UAE-Tajikistan Business Forum explores economic and investment partnerships in sectors of new economy, tourism, energy and infrastructure

H.E. Bin Touq calls on Tajik business community to leverage the legislative and investment incentives offered by the UAE markets in  advanced economic sectors

H.E. Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri, Minister of Economy and Tourism, led a UAE delegation to participate in the UAE-Tajikistan Business Forum, hosted by the Tajik capital, Dushanbe, with the aim of strengthening public-private economic partnerships, exploring promising opportunities in priority sectors, and supporting direct communication between the business communities of the two countries.

As part of the visit, H.E. Bin Touq held a series of bilateral meetings with several senior Tajik officials, most notably H.E. Kokhir Rasulzoda, Prime Minister of the Republic of Tajikistan. The meetings discussed ways to enhance economic cooperation between the two countries and strengthen partnerships in priority sectors, especially the new economy, renewable energy, infrastructure, and advanced technology.

H.E. Bin Touq also met with H.E. Sherali Kabir, Tajik Minister of Industry and New Technologies; H.E. Faiziddin Qahhorzoda, Minister of Finance; and H.E. Zavqi Zavqizoda, Minister of Economic Development and Trade. The discussions addressed ways to enhance the business environment, and cooperation prospects in the areas of sustainable finance, new economy and free economic zones, in line with the UAE’s efforts to become a global hub for the new economy.

H.E. Bin Touq also met with Nazarzoda Habibullo Temur, Director of the Civil Aviation Agency of Tajikistan, to enhance cooperation in the fields of aviation and tourism, including expanding services and increasing connectivity between the two countries. The meeting explored partnerships in the fields of air safety, expansion of routes, and promotion of tourism destinations to support tourism flows between the two sides.

Participation of federal and local entities and private sector representatives in the country

The UAE delegation participating in the forum included senior government officials, most notably His Excellency Dr. Mohammed Saeed Al Ariqi, UAE Ambassador to the Republic of Tajikistan, along with representatives from federal and local authorities, as well as private companies operating in key economic sectors. The delegation comprised representatives from the Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure, Abu Dhabi Chamber, the General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA), Masdar, Flydubai, 40 Capital, EPointZero, and First Abu Dhabi Bank (FAB).

In his opening speech, His Excellency Bin Touq emphasized that economic relations between the UAE and the Republic of Tajikistan are witnessing remarkable progress, reflecting the strength of bilateral ties and the shared determination to expand cooperation across various development fields. He noted that the forum serves as a strategic platform to strengthen communication between the Emirati and Tajik business communities, foster public-private economic partnerships, enhance market integration, and create new opportunities for economic growth, comprehensive development, and sustainability.

His Excellency said: “We view Tajikistan as an important economic partner and a promising market in the Central Asian region, with rich investment opportunities in infrastructure, energy, water, agriculture, and tourism. We are keen to build bridges of cooperation between the Tajik and Emirati business communities and create a supportive environment for investors and entrepreneurs to establish joint projects that deliver added economic value to both sides.”

The UAE is currently the world’s second-largest investor in Tajikistan, with total investments of approximately USD 1 billion between 2020 and 2024, opening broad avenues for collaboration and partnerships across various priority sectors for both countries.

His Excellency highlighted the key strengths and opportunities offered by the UAE’s business environment, including its world-class infrastructure, progressive economic legislation, cutting-edge digital ecosystem, integrated free zones, and robust economic diversification policies — all of which provide a competitive advantage for investors and entrepreneurs globally. He urged the Tajik business community to capitalize on these significant opportunities and the UAE’s enabling legislative and investment frameworks, particularly in emerging sectors such as advanced technology, clean energy, tourism, and innovation.

The Minister of Economy and Tourism also invited public- and private-sector partners from Tajikistan to take part in Investopia 2026, a global platform that convenes decision-makers, investors, and entrepreneurs to explore future investment opportunities in new economy sectors.

Collaboration in aviation and sustainable tourism

The forum featured a series of panel sessions focused on future economic partnerships. In the session titled “Investment in the UAE: A Gateway to Global Markets,” the UAE delegation presented a comprehensive overview of the incentives and strengths of the UAE’s business environment, emphasizing its state-of-the-art infrastructure, adaptable policies, progressive economic legislation, and the unique opportunities in technology, renewable energy, and advanced manufacturing.

Another session, “UAE at the Forefront: Bilateral Partnership Opportunities,” showcased investment prospects between the two countries, bringing together UAE and Tajik companies from high-potential sectors to explore avenues for joint collaboration and discuss expansion plans in both Central Asia and the UAE.

A third session, “Strengthening Partnerships: Innovation in Energy and Bilateral Opportunities,” convened experts from specialized renewable energy firms to explore cooperation on sustainable energy projects, with a particular focus on hydroelectric and solar energy initiatives.

The forum also witnessed the signing of a bilateral cooperation agreement between the UAE’s General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) and the Civil Aviation Agency under the Government of Tajikistan, in the presence of His Excellency Bin Touq. Additionally, a memorandum of understanding (MoU) was signed between UAE-based Presight AI and Tajikistan’s Smart City company, further strengthening cooperation in the field of smart technologies.

Economic ties between the UAE and Tajikistan continue to demonstrate tangible and sustained growth. Non-oil trade between the two countries increased by more than 33 per cent in 2024, reaching approximately USD 360 million, a testament to the positive trajectory of bilateral relations and the vast opportunities for collaboration across diverse sectors.