Dushanbe (TDI): Tajikistan and Russia are deepening their economic cooperation, particularly in the oil and gas sector, as both nations consider joint ventures to exploit Tajikistan’s untapped energy resources.
At a recent intergovernmental commission meeting in Dushanbe, Tajik Prime Minister Kohir Rasulzoda and Russian Deputy Prime Minister Marat Khusnullin discussed possibilities for collaboration on the development of Tajik oil and gas fields.
During the talks, Prime Minister Rasulzoda revealed that Tajikistan had provided Russia with a list of potential oil and gas sites for joint development, signaling the country’s readiness to work closely with Moscow on energy projects.
“We have given the Russian side a list of promising oil and gas fields in Tajikistan for joint development. We propose to continue working on finding common ground to implement a mutually beneficial project in this area,” Rasulzoda said.
He added that Russian input had been considered while making this decision.
The potential joint venture between the two countries comes at a critical time for Tajikistan, which currently lacks the domestic capacity to meet its oil needs.
According to the Statistical Agency of Tajikistan, the country produced around 18,000 tons of oil in 2023—an amount far below what is required to supply its oil refineries.
Tajikistan’s Oil Imports
As a result, Tajikistan imports much of its oil products to fill the gap.
Russia remains the primary supplier of oil products to Tajikistan, exporting gasoline and diesel to the Central Asian country without imposing customs duties.
This arrangement plays a crucial role in ensuring Tajikistan’s access to affordable energy, given its limited domestic production capacity.
In addition to energy cooperation, the two sides also discussed broader economic ties and potential collaborations in other sectors.
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Russia has long been a key partner in Tajikistan’s economic development, providing both financial support and expertise across various industries.
Joint development of Tajikistan’s oil and gas fields would not only enhance the country’s energy independence but could also provide a significant boost to its economy, creating jobs and stimulating growth in related industries.
For Russia, increased involvement in Tajikistan’s energy sector could solidify its influence in Central Asia, further strengthening economic and political ties between the two nations.
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The meeting between the two leaders follows a pattern of increased cooperation between Russia and Tajikistan on strategic economic projects.
As both countries work to formalize these partnerships, the joint development of oil and gas resources could mark a new chapter in bilateral relations, potentially paving the way for greater collaboration in the energy sector and beyond.
