drug control institutions, and care and President of Tajikistan Emomali Rahmon (right) with President of Afghanistan Ashraf Ghani. The participants we welcomed the renewed rable peace and prosperity, and must volume of drug trafficking, illicit drug treatment centers for drug users. diplomatic efforts by all countries to accel- respond to their strong desire to sus- trade, trafficking of precursors, the new The participants welcomed the Afghanistan erate the peace process through a mean- tain and build on the economic, social, prevalence of methamphetamine, the ris- National Peace and Development The 9th Ministerial Conference of the At the outset of his address, President ingful peace negotiation, including the and political and development gains ing demand for illicit narcotics and the Framework II, aligned with the Afghanistan Heart of Asia – Istanbul Process was Emomali Rahmon stressed that ongoing negotiations in Doha, the Moscow achieved since 2001, including respect for rising drug abuse in the region and be- Partnership Framework as part of the held on March 30 2021, in Dushanbe, Tajikistan and Afghanistan are linked “Troika plus” meeting, and diligent prepa- Afghanistan’s international obligations. yond. This posed a threat to the so- new aid architecture adopted at the 2020 Tajikistan. The Founder of Peace and with many civilization commonali- rations for a high-level meeting in Turkey. The participants condemned the con- cio-economic development, security and Afghanistan Conference in Geneva, set- National Unity, Leader of the Nation, ties and strong neighborliness tinuing high level of violence in stability not only in Afghanistan, but also ting out the strategic policy priorities President of Tajikistan Emomali Rahmon ties. We have a common lan- Afghanistan, especially the high num- in the surrounding region and the world of the Government of Afghanistan and and President of the Islamic Republic of guage and culture with the noble ber of civilian causalities and deliberate as a whole. Further eradication of opi- guiding its reform activities within the Afghanistan Ashraf Ghani delivered their people of this brotherly coun- targeting of civil service employees, civ- um cultivation, promotion of alternative three pillars of Peace-building, State- statements to inaugurate the confer- try, and our common historical il society activists, human rights defend- livelihoods, law enforcement, prevention, building and Market-building, in the pur- ence, titled “Strengthening Consensus for roots date back to several millen- ers, journalists and media workers by treatment, rehabilitation and public in- suit of increased self-reliance by the end Peace and Development.” The conference nia. “Therefore, it goes without the Taliban and terrorist groups. While formation efforts are required as part of a of the Transformation Decade in 2024. was planned to be held in 2020 which saying that we are not indiffer- condemning in the strongest terms, all comprehensive and integrated strategy to The participants reaffirmed that region- could not be held due to situations posed ent towards the destiny of our terrorist activities in all forms and man- address this common challenge. al economic cooperation and integration by the Covid-19 pandemic. Afghan brothers. Any pain and ifestations as being criminal and unjus- The participants called upon the inter- offers broad opportunities for socio-eco- The foreign ministers and high-ranking suffering experienced by the tifiable; the participants emphasized the national community to continue to as- nomic development, and can assist with representatives of 15 participating coun- people of Afghanistan resonates need for an immediate, permanent and sist the government of Afghanistan in exploiting and developing the long- tries, in particular Tajikistan, Afghanistan, in the hearts of the Tajik people,” comprehensive ceasefire, resume mean- implementing its National Drug Control term economic potential that exists in Iran, Turkey, Azerbaijan, Pakistan, Qatar, noted the President. He person- ingful peace negotiations and full respect Strategy and National Drug Action Plan Afghanistan and the wider region, and Kazakhstan, India, Uzbekistan, United Arab ally called upon the internation- The 9th Ministerial Conference of the Heart of Asia. for International Humanitarian Law. and its efforts to eliminate the cultivation they stress the need for further advanc- Emirates, Saudi Arabia, China, and Russia, al community in all international The participants commended the sac- and production of, trafficking in and con- ing regional economic cooperation as an 16 supporting countries and heads of 16 fora related to Afghanistan to help solve The participants recognized that a com- rifices and achievements of the Afghan sumption of illicit drugs, increase sup- effective means to achieve lasting peace, supporting regional and international or- the Afghan issue, because the crisis in prehensive and permanent ceasefire will National Defense and Security Forces in the port for Afghan law enforcement and stability and economic prosperity in ganizations attended the conference. this country is an international problem. enable all sides to reach an agreement fight against international terrorism, and criminal justice agencies, agricultural Afghanistan and the region.

18 Business Central Asia September 2021 19 Industry and Development Special edition Tajikistan

processing industry for 2012-2016” and of the country, more than 50 large en- integral part of the light industry and has cubic meters, gypsum board - 1.4 million Industrial achievements fully implemented its approved plans. terprises of the sector have been opened. been gradually developing since the inde- pieces and slate - 1.3 million pieces. Based on sectoral programs, the total Among these: 17 enterprises in Khatlon pendence of the country. Four enterpris- There are 10 enterprises for the produc- in 30 years of independence production of gold in Tajikistan by 2022 region, 15 enterprises in Sughd region, 10 es have been launched in the production tion of decorative materials in the coun- is estimated to increase by more than 7 enterprises in Dushanbe, 4 enterprises in of carpets; 1.3 million square meters have try. In the first half of 2019, 9 thousand times and silver by more than 5 times due cities and districts of the republican sub- been added to the industry’s capacity. square meters of marble slabs, 2.1 thou- Mining and to the commissioning of new industrial ordination and 3 enterprises in Gorno- It should be noted that significant prog- sand square meters of decorative stones capacities and enterprises. Badakhshan Autonomous Region. ress has been made in the implementa- for the facade of buildings, 257.0 pieces of Non-ferrous metallurgy occupies a lead- The new facilities were built and put into tion of this program. Thus, compared to poles, 219 tons of marble were produced. precious metals ing position among other industries. The operation mainly in the areas of pro- 2014, the production of carpets increased In general, in 2019, 25 enterprises of the development of this sector is based on cessing cotton and cotton fiber, leather, by 1.5 times, from 1 million 763 thousand industry were launched. a huge source of raw materials and the medical cotton, sewing products, socks, square meters in 2014 to 2 million 812 In the near future, there are plans to es- industry growing demand for non-ferrous metals furniture and sacks. The number of light thousand square meters in 2020. around the world. The share of the min- industry enterprises, including spinning, The furniture industry is one of the ing sector in the total industrial output weaving, sewing, hosiery, carpet weav- fastest growing industries; the en- was 8.0% in 1991 and 25.1% in 2020. ing, leather processing, and footwear and terprises of the sector are equipped During the period from 1992 to 2019 in the furniture production increased from 63 in with new machinery and equip- mining industry of the country on average 1991 to more than 486 in 2020. ment and have the ability to pro- 35 enterprises were established, includ- At present, there are 18 spinning mills in duce different types of furniture. ing 23 mining and processing enterprises the country with a capacity of more than Construction materials industry and 8 jewelry enterprises and 7 enterpris- 80 thousand tons of cotton fiber process- The construction material in- es for the extraction and processing of ing in three shifts per year. dustry is one of the most import- precious and decorative stones in a new It should be noted that the products of a ant industries in the country and form of ownership and management. number of enterprises in the industry are makes a significant contribution It should be noted that 100% of precious also gaining ground in foreign markets, to the development of the coun- metal products are sold in the country. and men’s and children’s pants, jeans, try’s economy. Dozens of enter- With the efforts and direct support of trousers, men’s shirts, sportswear and ki- prises operate using local raw the Head of State, President Emomali monos are exported to Russia, Belarus materials to meet the needs of Rahmon, a number of joint ventures with and the European Union. construction, hydropower, road foreign investment have been established construction, and hous- Cotton processing and cotton products manufacturing plant “Vakhdat Textile” in Dushanbe. during this period. ing facilities. The main At present, a limestone plant with a ca- basis for the development of the tablish cement plants in Dushanbe, pacity of 10,000 tons per year, a sort- sector is the availability of local production of construction glass, brick facing and crushing plant with a capacity raw materials and the improve- tories and sand and gravel processing in the of 10,000 tons of ore per day, an area of ment of living standards. cities and districts of the country at the ex- leaching of 35,000 m2 for processing at In the 90s of the last century in pense of domestic and foreign investors. least 2.5 million tons of low-grade ores in the construction materials indus- To celebrate at a high level the 30th an- 1 year and is fully operational. try of the country there were 32 niversary of state independence of During this period, the first and second industrial enterprises and service Tajikistan, entrepreneurs plan to build workplaces, construction of a concentra- organizations; in 2019 the num- many enterprises in the field of con- There are currently about 40 gold mines operating in Tajikistan. tor with a capacity of 2000 tons of ore ber of enterprises and workplac- struction materials, which is aimed at per day and a refinery for gold and silver es reached 517 units. The number the well-being of the country’s citizens. with a capacity of up to 10 tons per year enterprises in 2013 reached 260. Creative steps are being taken in the field. Tajikistan is a mountainous coun- the “Programs for the Development of (refining) were commissioned. In 2014, the cement production Food industry try, 93% of its territory is mountainous, the Gold and Silver Processing Industry According to the “Program for the reached 1.4 million tons, wall ma- The food industry of the country main- terial 200 million tons, sand and which is rich in mineral resources. To in- for 2002-2010,” the “Program for the Development of Jewelry, Processing of Mohir cement processing unit in the Jaloliddini Balkhi. ly covers the production of canned fruits crease these resources, geological sur- Development of Jewelry, Precious Stones Precious and Decorative Stones for 2009- gravel 1.0 million cubic meters. and vegetables, oil, non-alcoholic and al- veys are being carried out in the country, and Decoration for 2009-2015,” and the 2015,” it was planned to establish 10 jew- In order to prevent the spread of infec- In 2021, 1 million 22 thousand tons of ce- coholic drinks, cigarettes, confectionery, as a result of which hundreds of mines of “State Program for the Development of elry and stone processing enterprises in tious diseases, a number of light industry ment were exported, including 657.9 salt production, flour and bread produc- non-ferrous, ferrous, rare and precious the Sector. Gold and silver mining and the country. At present, 15 stone and jew- enterprises during the reporting period thousand tons to Afghanistan, 249.1 thou- tion and meat and milk. Its strategic goal metals, precious and decorative stones, elry processing enterprises are working. launched a new list of products that are a sand tons to Uzbekistan and 115.5 thousand is to provide a stable and guaranteed sup- construction material; chemical and min- Light and cocoon industry substitute for imports, including gauze, tons to Kyrgyzstan. Imports of cement this ply of safe and high-quality food prod- ing materials etc. have been discovered. One of the priority sectors of the coun- masks and special medical protective year amounted to 43.9 thousand tons. ucts to the population of the country, and There are a number of mining and pro- The construction try’s industry is light industry. Processing gowns. According to statistics, 57 enter- Production of gypsum board as a substi- during the 30 years of state independence cessing complexes in the country, as well material industry is one of the of local raw materials - cotton, leather, prises in the industry in 2020 produced tute for imports amounted to 1.5 million through the introduction of innovative as several joint ventures with foreign in- most important industries wool and cocoons, effective use of exist- 9424.5 thousand units of medical masks. tons, of which 74.0 thousand tons of gyp- technologies in production has achieved vestment. Tajikistan’s metallurgical in- in the country and makes a ing capacities, creation of new jobs and Also in the reporting year, 19 enterprises sum board was exported to Afghanistan. a number of significant achievements. dustry is also successfully developing expansion of production of import-sub- of light industry produced 61,229 pieces This year, production of cement amount- We will recall that according to official and growing from year to year. During significant contribution to the stituting and export-oriented products of special protective gowns and trans- ed to 4.2 million tons, bricks - 159.1 million statistics, in 1991, there were 94 enterpris- this period, enterprises in the mining development of the country’s have been identified. ferred them to health facilities. pieces, gas blocks - 36.9 thousand cubic es in the food industry in the country. and precious metals industries under diversified economy. During the 30 years of state independence The carpet weaving industry is an meters, non-metallic materials - 1.5 million During the period of state independence

