The Kazakh-Tajik Investment Forum, held in Dushanbe on August 21, concluded with signing commercial agreements and contracts worth approximately $900mn. The forum took place ahead of Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev’s state visit to Tajikistan, according to the Prime Minister’s press service.

The Khovar National Information Agency of Tajikistan reported that both Kazakhstan and Tajikistan are working towards increasing their trade turnover to $2bn shortly. During the forum, Kazakh First Deputy Prime Minister Roman Sklyar emphasized the significant opportunities for joint projects across various sectors, highlighting the commitment of both countries to deepening trade, economic, and investment cooperation.

Sklyar detailed the collaborative efforts by the governments of Kazakhstan and Tajikistan to expand the range of goods traded, enhance industrial cooperation, and boost mutual agricultural trade. Tajikistan’s First Deputy Prime Minister Hokim Kholiqzoda recognized Kazakhstan as a strategic partner, noting its fourth-place ranking in Tajikistan’s 2023 foreign trade structure, with a 13.8% share.

The forum also focused on the continued collaboration between metallurgical enterprises and the expansion of joint agricultural projects. These projects aim to improve the production, processing, and storage of agricultural, fruit, and vegetable products for export to third-country markets. Additionally, the forum highlighted cooperation in the transport and IT sectors, with Kazakhstan playing a key role in developing transit transportation.

On the forum’s sidelines, Kazakh representatives engaged in bilateral meetings with Tajik company leaders to discuss specific joint project proposals. These discussions included plans to establish high-value product production facilities, further strengthening economic ties between the two countries.