Tajikistan - Latest News/Current Events, Economic Overview & Trade Relations
Quick Facts about Tajikistan
| Official Name | Republic of Tajikistan |
| Capital | Dushanbe |
| Location | Central Asia, west of China |
| Area | total: 143,100 sq km land: 142,700 sq km water: 400 sq km |
| Climate | midlatitude continental, hot summers, mild winters; semiarid to polar in Pamir Mountains |
| Terrain | Pamir and Alay Mountains dominate landscape; western Fergana Valley in north, Kofarnihon and Vakhsh Valleys in southwest |
Editor PicksBrowse Asia News Archive
Mixed Reports about Electricity Rationing in Tajikistan
Electricity rationing in the center of northern Sughd Province has been suspended in Tajikistan.
Electricity rationing in the center of northern Sughd Province has been suspended in Tajikistan. The Barqi Tojik, the energy supply company, said that higher temperatures and additional power imports from neighboring countries have allowed for the suspension. However, other reports suggest otherwise and state that rationing in the districts and villages of the northern province remain unchanged. Locals have reported that they still only have one hour to thirty minutes of electricity a day. Rationing in Sughd Province started in October.read source article
Tajikistan Establishes Two Free Economic Zones
Tajikistan has established two free economic zones according to the Tajik Deputy Minister of Economic Development Larissa Kislyakova.
Tajikistan has established two free economic zones according to the Tajik Deputy Minister of Economic Development Larissa Kislyakova. The two assigned regions are the Suhd region near Khujand city in the north and Panj region in the souther Tajik province of Khatlon. The regions will be permitted as free economic zones for the next twenty-five years. The first seven years will allow operating companies in the regions to be exempted from taxes.Tajikistan to Continue to Build Power Plant Despite Global Crisis
Despite the global financial crisis, Tajik government has re-stated its commitment to budget for the largest hydroelectric power station in Central Asia.
Despite the global financial crisis, Tajik government has re-stated its commitment to budget for the largest hydroelectric power station in Central Asia. Prime Minister of Tajikistan, Oqil Oqilov, visited the region in which the Roghun hydroelectric power station is being constructed and is satisfied with the progress that is being made. He also announced that the government remains committed to launch its first unit by 2012. The project costs an estimated $2.2 billion.read source article
Tajiks Lose Jobs and Hopes as Crisis Hits the Poor
Many previous members of the Former Soviet Union have been impacted by Russia's financial crisis.
Many previous members of the Former Soviet Union have been impacted by Russia's financial crisis. Tajikistan has been no exception. The nation is plagued by poverty, crime and failed incomes. If the nation is incapable of reversing its current track, Tajikistan can see itself as a failed state. This could potentially prove problematic for the West, which are looking to Tajikistan to be a new supply transit station for the American troops. Half of the workforce in the nation of 7 million mostly work abroad in Russia, with remittances accounting for 43 percent of Tajikistan's GDP.Tajikistan Weathers Energy, Food Shortages through Winter
Last year Tajikistan was faced with energy infrastructure failure that left hundreds of Tajiks dead due to the extreme cold and the crop devastation that left many without food.
Last year Tajikistan was faced with energy infrastructure failure that left hundreds of Tajiks dead due to the extreme cold and the crop devastation that left many without food. This year the United States had pledged $5 million in emergency aid to help needy Tajiks. According to the International Crisis Group, Tajikistan is on the way to a failed state. The farther a city is from government centers the less access they have to basic necessities such as running water and electricity. The border is heavily patrolled by soldiers and guards, including American drug enforcement officials, trying to tamp down on the burgeoning poppy drug smuggling coming out of Afghanistan. Tajikistan is also facing a high unemployment rate, use of child labour in the cotton fields and crop devastation due to last year's winter.read source article
Uzbekistan Curtailing Gas Deliveries Due To Tajik Debt
Uzbekistan is forcing Tajikistan to fully repay its $18 million debt before Uzbekistan will restart full gas export services to the country.
Uzbekistan is forcing Tajikistan to fully repay its $18 million debt before Uzbekistan will restart full gas export services to the country. The director of the state-owned utility Tajiktransgaz, Saidmamad Sharofiddinov, told sources that Uzbekistan currently exports only 50 percent of the gas Tajikistan needs this year. The reason why Uzbekistan does not export all of its gas is due to the unpaid debt. Tajiktransgaz has reported paid $4 million, and civilians owe $1 million, whilst various companies owe the other $13 million. Earlier in the year, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan increased gas prices, which means Tajikistan now pays $240 per 1,000 cubic meters of gas compared to $100 per 1,000 cubic meters of gas a year ago.Browse Asia News Archive
Trade Agreements
CISFTA – Commonwealth of Independent States FTA
Belarus
Georgia
Moldova, Republic Of
UkraineNever fully implemented by all members, although Free Trade Area was created in 1999; future prospects unclear. http://www.worldtradelaw.net/fta/agreements/cisfta.pdf
Eurasian Economic Community Customs Union
The EAEC attempts substantial integration in post-soviet nations. It arose out of the CIS customs union as all the members were CIS members. The agreement strives to create a common market, customs union, standardized currency exchange, develop programs for social and economic development, a general energy market and several equal rights for citizens, including health care. The EAEC consists of an intergovernmental council, Secretariat, Commission of the Permanent Representatives, Interstate parliamentary assembly, Law Court, and Integration Committee. http://secretariat.efta.int/Web/ExternalRelations/PartnerCountries/Singapore
US – Central Asian TIFA
The US-Central Asian TIFA will allow member countries to address trade issues and promote US trade and investment to Central Asia. It will open up a market of 55.9 million consumers to the United States. A Council was created with the agreement to promote an ongoing dialogue and open forum for countries improve trade relations. http://www.ustr.gov/assets/Trade_Agreements/TIFA/asset_upload_file683_7722.pdf
Trade Organizations
Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO)
The Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO) is an intergovernmental international organization involving ten Asian nations. It provides a platform to discuss ways to improve development and promote trade, and investment opportunities. The nations involved are Afghanistan, Azerbaijan, Iran, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Pakistan, Tajikistan, Turkey, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan. The common objective is to establish a single market for goods and services, much like the European Union. ECO's secretariat and cultural department are located in Tehran, its economic bureau is in Turkey and its scientific bureau is situated in Pakistan.
Eurasian Economic Community (EuAsEC or EAEC)
The Eurasian Economic Community (EuAsEC or EAEC) is an intergovernmental organization of 6 nations and is also part of the CIS Customs Union. All members are also members of the older Commonwealth of Independent States.