20 Business Central Asia September 2021 21 Industry and Development Special edition Tajikistan

this number has been steadily increasing, products through the introduction of in- are produced more than 540 types of var- A key milestone will be World Water Day in 2023 when we meet reaching 525 enterprises in 2021. ternational certification, the process of ious medicines from medicinal plants. in New York for three days for what will be the first United Nations Through the introduction of innovative transition and harmonization of the sys- It is planned to build and put into oper- conference on water and sanitation since the 1977. technologies in the production of each en- tem of processing of agricultural prod- ation an enterprise for the production of terprise in the food industry from 6 to 81 ucts in the industry continues and were primary aluminum on the basis of series items of food products, including agricul- certified according to the HACCP system 5 and 6 (buildings 9, 10, 11, 12) of “Tajik tural products and semi-finished products and the ISO 22000 system. a chronology: of domestic and imported processing enter- In order to present domestic prod- prises, especially to limit seasonal activities. ucts, enterprises of the food indus- Over the past eight years, the food in- try have actively participated in Water initiatives dustry has produced more than 88 new national and international events industrial food products, such as dairy and achieved success, including products with the addition of mint, co- the production of domestic en- of Tajikistan riander, cucumber, strawberries, toma- terprises due to the high quali- by Mahmadamin Mahmadaminov, toes and peppers in small packages for ty of the work of the International Former Permanent Representative of Tajikistan to United Nation educational institutions and airlines, Fund for High Quality in cream, condensed milk, milk with choc- Geneva, Switzerland. The Ninth olate, cottage cheese bar, cottage cheese Committee of the European Trade It is well known that water is essential come immediately. This awareness start- Since independence, Tajikistan is consis- paste, vanilla cottage cheese, fruit cottage Assembly in Vienna, Austria, was for the survival and productivity of life ed to become universal first in Stockholm tently carrying out water diplomacy and cheese, sports yogurt, homemade yogurt, awarded the International Quality and ecosystem, and almost all spheres of UN Conference 1972, and then 1977 UN Water actively promoting the water issue on the Gauda cheese, pasta from hard wheat European Award. human activity are closely connected to Conference in Mar del Plata to recognize global agenda to attract the attention of varieties and wheat flour with Italian Mechanical engineering, defense water resources. Indeed, water is indis- the right for all people to access drink- governments and various international TALCO in the town of Tursunzoda the largest technology, confectionery using domes- and chemical industries aluminium manufacturing plant in Central Asia. pensable for human development, health ing water to satisfy their essential needs. organizations. This diplomacy in the light tic fruits such as apricots in chocolate, Analysis of the volume of produc- and wellbeing. Even the current coro- Since then, a number of initiatives and of constructive water initiatives, as our plums in chocolate, cherries in chocolate, tion of the industry, using official statis- Aluminum Company” with a capacity of recommendations have been ap- country has been the initiator of the most with strawberry, apple, lemon and or- tics for the period of independence of the 300.0 thousand tons and will be imple- proved within the framework UN “water” resolutions in the recent de- ange flavors, refined fruit juices, gelatin, country, shows that only since 2000, the mented in a timely manner. of the UN General Assembly cades, has been welcomed and supported smoothies and fruit purees in containers production situation in the enterprises of According to statistics, currently there are and other important UN bodies, by the international community. for children, thirst-quenching and energy the industry has been recovering, with a 298 enterprises in the field of mechanical which have not only helped to It is glad to mention that the United drinks in aluminum containers. significant increase in production. engineering, defense and chemical indus- expand and deepen knowledge Nations General Assembly approved During this period, for the first time, the It should be noted that during the 30 try, which produce more than 40 types of in the field of water resources but the following global initiatives of the production of energy drinks in aluminum years of state independence of the coun- basic products. also to take practical steps and President of Tajikistan, Emomali Rahmon: and thirst-quenching glass and plas- try, more than 20 different enterprises In conclusion, it should be noted that the actions towards achieving sus- International Year of Freshwater, 2003; tic containers, products of fruit and veg- have been put into operation in the in- industry of Tajikistan is growing and in tainable use of water resources. International Decade for Action “Water dustry. Of these, 7 enterprises in order to gradually increase the produc- Over the recent decade, the ob- for Life,” 2005-2015; International Year of Sughd, 5 enterprises in Dushanbe, tion of competitive products the 4th stra- jective of achievement of sus- Water Cooperation 2013 and International 4 enterprises in Khatlon and 4 en- tegic goal - rapid industrialization was tainable development at the Decade for Action “Water for Sustainable terprises in cities and districts of set by the President. world, regional and national Development,” 2018-2028. the republican subordination. In order to achieve the fourth nation- levels have become of primary Consistent initiatives of my President aimed These enterprises mainly produce al goal - the rapid industrialization of importance, and the world com- at attracting world attention have become a products such as various types of the country, the development and adop- Barno Dehkan farms in Dangara district with highly munity undertakes serious steps bright reflection of national needs percep- developed and advanced irrigation system. aluminum cables, aluminum pro- tion of a package of measures to increase in this direction. tion and consideration of the concerns of files, pipes and metal profiles, in- production efficiency through the intro- navirus pandemic (Covid-19) which has It is reasonable that Tajikistan, being lo- countries in the region and worldwide. dustrial explosives, tractors, duction of innovative technologies, the emerged as the most severe global health cated at the sources of freshwater reserves To facilitate the implementation of buses, corners and channels, plas- establishment of industrial clusters and crisis in our history and imposes also ex- and having a share of about 60 percent of these initiatives, since 2003 the govern- tic profiles, cryolite and aluminum technology parks, the establishment of traordinary pressures on water and san- total water resources of Central Asia, can- ment of Tajikistan with cooperation with fluoride, special ferrous acid, sul- logistics centers and business incubators itation systems, proved it. Therefore, not stay aside from the most important the United Nations and support of var- furic acid, plywood. These prod- have to be operating. water is a fundamental element that world problem – lack of water. ious international organizations has ucts are import-substituting. Taking into account the instructions of helps the world and regions to restore been convening high-level internation- At the same time, more than 30 the President from his address to the their capacities for mastering the cur- al events in Dushanbe and we have al- new enterprises for the produc- Majlisi Oli of Tajikistan (January 26, rent crisis and its consequences and to be Some UN data: around 2.2 billion people ready organized a total of 9 international A new food processing line launched by Khujand-Agro tion of various plastic products, 2021), the country’s industrialists need more resilient when facing a future crisis. lack safely managed drinking water, events on the water issue. in the industrial zone of Khujand city. 25 enterprises for the processing to intensify the implementation of the As a result of increasing economic, so- 4.2 billion people lack safely managed In the context of the International Year etable processing enterprises in modern of scrap metal, more than 15 enterprises fourth national goal - rapid industrializa- cial and environmental pressure and cri- sanitation, 3 billion people have no access of Fresh Water, the Government of the containers and other semi-finished prod- for the production of medicines and medic- tion, to solve the existing problems and ses, since the 21st century the issue of to handwashing facilities at home, and Republic of Tajikistan under UN support ucts of domestic and imported enterpris- inal plants, and 12 enterprises for the pro- obstacles of the industrial sector and to freshwater, which is just 2% of the total 700 million people could be displaced due hosted International Fresh Water Forum in es were introduced into production. cessing of primary aluminum were put take appropriate measures on a regular amount of water on Earth, has moved to to scarcity of water by 2030. These figures Dushanbe in August 2003. One of the main In order to improve the system of pro- into operation. It should be noted that basis for the introduction of innovative the top of the international agenda as an is- indicate a concerning trend, but also an suggestions supported by the Forum par- cessing of agricultural products, to en- currently more than 23 enterprises are technologies and changes in the produc- sue for global concern and urgent actions. immense opportunity to bolster progress ticipants was announcing years 2005- sure the quality and safety of products, engaged in the processing and production management system in accordance Awareness of the key role of water resourc- towards the attainment of all SDGs. 2015 as International Decade for Action to increase the volume of exports of food tion of medicines, and in their capacity with modern requirements. es in sustainable development did not ‘Water for Life.’ Then, the same year, on

