Trade activity between Tajikistan and the Russian Federation showed strong growth in the first half of 2024, climbing by 14.1 percent compared with the same period in the previous year. This uptick was confirmed by TASS, citing remarks from Tajikistan’s authorities about the evolving economic relationship between the two nations.
According to Zavki Zavkizoda, who leads Tajikistan’s Ministry of Economic Development, the bilateral trade volume reached 970 million dollars in the January to June 2024 window. He noted that in the first half of 2024, trade between Tajikistan and Russia exceeded the total for the entire year of 2023, reinforcing the idea that the two countries are moving toward a more integrated economic partnership. The minister emphasized that the 2023 mutual trade figure surpassed 1.7 billion dollars, underscoring a steady and strategic trajectory in commercial exchanges between the two countries.
Speaking about the nature of the relationship, Zavkizoda asserted that Russia remains Tajikistan’s largest trading partner and that their cooperation spans multiple sectors. He painted a picture of a robust and dynamic bilateral agenda, where collaboration extends well beyond traditional trade into economic and investment areas, aligning with broader strategic goals for both nations.
He also highlighted the ongoing work of the intergovernmental commission, which meets annually to review and advance issues related to trade, economic cooperation, and investment. According to the ministry’s head, there are no outstanding disputes with Russia, and both sides are committed to elevating bilateral trade and investment indicators to a higher plane, aiming for sustained growth and deeper collaboration.
In related remarks, Gulnora Khasanzoda, Tajikistan’s Minister of Labor, indicated that more than 46 Russian companies have submitted requests to attract over 20 thousand Tajik citizens. The expressed interest signals a continued flow of labor opportunities and the potential for coordinated labor market initiatives between Tajikistan and Russia, reflecting shared priorities in workforce development and migration governance.
There have also been discussions within Russia, notably in the State Duma, about how to manage and regulate the influx of migrant workers. The conversations focus on ensuring orderly migration processes, protecting worker rights, and aligning migrant labor with broader economic objectives in both countries. These dialogues complement the bilateral economic framework and illustrate how migration policy intersects with trade and investment strategies, as observed by observers and officials cited in news coverage and government briefings. (Source attribution: Tajikistan’s Ministry of Economic Development and official briefings, with corroboration from TASS reports and parliamentary coverage.)