Latest news with #Rahimzoda
Al Etihad
12-04-2025
- Business
- Al Etihad
Tajikistan seeks UAE investments in hydropower, mining, tourism
12 Apr 2025 14:39 SARA ALZAABI (ABU DHABI) With much of its investment potential still untapped, Tajikistan offers the UAE several opportunities across sectors, from renewable energy and mining to tourism and agriculture, a top official from the Central Asian country told Aletihad . 'Tajikistan is a developing country, and as an emerging economy, we need significant investment for our socio-economic development,' said Sulton Rahimzoda, Chairman of the State Committee on Investments and State Property Management of the Republic of Tajikistan. The country participated in the recently concluded AIM Congress, aiming to establish new networks and partnerships while presenting investment opportunities. With its huge hydropower potential Tajikistan rankes 8th in the world. Ninety-eight percent of its electricity comes from this renewable source — yet 95 per cent of its potential remains it comes to utilising clean energy, it is sixth globally, Rahimzoda said. With more than 300 sunny days in a year, the country plans to build 1,500MW solar and wind developments in nearest 2-3 strong green credentials are a distinguishing competitive advantage for investors, the senior official renewable hydropower generation accounts for 98 percent of Tajikistan's electricity, companies operating there can claim their products qualify under that green label, thereby attaining global mining, Tajikistan ranks third after China and Russia in producing antimony and possesses the largest silver deposit in the world, Koni Mansuri Kalon (80,000 tonnes), the official said. Out of the 800 identified deposits, only 100 are in use. The country is already producing green-certified aluminium and copper and has 10 of the 12 most needed critical raw minerals to facilitate the green with untapped solar, wind, and hydropower potential, as well as opportunities in organic agriculture, tourism, and digitalisation — all supported by clean energy — Tajikistan could be considered one of the most attractive investment destinations for sustainability. Tourism infrastructure is underdeveloped, thus offering significant investment opportunities. Tajikistan is exerting efforts to go digital, too. It launched an innovation agency in 2024 and plans to roll out e-services and smart cities. Other promising sectors include healthcare, education, finance, and transport. Incentives for Investors Those investing in the country are entitled to a range of benefits, Rahimzoda said.'The government currently offers 240 incentives, including 110 tax and customs exemptions. We also provide investment agreements ratified by the parliament, which offer higher guarantees than even national legislation,' he said. "There are five free economic zones in Tajikistan. Investors operating within these zones are exempted from all taxes except social tax. These are strong incentives, tailored depending on the investment type and volume,' he added. Notable UAE Projects The UAE is Tajikistan's seventh-largest investment partner, 'with about $700 million in total investment — although only $75 million is FDI', Rahimzoda the notable projects is an $11-million agreement with Sipar Group, he said. 'We are also working with Abu Dhabi Ports to bring them into our market.'Currently, 16 UAE companies operated in Tajikistan and more are welcome to join the country's economic journey, Rahimzoda said. 'Banks are key to building trust and making it easier for UAE investors to do business. If a UAE bank opens a branch in Tajikistan, investors will feel more confident and supported. We are very open to UAE banks establishing a presence here.' Environment ChampionTajikistan has long championed water and climate issues on the global stage, and this year, it is hosting the International Conference on Glaciers' be held on May 29–31 in collaboration with the UN, the high-profile event aims to raise awareness about rapidly melting glaciers and push for concrete action to mitigate climate change. With the UAE as host country of COP-28 and Tajikistan as co-leader of the water agenda at COP28, Tajikistan hopes that arrangements will be made for an Emirati delegation to be part of the conference in Dushanbe. 'We hope the UAE becomes one of Tajikistan's key partners in trade, investment, and tackling global issues like water and climate. We are ready to cooperate and invite our UAE colleagues to join us in shaping a better future,' Rahimzoda said.
Trade Arabia
10-04-2025
- Business
- Trade Arabia
Tajikistan welcomes UAE investment partnerships in energy
Sulton Rahimzoda, Chairman of the State Committee on Investments and State Property Management of the Republic of Tajikistan, affirmed that his country offers promising investment opportunities, particularly in renewable energy and green industries, in line with global efforts toward sustainable development and carbon reduction. Speaking to the Emirates News Agency (WAM) on the sidelines of the AIM Summit 2025 in Abu Dhabi, Rahimzoda noted that Tajikistan holds significant untapped hydropower potential – ranked 8th globally – but only 5 per cent of this capacity is currently utilised. He added that solar energy is another investment priority, with Tajikistan enjoying more than 300 sunny days annually, making it ideal for clean energy projects amid technological advances and lower production costs. Rahimzoda emphasised his country's commitment to leveraging its natural and human resources within a sustainable development framework, welcoming strategic partnerships with friendly nations -- especially in energy, industry, tourism, agriculture and advanced technologies. He highlighted Tajikistan's rich reserves of strategic minerals essential to the global green economy transition, including 10 out of 12 key minerals, and noted the country is among the world's top producers of antimony. With its combination of green electricity and mineral wealth, Tajikistan is well-positioned to host low-emission, value-added industries, especially as global demand grows for green-certified products and carbon tax exemptions. Rahimzoda called on UAE investors to explore Tajikistan's opportunities, particularly in renewable energy, organic agriculture and light industries. He cited the national aluminium company as a prime example of green industry leadership, being one of the top five global producers of "green aluminium" using clean energy. Regarding the business environment, he noted that the government has introduced more than 240 investor guarantees, including over 110 tax and customs incentives. Investors also enjoy flexibility in choosing cooperation models—whether direct partnerships, investment contracts, or joint ventures. Investment agreements with the government carry legal weight, as they require parliamentary ratification, demonstrating the state's commitment to investor protection and support. Rahimzoda revealed that Tajikistan is currently implementing its National Investment Strategy through 2040, with a focus on attracting green investments, strengthening private sector partnerships, and enhancing the ease of doing business. On regional and international cooperation, he underlined Tajikistan's strategic location along the historic Silk Road and its shared borders with China, Afghanistan and Iran, positioning it as a hub for major regional projects. He pointed to the Rogun Hydropower Project, one of the region's largest with a planned capacity of 3,600 megawatts, which will support water security, reduce emissions, and supply clean power locally and regionally. Rahimzoda also highlighted CASA-1000, a joint clean energy project with Kyrgyzstan, Afghanistan and Pakistan, expected to begin electricity transmission by 2027. Additionally, Tajikistan is working with Uzbekistan on two joint hydropower stations along the Zarafshan River, reinforcing economic integration and regional cooperation.