22 Business Central Asia September 2021 23 Ecology and wellbeing Special edition Tajikistan

23 December 2003 UN General Assembly to the solution of today’s water prob- to take appropriate steps to plan and or- second Water Decade, the UN General as well as one-day preparatory meeting in impact, the glaciers began to melt inten- adopted the resolution proclaiming the lems. The International Decade “Water ganize the activities of the Decade at the Assembly unanimously adopted two oth- November 2022 in New York to finalize the sively, not only in our region but in the period from 2005 to 2015 International for Life” was widely supported by all UN global, regional and country levels, tak- er resolutions advanced by Tajikistan: themes of the interactive dialogues and world as a whole. For example, in the 20th Decade for Action ‘Water for Life.’ member states due to special importance ing into account the outcomes of the first in December 2018 during 73rd its other outstanding organizational matters. century, there were more than 14.500 gla- Efforts of Tajikistan as the initiator coun- of the water as a strategically vital re- International Decade for Action, “Water session resolution on “Midterm compre- The Decade - “Water for Sustainable ciers in Tajikistan. Today, more than 1,000 try of the International Year of Fresh source and deep understanding by the for Life,” 2005-2015, and the work of hensive review of the implementation Development” creates a solid platform glaciers of my country have complete- Water and International Decade for International community of the growing the high-level political forum on sus- of the International Decade for Action, for coordinated and integrated actions ly melted. The volume of the mass of the Action “Water for Life – 2005-2015,” have importance of water issues. tainable development. Besides, the new “Water for Sustainable Development,” aimed at furtherance of sustainable de- country’s glaciers has decreased by almost resulted in attracting the world commu- We believe that these initiatives have to Decade is aimed to continue implemen- 2018–2028 and second in December 2020 velopment and integrated management a third over a relatively short period. nity’s attention to the vital problems re- some extent contributed to a better un- tation of the indicated steps of the previ- during the 75th sessions resolution on of water resources for the achievement Given that this critical issue should be lated to fresh water and environmental derstanding of water issues at the global ous Decade - “Water for Life,” enriching it modalities of the UN Conference on the of social, economic and environmental in the special focus of the world com- protection, within the framework of co- level and the need to give high priority to with new measures and efforts to achieve Midterm comprehensive review of the objectives, and achieving water-related munity, on March 18 2021 my President, operation on development, management address them in the name of sustainable Sustainable Development Goals. implementation of the Objectives of the goals and targets, including those con- speaking at the opening of the “High- and rational use of water resources. socio-economic development, to ensure The International Decade for Action International Decade for Action, “Water tained in the 2030 Agenda. We need to Level Meeting on the implementation environmental harmony, peace “Water for Sustainable Development,” for Sustainable Development, 2018-2028.” seize all opportunities to advance the wa- of the water-related goals and targets of and stability, and on the whole, 2018-2028 offers new and exciting oppor- ter-related goals and targets at the Agenda 2030,” proposed to declare constructive development. tunities to support the implementation of all levels and mobilize necessary 2025 as the International Year for the After completion of the first water-related Sustainable Development action to get on track the water Preservation of Glaciers. Decade 2005-2015, President Goals and brings about a heightened and sanitation goals. Tajikistan is convinced that this initia- of Tajikistan speaking at the sense of awareness worldwide about op- I would also like to say a few tive would give impetus to a new global World Water Forum (April 2015, tions to overcome water challenges. words regarding the prepara- movement to take the necessary collec- the Republic of Korea) proposed One of these activities is the bienni- tion and objectives of the High- tive action and to protect glaciers from the new initiative for the proc- al Dushanbe Water Decade Conferences, level International Dushanbe intense melting and disappearance, as lamation of the International which the Government of Tajikistan con- Water Conference -2022 to sup- well as this initiative organically fit into Decade for Action “Water for venes in fulfillment of its engagements port an effective preparation for the mainstream of the measures current- Sustainable Development,” and serves to provide impulse, support- the UN Conference on midterm ly taken by the world community within which would become a solid plat- ing actions and partnerships developed comprehensive review 2023 and the framework of the Paris Agreement, as form and promote coordination in response to the Water Action Decade to make it a success. well as we think that the UN Conference and promotion of all efforts to ad- at national, regional and international Last year, the Government on Water Action Decade -2023 provides dress the issues and problems levels. This “Dushanbe Process” builds on Fisheries and aquaculture farms in Vakhdat region. of Tajikistan planned to host a good platform and can play a key role related with water resources. previous water conferences and creates a it but, unfortunately, due to in integrating water and climate issues, Considering that in December platform for dialogue and a hub through I would like to reiterate that it is for the the COVID-19 pandemic situation, the contribute to their comprehensive solu- The Rogun Hydropower Plant is being constructed 2016 the UN General Assembly which partnerships can be enabled. The first time since Mar de Plata First Water Conference has been postponed. Now we tion to achieve sustainable development. on the upper reaches of the Vakhsh River in the Pamir mountain ranges of Tajikistan. declared the years from 2018 to biennial rhythm allows stakeholders to re- Conference in 1977 the United Nations are going to hold Dushanbe International Tajikistan attaches great importance to 2028 the International Decade view progress on the contributions made to will be hosting the UN Conference on Water Conference in 2022. It will provide water resources and as a part of its in- To continue these efforts, at the 60th (in for Action on “Water for Sustainable the Water Action Decade and offer course the midterm comprehensive review of a timely and necessary platform 2005) and the 63rd (2008) Sessions of Development” to address the water is- correction and innovative solutions. the implementation of the objectives of for the Member States along the UN General Assembly, the President sue as essential to the implementation of Over the years, Tajikistan has proven that the decade on March 22-24 2023 in New with the United Nations system of Tajikistan Emomali Rahmon suggested the entire 2030 Agenda for Sustainable such platforms can be successfully host- York and it is an honour for Tajikistan and all relevant stakeholders to hosting a Dushanbe International Forum Development, from health to food securi- ed in Dushanbe with the continued sup- and Netherlands to jointly co-host it. discuss water-related goals and in 2010 on the occasion of five years of ty and gender equality. port of development partners and of the The mandates emanating from these res- targets, implementation of the implementation of the International The objectives of the decade are a great- Group of Friends of Water at the United olutions are clear. The UN Conference Decade of Action and SDGs. Decade for Action “Water for Life” to dis- er focus on the sustainable development Nations General Assembly. 2023 will be preceded by a one-day High- Moreover, the Dushanbe Water cuss the progress of implementation of and integrated management of water re- As a consequence, the First High- Level Meeting in March 2021 to promote Conference will focus on the key plans and programs. sources and on the implementation and Level International Conference on the the implementation of the water-relat- role of water, sanitation, and hy- Thus, the growing influence of modern promotion of related programs and proj- International Decade for Action “Water ed goals and targets of the 2030 Agenda giene in addressing the Covid-19 challenges and global changes to the state ects, as well as on the furtherance of co- for Sustainable Development”, 2018- and other regional and global preparato- sanitary crisis, as well as criti- and availability of water resources oblige operation and partnership at all levels. 2028, was held in Dushanbe on June 20- ry meetings. For instance: in 2021, prepa- cal interlinkages between water the world community to focus more at- This resolution invites the Secretary- 21 2018. The Dushanbe Declaration has ratory meeting for Asian-Pacific Region and climate change in the con- tention on the solution of water issues, General, with the support of UN - Water, become an outcome of the conference, re- on the sidelines of International Water text of water resources manage- consolidating common vision and actions flecting the key points of the discussions Week in Singapore (June 21-24); Water ment as a key factor for climate River Panj flowing through village of Toqakhona in with the use of appropriate and effective and many important conclusions and Conference in Germany (July 1) and wa- adaptation and mitigation. Pamir range near Afghanistan border. approaches and implementation tools. recommendations. In particular, the doc- ter-climate change issue during the COP- It would be also appropriate to men- ternational commitments and contribu- The International Year of Freshwater “Water for Sustainable ument stresses the importance of the de- 26 in November in Glasgow, the UK. tion a new initiative of my President. As tions will continue to carry out its water (2003), the International Decade for Action Development,” which would cade and its role in promoting efforts to Next year (in 2022) we have the 9th World it is well known glaciers are the main re- diplomacy in promoting global water “Water for Life” (2005-2015) and the become a solid platform and achieve water-related goals and calls all Water Forum in Senegal (March), the Asia- sources for fresh water. Their accelerated agenda and providing a platform for pol- International Year of Water Cooperation promote coordination and all Member States, UN, and other stakehold- Pacific Water Summit in Japan (April), melting, coupled with an increase in wa- icy dialogue, partnership, action, and or- (2013), as well as the measures adopted by ers to actively participate at all levels for the High-Level Symposium on Water ter consumption associated with popula- ganizing, with the support of the United countries at national, regional and global efforts to address the issues more coordinated actions for achieving in Lisabon on the sidelines of the UN tion growth and economic development, Nations and other partners, high-level levels on their implementations, undoubt- and problems related with the 2030 Agenda. Ocean Conference (June), International can lead to very negative consequences. international conferences throughout the edly, made a significant contribution water resources. In light of the implementation of the Dushanbe Water Conference (August), Unfortunately, due to the climate change Water Action Decade.

