Economic cooperation between the Republic of Tajikistan and the Islamic Republic of Iran is regulated by a number of memoranda, agreements and protocols signed from 1995 to 2021 in accordance with the Foreign Policy Concept of Tajikistan, emphasizing equal and mutually beneficial partnership. Bilateral agreements cover agriculture, energy, industry, construction, trade, and investment. Key documents include memoranda of understanding signed during visits by high-ranking officials, as well as minutes of meetings of the Joint Commission on Economic, Technical and Cultural Cooperation. The main projects included the development of poultry farming, the construction of hydroelectric power stations (Sangtuda-1, Sangtuda-2, Aini, Shurab hydroelectric power stations), the production of industrial goods, geological research and the creation of free economic zones. Iran has provided Tajikistan with loans, including $25 million for the export of technical services, and has expressed its willingness to train specialists and implement infrastructure projects. However, despite significant potential for cooperation, many initiatives remain unrealized due to a lack of follow-up. Given the historical, cultural and linguistic proximity, the revision and revitalization of these agreements appear necessaty to deepen economic ties between the two countries.
Tajikistan, Iran, economic cooperation, bilateral agreements, energy, investment, hydroelectric power station, free economic zones, loans, infrastructure projects
1. Concept of the Foreign Policy of the Republic of Tajikistan [electronic resource]. URL: http://mfa.tj (date of appeal: 12.04.2019).
2. Ceremony of Signing New Cooperation Documents Between Tajikistan and Iran.
URL: https://president.tj/event/meetings/24000 (date of appeal: 12.08.2024).
3. Official Visit of the President of Iran to Tajikistan [Text] // Minbari Khalk. – 2010. – January 7. – No. 1 (722). – PP. 4. (in Tajik).
4. Signing of Cooperation Documents [Text] // Jumhuriyat. – 2002. – May 4. – No. 50 (20 484). (in Tajik).
5. Resolution on Memorandums Signed Between the Republic of Tajikistan and the Islamic Republic of Iran. URL: http://portali-huquqi.tj/publicadliya/view_qonunhoview.php?showdetail=&asosi_id=9303 (date of appeal: 23.03.2023).
6. Joint Statement of the President of the Republic of Tajikistan and the President of the Islamic Republic of Iran on Expanding Bilateral Relations [electronic resource]. URL: http://prezident.tj/node/3469 (date of appeal: 10.05.2024).
7. Current Archive of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Tajikistan. Department of Treaties and Law. Folder Iran – No. 42.
8. Current Archive of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Tajikistan. Department of Treaties and Law. Folder Iran – No. 42a.
9. Current Archive of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Tajikistan. Department of Treaties and Law. Folder Iran – No. 42b.
10.Six Documents Bringing Tajikistan and Iran Closer [Text] // Tajikistan. – 2010. – January 6. – No. 1 (836). (in Tajik).