Tajikistan Roundup: Metro construction, railway projects, trade cooperation with Pakistan

Discussion with South Korea on metro construction

Tajikistan and South Korea are discussing the feasibility of building a metro system in Dushanbe, the capital of Tajikistan to address transportation needs. A memorandum signed in March 2022 initiated the collaborative effort, and the Ministry of Transport of Tajikistan secured funding from the Export-Import Bank of South Korea, according to Daryo News Agency. Representatives from both countries have been working on the project for over 11 months, and the potential metro system could enhance urban mobility and support economic growth in Dushanbe.

Investors for $7.5 Billion in railway projects

Tajikistan's Ministry of Transport has announced plans for more than 10 railway projects requiring $7.5 billion in investment. According to the nation’s Minister of Transport, Azim Ibrohim, the projects aim to improve transport corridors through Central and Southeast Asia, the Middle East, the European Union, Russia, and Turkey. Tajikistan is seeking investors to fund the projects due to the underdeveloped railway network, the minister said.

Trade cooperation with Pakistan

Pakistan's Federal Minister for Privatisation and Communications Abdul Aleem Khan visited Tajikistan to strengthen bilateral relations and boost trade. He met with Tajik Prime Minister Qohir Rasulzada and other officials to discuss cooperation in trade, communication, and transportation. According to Pakistani media Samaa, the two also explored opportunities for Tajikistan to export food commodities to Pakistan. Khan expressed optimism for enhanced economic cooperation between Pakistan and Central Asian states, Samaa reports.

Chinese leather and wool factories

Chinese firm plans to open leather and wool factories in Tajikistan, pending land allocation. If approved, construction and equipment delivery will start in June. According to reports, the Tajikistan Khatlon region, in the southwest of the country sees this as vital for economic advancement and technology implementation. Last year, the region produced 1.140 million pieces of livestock leather and 5,970 tonnes of wool.

Development of female entrepreneurship

A conference was held in Tajikistan’s capital, Dushanbe by the Centre for Strategic Study under the President of Tajikistan to discuss the situation, problems, grants, and recommendations for female entrepreneurship in the Central Asian country. Out of the nearly 90,000 female entrepreneurs who have worked in the country as of January 1, most of them are into primitive business, Asia Plus reported.