24 Business Central Asia September 2021 25 Ecology and wellbeing Special edition Tajikistan

both in terms of glaciation area, and in In this context, it was also proposed to Glaciers of Tajikistan terms of ice volume and size of glaciers. create a special International Fund for The solid, frozen water accumulated by the Conservation of Glaciers, which could nature for centuries is of vital importance mobilize financial resources from various The source of for Tajikistan and the Central Asian region. sources to take the necessary actions and Although Tajikistan occupies about a implement tasks in this direction. tenth of the area of the entire Central Asia, These and other related initiatives will fresh water in more than half of the flow of the entire re- give impetus to a new movement at the gion is formed on its territory. The glaciers global level to take the necessary collec- of Tajikistan annually provide more than tive action and action to protect glaciers the region 13 km3 of water - almost a quarter of the from intense melting and disappearance. By Sheralizoda Bahodur Ahmadjon, Chairman of the Committee on total flow of rivers in Tajikistan. Glaciers Monitoring facts: Environmental Protection under the Government of the Republic of Tajikistan are not only accumulators, but also mois- Zeravshan glacier - Monitoring of the ture regulators: they soften fluctuations Zeravshan glacier in 2019 showed that in river discharge, lower the runoff varia- over the past 40 years, the glacier retreat- tion coefficient, which is beneficial for all ed by 1,700 meters. The retreat rate of the sectors of the country’s economy. glacier, taking into account the already On the territory of Tajikistan, the mor- melted area of “dead ice,” was 43 m/year phological types of glaciers are very di- along the entire front of the glacier tongue. verse and are determined by the relief, According to the observations, an un- orography, climatic and other factors. ambiguous conclusion can be made. The For Tajikistan, as a country with arid and Zeravshan glacier continues to retreat. semi-arid climates, hydro meteorological The area of melted ice, taking into ac- The Garmo glacier is one of the largest glaciers in the Pamirs mountains. data and climate scenarios provide suffi- count the areas of “dead ice” both in the cient evidence that water resources and ag- right bank and in the left bank, according riculture are highly vulnerable to climate to monitoring data carried out in 1979, spurs of the Peter the Great and Darvaz change and can be subject to strong im- 1991, 2009, 2019, was 1.34 km2. According ridges and is bounded from the rear by pacts with a wide range of consequences to the data, the volume of melted ice was the Academy of Sciences ridge. The high- for both the population and ecosystems. Last time the glacier was 2.04 km3. The course of the continuing est peaks of Tajikistan are located in its As it is known, Tajikistan is rich in water monitored in 1991. According to retreat of the end of the glacier tongue upper reaches. The Garmo river flowing resources. The main source of these wa- the results of the monitoring, is evidenced by numerous cracks, gaps, out of the glacier, taking Kirgizob on the ters is the region’s glacial resources, more the specialists predicted the wells located both on the tongue part and right, and Bohud on the left, gives rise to than sixty percent of which are located on the stem part of the glacier body. the Obikhingou river - the left compo- on the territory of Tajikistan. dismemberment of the tongue Garmo glacier - The Garmo Dendrite nent of the Vakhsh, one of the main wa- Glaciers are the main freshwater resource. part of the glacier due to Glacier is one of the largest glaciers in terways of Tajikistan. Their accelerated melting, coupled with an cutting by lateral tributaries. the Pamirs. It is located between the high The last time the glacier was monitored in increase in water consumption associat- 1991. According to the results of the mon- ed with population growth and econom- itoring, the specialists predicted the dis- ic development, can lead to very negative memberment of the tongue part of the Zorkul, a fresh water lake rich with fish and a source of heavy waterflow to the Pamir river. consequences. Analysis of the trend of the glacier due to cutting by lateral tributaries. impact of climate change and population In 2021, specialists from the Agency for growth shows that if in the sixties of the Hydrometeorology of the Committee Tajikistan is a mountainous country and, other hand, humanity, through rash ac- last century, the per capita water supply for Environmental Protection under the of course, mountains, despite their inac- tions, pollutes lakes, rivers and reser- in Central Asia was more than eight thou- Government of Tajikistan carried out cessibility, make Tajikistan unique in its voirs - sources of fresh water. It should sand cubic meters per year, today this in- monitoring on the Garmo glacier and beauty and attractiveness. Maybe the se- be noted that for each hectare of irrigat- dicator has decreased by more than four during the research it became known that cret of the beauty and kindness of the ed land in Tajikistan, there are more than times - to 2.1 thousand cubic meters per year. the glacier was in the stage of active deg- people of Tajikistan is also hidden in this, a hectare of glaciers, or about six hundred This, in turn, can pose a threat to the life and radation and thus justified the forecast but mountains are also the country’s thousand cubic meters of ice. Tajikistan well-being of the inhabitants of the region. of 30 years ago. Over the past 30 years wealth: flora and fauna, deposits of pre- occupies one of the first places in the CIS, It is obvious that this critical issue should (1991-2021), the glacier tongue retreated cious stones, ore, and coal are naturally be in the special focus of the world com- by 6.3 km at a speed of 210 m/year. The a potential source of Tajikistan’s enrich- munity and, especially, political leaders. reason for such an active degradation of ment. However, the main natural wealth In this regard, at the first meeting of the the Garmo glacier, along with the cutting of Tajikistan must be considered fresh Tajikistan is rich in High-Level Panel on Water and Climate, of lateral tributaries, is also considered to water reserves - the basis of life on earth. water resources. The main in his speech, President of Tajikistan, be the influence of climate change. The About one third of the people on Earth al- source of these waters is the Leader of the Nation, distinguished proof of this is the thick moraine cov- ready experience a lack of drinking water. region’s glacial resources, Emomali Rahmon proposed to declare er and many lakes on the tongue part of Every year this deficit increases, since, on two thousand and twenty-fifth (2025) the glacier. (The author is Chairman of the the one hand, industry, agriculture and more than sixty percent of the International Year for the Glaciers Committee on Environmental Protection a constantly growing population con- which are located on the Conservation, and to determine the date under the Government of the Republic of sume more and more water, and on the territory of Tajikistan. of the World Glacier Day. Glaciers feeding the Zeravshan river from the Pamir-Alay mountains meeting in Tajikistan. Tajikistan)

