Zavqi Zavqizoda, Tajikistan’s Minister of Economic Development and Trade, on April 8 met in Dushanbe with Roberto Longo, Country Director of the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD).

The Ministry of Economic Development and Trade (MoEDT)’s press service says the two reviewed the results of 15 years of cooperation, during which over US$115 million has been invested by IFAD into rural areas of Tajikistan.  These investments have helped improve the living conditions of more than 300,000 dehkan (smallholder) farms.

Currently, IFAD’s active project portfolio in Tajikistan amounts to US$57.6 million, continuing to yield tangible results, particularly in improving productivity and social resilience.

Minister Zavqizoda emphasized the importance of aligning the new Country Strategic Opportunities Program (COSOP) with Tajikistan’s National Development Strategy to 2030. Key priorities include the development of rural infrastructure, poverty reduction, environmental protection, and the economic engagement of women and youth.

For his part, Roberto Longo reportedly thanked the Tajik government for its effective support and reaffirmed IFAD’s readiness to expand cooperation and launch new initiatives.

At the conclusion of the meeting, both parties agreed to jointly develop a strategic document to guide future efforts toward sustainable development in Tajikistan’s rural areas.