26 Business Central Asia September 2021 27 Culture and Traditions Special edition Tajikistan

According to international assessments, Mirzo Tursunzoda Current state and the electronic visa system of Tajikistan is among the five best visa systems and development prospects ranks fourth in the world. Writer, peacemaker, In Tajikistan, the contribution of law enforcement agencies to ensuring the safety Factors of tourism of domestic and foreign tourists is signif- and coupler of South icant, and ensuring safe recreation and tourism for tourists is always in the spot- development in light. The Department of Tourist Police and Central Asia under the Ministry of Internal Affairs has been operating since 2018. There is direct Devoted to the 110th anniversary of the great Tajik poet Mirzo Tursunzoda Tajikistan cooperation and communication between by Mirsaid Rahmonov, Researcher at the Southeast Asia Department Institute for Asian and European Studies NIAT this department and travel companies, which meets the needs of tourists. Currently, there are more than 200 travel Rich history and rich cultural heritage, Tajikistan has achieved significant suc- companies, 188 hotels, 26 hostels and mo- unique colorful nature and heaven- cess in this strategically important area tels, 45 sanatoriums, 8 health centers and Mirzo Tursunzoda has a special place ly places of Tajikistan are a stable basis and acquired a special reputation in the clinics, 10 rest houses, 1 boarding house, 1 among the descendants of our nation, who for the development of tourism, which is international arena. opposed oppression and promoted peace. considered a reliable source of develop- Membership of Tajikistan in the The creative works of Mirzo Tursunzoda ment of the national economy. World Tourism Organization, began in the 1930s with mainly patri- Taking into account these factors and the entry of the capital, the city otic poems. At the same time, he is also in order to improve the socio-econom- of Dushanbe into the World well known as a supporter of peace, sol- ic situation in the regions of the coun- Federation of Tourist Cities, the idarity, and friendship among peoples. try, the Leader of the Nation, President declaration of Dushanbe as the Moreover. Mirzo Tursunzoda recognized Emomali Rahmon, declared 2018 the Year tourist capital of the Economic as a voice of the world without any op- of Development Tourism and Folk Crafts” Cooperation Organization for pression, war and bloodshed, a compas- and 2019-2021“ Years of Development of 2020-2021, the inclusion of the sionate world with a strong desire for Villages, Tourism and Folk Crafts.” historical site “Sarazm” and human happiness. International organizations recognized “National Garden” and the intan- This great poet is famous not only in the initiatives of the Tajikistan as time- gible cultural heritage “Chakan” - Tajikistan and Central Asia, but also all ly measures. According to the goals of the the art of embroidery of Tajikistan, over the world, especially in Asia and National Development Strategy for the “Idi Navruz,” “Oshi Palov” and Africa. His good name is still remembered period up to 2030, the rich historical and “Music by Shashmakom” in today, since his words and poems able to cultural heritage of Tajikistan, its unique UNESCO are live examples of the Oshi Palov, a traditional dish and reach the hearts of the peoples of the world. nature with lakes, rare animals, plants tourist image of Tajikistan. part of Tajik cultural heritage. Peace and security is born in my land, and high mountains are an important In order to further improve the in- We love it as homeland. condition for the development of tourism vestment climate and encourage for- camping and 4 recreation and tourism cen- This beloved and pacificist poet visited and the growth of the country’s GDP. eign entrepreneurs investing more than ters; in total there are 289 tourist facilities. Delhi for the first time in 1947 on the eve Mirzo Tursunzoda. $1 million in Tajikistan, a mul- The climate of Tajikistan is continen- of India’s independence to participate in tiple-entry five-year visa and to tal and subtropical, with moderate and the international conference of the “Asian facilitate the movement of com- cold temperatures in the mountains. In Nations.” He made remarks in the introduc- Committee and served until the end of his life. Peace Building, which was presented to patriots born in Tajikistan, a a short time, you can visit the snow-cov- tion of a collection of 20th-century Indian In 1951, when global struggle for peace and him by then the Prime Minister of India multiple-entry three-year visa is ered foothills of the eastern Pamir in the poetry titled “The Poems of Indian Friends,” friendship was on the rise, Tursunzoda Indira Gandhi in 1967. issued. To maximize the attrac- Shahritus region of the southern part of he wrote “For the first time, I was able to wrote the following in one of his articles: In 1961, he was granted with the honor- tion of tourists and citizens of the country (Khatlon region) with a tem- visit the Indian people in the historic and “Millions of people around the world ary title of a National Poet of Tajikistan foreign countries, a multiple-en- perature of 40 degrees. memorable days, when this great country look to us with hope and we will continue and in 2001 he was awarded the title try tourist visa of up to 60 days For example, the banks of 947 rivers, lakes, achieved its long-awaited freedom.” to hold on to the banner of fight for peace “Hero of Tajikistan” for his great and no- has been created. reservoirs, mineral springs, foothills, moun- One year later, for his poems “Ballade and we will extend a hand of friendship ble services in building the foundations The introduction of an electron- tainous regions of Tajikistan, Karategin, of India,” “Ganges River,” “The Western to all the honest people of the world.” of hiscountry, for patriotism, develop- ic visa and visa-free regime with Darvaz, mountain glaciers of the Pamirs, Guest,” “Tara Chandri,” “The Hanging Later in 1958, when the Asian-African ment of literature and culture, for the 12 countries of the world, the in- waterfalls, natural and historical sites, fa- Garden,” and “In One’s Memory” Mirzo Solidarity Committee established the promotion of culture peace and friend- troduction of a simplified visa re- vorable climate, flora and fauna of moun- Tursunzoda was awarded the state award International Literature Organization, ship among nations. In other words, gime with 112 countries, as well tainous areas will become a stable basis of the Soviet Union. Mirzo Tursunzoda was among of the indeed Mirzo Tursunzoda can be consid- as the cancellation of internal for the territorial organization of tourism. During those days a Global Peacekeeping original initiators. ered the greatest example of the people’s Famous Tajik artist Aqnazar Alovatov playing Rubab registration of tourists will allow In the process of development of domestic from Badakhshan of the Pamir mountains. Committee was established, which was Mirzo Tursunzoda became global- representative as a champion of peace tourists to submit documents and international tourism in Tajikistan, mainly represented by scientists, scholars ly famous for his achievements and was and friendship. (The author is a researcher In the light of the creative and con- online without contacting the consul- more than 3000 registered monuments and intellectuals from all over the world. awarded many prizes, including the at the Southeast Asia Department Institute structive policy of the country, the tour- ates of Tajikistan. Just visit www.evisa. of history and culture, a large number of Among them Tursunzoda joined the International Jawaharlal Nehru Prize for for Asian and European Studies NIAT) ism industry is steadily developing, and tj to get an e-visa and come to Tajikistan. ecological resources are being studied for

28 Business Central Asia September 2021 29 Culture and Traditions Special edition Tajikistan

inclusion in the tourist list. entertainment of the city of Dushanbe. Somoni periods, the Temurid dynas- Because the juicy and organic fruits of attract thousands of hunting enthusiasts. top ten most beautiful roads in the As you know, the administrative and po- Along with this, the Gorno-Badakhshan ty and copper coins of the 17th century. Tajikistan, including grapes, peaches, The conservation and population of the world; The Independent has recognized litical centers and capitals of countries Autonomous Region is one of the most Notable are men’s armor, some elements apricots, cherries, apples, pears and pick- Marco Polo ram, mountain goat, Bukhara the capital of Tajikistan, Dushanbe, as play a decisive and effective role in the attractive tourist destinations and is fa- of women’s jewelry (rings, bracelets), ar- ing them right in the orchards, fresh veg- mountain goat, brown bear and other one of the ten safest places to ensure development of tourism and its progress. mous for its beautiful rivers and lakes, mor and spears, as well as some weapons etables, melons and watermelons, dried rare species allow this species to be hunt- night safety; Tajikistan takes 7th place In Tajikistan, the city of Dushanbe is also mountains and unique landscapes. The from the times of Alexander the Great. fruits, delicious honey, fruit and vege- ed in our republic. and is one of the ten best countries in one of the tourist cities of the region for re- existence of historical and medical sites One of the most popular tourist destina- table juices and other environmentally The area of specially pro- gional and world tourists, which was able such as Lake Sarez, Garmchashma, Avj, tions in the Hissar Valley is the Historical friendly products are the basis for the de- tected natural territories of to protect all its historical and cultural tra- Yamchun, Dzhelondeh, Bibi velopment of agritourism. Tajikistan is 3.1 million hect- ditions in the mainstream of the improve- Fatima Zukhro, the high- Gastronomic tourism in Tajikistan is de- ares, which includes 4 state ment and construction of modern buildings. est mountain ranges in the veloping steadily. The announcement of nature reserves, a natu- Dushanbe with its history, nature and world and the Pamir gla- the Years of Rural Development, Tourism ral park, a natural-histori- cultural heritage attracts the attention of ciers are worth a visit. and Folk Crafts has laid a favorable foun- cal park, a National Park of many tourists. Attraction of foreign in- Every year, many tour- dation for the development of gastro- Tajikistan, 2 branches of the vestment in the construction of five-star ists and climbers visit the nomic tourism. Tajik national cuisine has National Park, 13 nurseries, hotels, medical institutions, parks of cul- peaks of Ismoili Somoni, revived, domestic and foreign tourists enjoy 37 natural monuments and ture and recreation, modern residential Istikloliyat, Korzhenevsky, national dishes. Regular holding of festi- other objects. Currently, in and commercial buildings, tea houses, Abuali ibn Sino, Fedchenko vals and celebrations, including the festival the reserves, natural parks decorated with national motives of pal- glaciers, Kherson, lakes - “Oshi Palav,” the festival “Food and bal- and wildlife reserves of the aces built in a modern style, libraries and Karakul, Sarez, Yashilkul, loons,” the spring festival of national dish- country, 85 species of rare museums, unique in Central Asia, are pri- Burunkul, healing springs es, the contests “Non shudam, shoistaigar animals are protected and ority areas for the development of tour- Dzhelondeh, Garmchashma khon shudam,” “Khurishkoimill,” “Ice there are 85 species of rare ism in Dushanbe ... Park, Avj, Bibi, the Republic cream and water quenching thirst” and animals, such as the free ti- The city of Dushanbe, as the main gate- of Modion Zukh, Tajikistan, others holidays, gives a serious impetus ger, red wolf, Bukhara deer, Zorkul Nature Reserve, gazelle, Bukhara mountain Mausoleum of renowned sufi scholar way for tourists and hundreds of thou- to the development of gastronomic tour- Mir Said Ali Khamadoni in Kulob city. sands of foreign guests, annually makes Pamir Botanical Garden. Traditional art of Tajik embroidery style called Idi Navruz. ism and attracting more tourists. sheep, argali, mountain goat, its mission a comfort for tourists heading Also, tourists visit the his- One of the main attractions of gastro- jairan, Turkestan silos, which are of great the world in the rating of the British so- to Badakhshan, the beautiful landscapes torical and cultural sites of the region, in- and Ethnographic Reserve of the Hissar nomic tourism in Tajikistan is Navruz interest. ciety “British Backpacker Society” in terms of Khatlon, Zeravshan, Romit and Varzob. cluding the castles of Kakhkah, Yamchun, Fortress. The reserve is an open-air mu- dishes, including sumanak and haftsin- Among these objects, the National Park of opportunities for adventure and hik- There are many historical and architec- Karon, Vamar, mausoleums and muse- seum of unique historical, archaeological haftshin, which are prepared on the occa- of Tajikistan is unique for its magnif- ing; the US State Department of Tourism tural sites in Dushanbe. ums, as well as learn about the ancient and architectural value. sion of the International Day of Navruz. icence and beauty, historical monu- recommends Tajikistan to its citizens Of course, the tourist attractions of culture and traditions of local residents. One of the most attractive places for tour- Navruz is presented as a travel brand. ments and rare flora and fauna in Central as one of the safest countries to travel; Dushanbe, despite the small size of the Goat Morkhur is one of the rare animals of ists is the Romit Gorge, which has a wide In Tajikistan, Navruz, Mehrgan, Sada, Asia. Located in the central part of the in the framework of the World Tourism city, are very rich and there is no place Tajikistan bred in this region. The number range of attractions, clean and fresh wa- Tirgon, holidays of honey, apple, pump- Pamirs and Alay, this fantastic site cov- Exhibition Berlin - 2018, the award cer- without attractions. Culture and tradi- of goat hunters and the number of tourists ter, rare flora and fauna and a temperate kin and others are promoted as a tourist ers an area of 2.6 million hectares and emony “100 best world leaders in pro- tions of hospitality, rich national cos- who want to see the beautiful landscapes climate for the development of tourism. brand in order to attract more tourists. in 2013 was included in the UNESCO tecting national culture, traditions and tumes and museums, markets and of Tajikistan are growing every year. Romit Gorge offers a wide range of tour- Tajikistan is known as the habitat of the World Heritage List as a unique natu- involving people in tourism in 2018” was monuments of Tajik and Persian writ- One of the most attractive tourist des- ism, including ecological, healing, recre- ral site. And it should be noted held. Gorno-Badakhshan Autonomous tinations in Tajikistan is the ational, mountain, hiking and sports. that there are many such beau- Region of Tajikistan was included in the northern part, Sughd region, There are a number of healing springs tiful places as “Dashtijum,” top 100 countries of the Asia-Pacific re- which is famous for its beau- in the region, such as “Zyron” and “Obi “Romit,” “Tiger Forest” with gion and ranks 1st; “Financial Times” in- tiful rivers and lakes, moun- Shifo”, where various diseases are treated. their unique nature. Tajikistan cludes Tajikistan in the list of eight tains and unique attractions. Varzob district is one of the closest dis- has attracted the attention of countries that are recommended for tour- The development of tour- tricts to Dushanbe with rich resources travel lovers, since gaining in- ists; Tajikistan is included in the list of ism in the region includes and a well-developed infrastructure for dependence; the image of the the safest countries in the world. The rat- the presence of such histori- the development of tourism. By the de- region has become calmer; has ing was compiled by the international fi- cal places as Sarazm, which is cision of the government, the region has found better opportunities nancial magazine “Global Finance.” more than 5500 years old, an- been declared a recreational, medical, for the development of tour- The American analytical center “Gallup” cient Penjikent, the birthplace sanatorium and tourist zone. ism and, according to influen- in a survey of citizens of 142 countries of the founder of classical Along with historical monuments, the tial international organizations put Tajikistan in second place in the Tajik and Persian literature, sanatoriums “Khoja Obi Garm,” “Sarob” and the media, occupies a list of the safest countries in the world; master Abuabdullo Rudaki in and the boarding house “Kharangon” are prominent place: British trav- British newspaper “The Telegraph” men- the village of Panjrud, Fanxie constantly operating, where all condi- el magazine “Wanderlust” an- tions “Machu Picchu” in Tajikistan; and Archamaidan mountains, tions have been created for the treatment nounces Tajikistan as one of “Kokhi Navruz” located in the capi- the fabulous lakes of Haftkul and recreation of guests and tourists with Marco Polo sheep in the snow in the eastern the 10 most attractive coun- tal of Tajikistan is presented as a mod- A sunny summer day around the picturesque Pamir mountains of Gorno-Badakshan region. Alaudin Lake In Fann mountains. and others. modern services. tries for tourists; “GlobeSpots” ern miracle and was included in the list The Museum of the 2700th The Rasht Valley is one of the most beau- mountain sheep Marco Polo and is con- ranks Tajikistan among the ten most at- of 8 wonders of the SCO; in the poll of ers and geniuses, green gardens and Anniversary of Kulob is the best museum tiful regions of the country with clean riv- sidered suitable for the development of tractive countries for adventure tour- the prestigious international magazine trees, national, European and orien- in the country, where visitors can get ac- ers and lakes, unique flora and fauna, high hunting tourism. In addition, the protect- ists; the Russian edition of the popular “Lonely Planet” among the 10 best regions tal restaurants, the beauty of nature and quainted with pottery and stone carving, mountains and hospitable people who are ed areas of the country are home to many National Geographic magazine includes for travel and travel on the Silk Road in fresh air are just a part of the travel and various coins of the Great Cyrus, Ismoili always in the center of tourists’ attention. different and rare species of animals that the Pamir Highway of Tajikistan in the Central Asia, Tajikistan takes first place.

30 Business Central Asia September 2021 31 Culture and Traditions Special edition Tajikistan

are a manifestation of the culture of the primarily in symbols that were transmit- National holidays of Tajikistan Iranian people, the character of which is ted through rituals, music, paintings, fes- determined through a number of value tive ceremonies, and etiquette. orientations inherent in it. In fact, these According to written sources, the ancient Sada, Mehrgon sacred holidays accompany the history of holidays of the Tajiks, Sada, Mehrgon Tajiks from its very beginnings. and Navruz, arose among the farmers of The celebration of Navruz and Mehrgon, the Middle East even before the adop- and Navruz associated with the cult time periods - tion of Islam. Many rituals associated the spring and autumn equinoxes, as well with these holidays were later record- as the holding of the Garden one hun- ed in the Avesta (the set of foundations dred days before Navruz, reflect the sea- of Zoroastrianism) and medieval written sonal-calendar cycle of the life of nature, monuments - for example, in the trea- In his speech at the international scien- and creation, views and ideals of good, which withers annually in autumn and tises Navruzname (Book of Navruz) and tific symposium “Research of Ancient loyalty to man, land and hard work. revives again in spring. The cultural and Solnoma (Book of the Year) by Hakim at- Culture: Yesterday and Today” at the end These holidays are symbols of the soli- moral values of these festivities, the pow- Tirmizi (755–869), in the essay Osor-ul- of October 2020 in Dushanbe, President darity of the people, mutual un- bakiya (Documents of Past Generations) Emomali Rahmon, mentioned: “We, derstanding and humanism.” by Abu Reikhan Biruni (973–1048), in Tajiks, are proud of the great heritage of The culture of Tajikistan is a viv- the works Navruzname (Book of Navruz) the Samanids and value our ancient tra- id mixture of images, which by Omar Khayyam (1048 –1131) and ditions and customs. Part of this heritage combines primitive forms and Siyasatname by Nizam al Mulk (11th cen- is a unique cultural phenomenon in hu- the highest aesthetics, pagan tury) and many other medieval sources. man civilization and has even more an- motives and deep philosophy. The life of ancient farmers was based on the cient history, such as the celebration Tajik culture with a thou- cycle of movement of the sun as the high- During the celebration of Sada, people dance around bonfires, play music and tradional games. of Navruz, Tirgon, Mehrgon and Sada. sand-year history absorbed the est sacred force, with which the Tajiks and These ancient customs of the Aryans, re- ideas of Zoroastrianism and their ancestors correlated their life cycle. gardless of any religious elements, have Islam, had close ties with Persia, The holiday of Tajiks Sada, like Mehrgon the higher powers. All three of these hol- gained popularity among the people and which left a deep mark on the and Navruz, arose in the era of pre-class idays belong to the cycle of calendar hol- Numerous historical gradually acquired national status. These literature and art of Tajikistan. society among farmers in connection idays associated with agriculture - an holidays have become an integral and in- Human culture has a certain ar- with the emergence and development of ancient occupation of Tajiks. sources indicate that festival separable part of our national traditions, senal of absolutes and shrines, the agrarian business and the establish- Sada is one of the oldest holidays, which Seda and the worship of fire and the Sun by the ancestors proving that the Aryans are ancient peo- which are a kind of means of A traditional table spread for Mehrgon celebrations. ment of its calendar cycle. Navruz was falls from the night of 30 to the day of ple who were engaged in agriculture and cognizing powerful nature, so- associated with the beginning of arable January 31. The Garden Festival is, first of of the Tajiks and other Aryan handicrafts. Indeed, Mehrgon, Sada and ciety’s awareness of its cycles and deter- er and beauty, the philosophical founda- work, Mehrgon - with harvesting, and all, a festival of fire, and its name is taken people dates back ten to Tirgon are unique phenomena in world mining the place of man in the world and tions and the meaning inherent in them Sada - with preparation for arable work, from the numeral one hundred - a garden twelve thousand years ago. civilization. They vividly reflect and ex- in the Universe. The three main folk festi- - eternal movement and continuation of life a person’s dream of warmth, the end of covering 50 nights and 50 days before the press the essence of socialization, unity vals of Tajiks: Sada, Mehrgon and Navruz - have the status of timeless significance. frost, for which he never ceased to pray to arrival of Navruz. As the famous scientist But for the events “to become festive, they Aburaikhan Beruni believed, ancestors must be joined by something from anoth- of Tajiks counted day and night sepa- er sphere of being, from the sphere of spir- rately. Sada is a celebration of the pass- itual and ideological. They must receive ing winter and a herald of the approach sanction not from the world of means of spring. Sada is a symbol of the victory and necessary conditions, but from the of light over darkness. On January 30, ev- world of the highest goals of human exis- eryone gathers in the street and kindles tence, that is, from the world of ideals.” fires, prays and sings; musical or theatri- Sada, Mehrgon and Navruz have been cal performances are held. celebrated by Tajiks for a long time, while Numerous historical sources indicate the archaism, semantics and symbol- that the worship of fire and the Sun ism of sedentary agricultural cults have by the ancestors of the Tajiks and oth- been preserved in them. These holidays er Aryan people dates back ten to twelve are based on the idea of an eternal strug- thousand years ago. On this basis, the gle between good (neki) and evil (badi), seasonal holidays of Shabi Yaldo and light (roushan) and darkness (toriki), Sada later appeared, associated with the and their main characteristic is the clos- kindling of large fires. On the night of the est connection between man and na- 11th Bahman (from January 30 to January ture, his dependence on it, which led to 31), everyone, to the best of their ability, the deification of nature, the emergence was busy collecting firewood, brushwood, of faith in her supernatural powers and piling up large and tall piles of fuel and their worship. Centuries of experience then setting them on fire, so that the flame have systematized the collective practice could be seen at a very great distance. of people and embodied it in festivities In his speech, President Emomali During Mehrgon people dance, play folk music and organize bazars of local produces. in the most concise, concentrated form, People celebration festival of Sada on the streets of Dushanbe around bonfires. Rahmon on the occasion of the Garden

32 Business Central Asia September 2021 33 Culture and Traditions Special edition Tajikistan

on November 3, 1995, by a special law, Mehrgon was recognized as a national holiday, on a par with other national holidays. Subsequently, this law was amended. After the proclamation of Mehrgon as a national holiday, it began to be widely celebrated in Tajikistan. Other minor autumn holidays are also celebrated under the Mehrgon flag, for example, the mel- on festival, the honey festival or the national dress festival. Mehrgon is one of the most important Persian (Aryan) holidays and has a long history. Knowledge of this history, as well as an understanding of the symbolic meaning of the holidays, are necessary for fostering a sense of patriotism, understanding of national values and the formation of Tajik national self-identification in the younger generation. This is considered especially important in the modern situation, when in the context of globalization the traditional material and spiritual cul- Buzkashi players with horses in the mountains near Dushanbe during Navruz. ture inherited from ancestors is constantly exposed to external influences, eroded and “plundered.” It is obvious that glo- Tajikistan a decision has been made to spring of March 21 - the day of the astro- balization is not limited to politics and revive the celebration of Mehrgon at the nomical balance of day and night. The economics, but is aimed at leveling the state level. The proposal to revive the hol- Navruz holiday has more than 3 thou- material and spiritual values of individu- iday was made by the President in 2011. sand years of history and it is also cel- al nations. This is what makes it necessary Since then, the holiday has been widely ebrated in Turkic countries along with to study and preserve ancient customs and celebrated in Tajikistan at the state level, Persian countries. The name Navruz itself rituals. Preserving the tradition allows it with the participation of official bodies is formed from two Tajik words “Nav” to be passed on to future generations. and educational institutions. and “Ruz,” which means in Russian as a During the three days of celebration of Navruz, traditional food is prepared and games are played by adults and children alike. The cognitive, educational value of the Navruz is one of the greatest holidays of new day. Navruz differs from Islamic tra- culture of the Mehrgon holiday is strong the Tajiks, which is like the New Year for ditions. Navruz is included in the list of Holiday noted: “Today, our national hol- holiday in early autumn, on the first day the celebration of these two holidays, and powerful. That is why in modern them and is celebrated annually in the intangible world events of UNESCO and idays, which have come down to us from of the month of Mehr (the day of the au- the ancestors of the Tajiks kept and cher- is recognized as an international holiday time immemorial, are celebrated at the tumnal equinox). Since most of the an- ished these life-giving holidays, meeting (from 30.09.2009). state level with special splendor and maj- cestors were farmers, and the holiday fell the hopes and aspirations of the people, Navruz is the most ancient and hu- esty. These holidays are akin to the mon- on a time immediately after the harvest, by all means. The tradition of celebrating manistic holiday on earth and is distin- uments we inherited from our ancestors people naturally rejoiced at the harvest Mehrgon dates back to the era of Iranian guished by a number of original features, - the Aryans, and our people, despite the and praised God for the harvest given. (II millennium BC) and even Indo-Iranian which makes it a unique global phenom- prohibitions and attempts to eradicate Being one of the most beloved histori- (IV-III millennium BC) unity. This means enon. Navruz is a nationwide holiday as a them, saved them, including the Garden cal and cultural holidays of the Tajiks, that this holiday came to the Tajiks from whole not of a protest nature, it is a pow- Festival as an integral part of the millen- Mehrgon, like Navruz, despite all the tri- ancient times and traces of it can be found erful uniting force and is designed to re- nial culture and precious pearls of our als, has survived from ancient times to the among many modern Indian and Iranian store the former ancestral human bonds. spirituality. The garden in the triune cele- present day. These two holidays still sym- people, including the Persians and Tajiks. It is the Navruz holiday that is the most bration of our people, along with Navruz bolize creation and the beginning of a new The autumn Mehrgon holiday, like the typical phenomenon of the Tajik-Persian and Mehrgon, occupies a very honorable life. Even in the most difficult historical International Navruz holiday, is one of the (Iranian) culture, for it represents its liv- place, as it is a symbol of readiness for the periods, when the conquerors prohibited oldest Iranian calendar agricultural holi- ing soul and living tradition. Moreover, cycle of nature, the Earth around its axis. days. They are interconnected, making up this holiday, as a condensed spirituali- The ceremonies and rituals associated with a cycle (spring - autumn, sowing - har- ty of generations and eras, personifies the this national holiday expressed the aspira- vest, birth - rebirth). In modern Tajikistan, core of the philosophy of the history of tions and good intentions of our ancestors. Navruz is one of the greatest the Mehrgon holiday is an autumn holi- Tajiks (Iranian peoples), continuity. The roots of the Mehrgon holiday go back holidays of the Tajiks, which is day, even in Soviet times it was celebrat- Human life is associated with the materi- to antiquity and it is one of the oldest holi- like the New Year for them and ed as a harvest festival. During the years of al and spiritual achievements of the past. days of the Persians and Tajiks. The people is celebrated annually independence of Tajikistan, on the initia- The development of society, education on this day sang the god Mehra (Mithra) tive and with the support of the President and the use of the heritage of the past are and the values that this god patronized in the spring of March 21 - Emomali Rahmon, these holidays have re- vitally necessary for every generation, - loyalty to the love and friendship. The the day of the astronomical ceived a new life and are now celebrated therefore, its transmission to the younger ancestors of the Tajiks celebrated this balance of day and night. at a high level. It should be said that only Traditional wind musical instrument Karnay used across the country during Navruz celebration. generation is the duty of every person.

34 Business Central Asia September 2021 35 Culture and Traditions Special edition Tajikistan

monuments. Among them are: destroyed by Mongols. The second pe- Mug-teppe temple of fire (4-7th cc. B.C.) riod of Istaravshan development began Istaravshan is - The ancient building consists of a center in the 14th century when the powerful room surrounded by corridors on every side Timurid Empire was formed. Now the and strengthened by four corner towers. city is called Ura-Tube. In the 16th centu- a museum city Kök-gumbaz madrasah (the first half of ry Maverannakhr (along with Ura-Tube) the 16th century, turned into madrassa in lost its significance as a result of forma- of Tajikistan the middle of 17th century) with the cen- tion on a new Shejbanid state with the tral domical hall, Bobo Tago Mausoleum capital in Bukhara. In the 18th century by Sharifjon Habibulloev (the 16th century), Sari-Mazar historical Ura-Tube entered another stage of its de- complex (16-19th cc.), wire frame houses velopment. It was then that the citadel of the 18th- early 20th centuries with or- and the fortress walls were restored and nament patterns are also of big historical reinforced and new structures capable interest. In the northward direction are of resisting attacks of numerous nomad- represented ruins of Kimpirduval mound, ic tribes were erected. Today Istaravshan protected the city from raids of nomads has a number of interesting historical in old days. and architectural monuments which bear The city is also renowned for knives- and the evidence of its bright historical past. musical instruments “Karnay” - maters, If you ask any local resident who is bur- whittlers, artists and “Syuzane” embroi- ied in Khazrati Shokh Mausoleum you derers. The handicrafts (fabrics, shoes, will get the answer that this sacred place knives decorated with carving, dishes is the tomb of St. Khazrati Shokh - the and decorative needlework) always have brother of Kusamibn Abbas, the cous- great value in Central Asia. in of Prophet Muhammad buried in the The ancient Mug-teppe fortress in the northeast of the Istaravshan city. Istaravshan is a museum city, the ancient 11th century in Samarkand complex of center of trade and crafts, one of the most ShakhiZind. This is the way the legend is ancient cities of the Central Asia. In 2002 told in this place. (also known as Namozgokh) built in the tomb (gurkhan) and a chapel (ziyoratkho- Istaravshan turned 2,500 years old. The mausoleum itself being one of the 19th century. All three structures stand in na) which has been repeatedly restored. The city was founded in the sixth centu- most ancient landmarks of Tajikistan is a a semicircle. Each of them was erected at In front of the mausoleum there is a ry BC by an Akhemenid king Cyrus who part of the historical-architectural com- different times and has its own history of spring the water in which is considered fortified the settlement by means of three plex “Khazrati Shokh” located in the old creation and purpose. In the past the city holy and medicinal. According to a leg- wall lines and a citadel. part of Istaravshan. The complex con- cemetery and the madrassa were also a end the spring was formed after Caliph In the second - seventh centuries BC the sists of three cult structures: Khazrati part of the complex. Ali dropped his crosier into a high-moun- ancient sentiment Mug - teppa was lo- Shokh Mausoleum, Khudoyor Valami Today Khazrati Shokh Mausoleum is a tain Lake Ojkul. The crosier emerged at cated on the territory of Istaravshan. Mug Mausoleum and Khazrati Shokh Mosque modest two-dome brick building with a the feet of Khazrati Shokh buried in Ura- - teppa was the residence of the local ar- istocracy who erected there numerous palaces distinguished by original expres- The courtyard of the Medressa of Abdullatif Sultan also known as Kök Gumbaz mosque. sive architecture. The evidence of that was found in Bundzhikat (Kala and Kakh - Kakh) and Chil’khudzhra settlements Istaravshan is one of the ancient cities of (translated from Persian “istaravshan” which had fortified structures with pal- Central Asia, sprang up more than 2500 means a bright star). A legend about the aces and cult buildings decorated with years ago. The city is situated at an alti- city’s origin tells that Istaravshan, situ- paintings and carved panels. For example tude of about 1000 meter above sea lev- ated on a high rock, was as leading light in Bundzhikat the archaeologists found el on the Aksu mountain river at the for numerous caravans, went along the the painting with the image of a she-wolf west side of the Turkestan Ridge. It is be- Great Silk Road. Ura-Tube is an origi- feeding two babies – the symbol of con- lieved that Ura-Tube was established by nal museum in open air. At present on its tacts between the West and the Orient. Persian king Kir. The city became an ex- territory and suburbs are represented Only the gate with a dome and columns The main bazaar of Istaravshan. treme point of his great state in the Nord- more than 150 historical, cultural and art on the sides has survived on Mug Hill East. Accordingly to the Greek sources, in where the residence of the local gover- Tyube right where the spring was born. 329 BC this city named Kiropol was con- nor used to be. Istaravshan became a It was from this spring that the history of quered by Alexander the Great. But ac- province Arabian Caliphate. It was at this the mausoleum started. According to the cordingly to the notices of Sultan Baber, The city is also renowned time when Islamic architectural struc- scientists the Moslems consider a spring the city was the capital of Utrusana land for knives- and musical tures of portal-dome design such as as a source of life; this is why the burial and had the same name. instruments “Karnay” - mosques, madrassas, mausoleums, min- place of the honored religious figure ap- As Ura-Tube (“ura” – hole, “tepe” - hill) maters, whittlers, artists and arets, etc. started to appear. The rapid peared there. Later the mausoleum was it has been known only since 15th centu- development of Istaravshan is connect- erected above his tomb. The complex is ry. And on November 10 2000 the gov- “Syuzane” embroiderers. The ed with the rule of the first ethnic Tajik dated the 18th century though historical- ernment of Tajikistan decided to return handicrafts always have great Samanid dynasty (the 9th – the 10th cen- ly it emerged much earlier – in the 10th – the city its historical name Istaravshan value in Central Asia. turies). In the 13th century the city was The traditional art of Kandakori woodcarving at a workshop in city of Istaravshan. 11th century.

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