Outcomes of the “Tojikiston, ba pesh!” Entrepreneurship Forum and Events Marking Entrepreneurs’ Day

Outcomes of the “Tojikiston, ba pesh!” Entrepreneurship Forum and Events Marking Entrepreneurs’ Day

On 14–15 October 2026, the “Tojikiston, ba pesh!” Entrepreneurship Forum and a series of high-level international and sectoral events marking Entrepreneurs’ Day were held at the Kokhi Vahdat State Complex in Dushanbe.

The Forum and related events brought together more than 1,500 participants, including 150 foreign investors and 90 Tajik compatriots living abroad, as well as government representatives, executives of leading companies, members of the diplomatic corps, representatives of international financial institutions based in Dushanbe, investment funds and industry experts.

The centrepiece of the programme was the meeting of the Founder of Peace and National Unity — Leader of the Nation, President of the Republic of Tajikistan, His Excellency Emomali Rahmon, with entrepreneurs and investors on 14 October.

During the meeting, President Emomali Rahmon congratulated entrepreneurs and investors on Entrepreneurs’ Day, recognising their valuable contributions to the national economy, the establishment of manufacturing enterprises, job creation, and the country’s development and improvement.

The meeting addressed the business and investment climate, the mobilisation of domestic and foreign investment, support for private sector initiatives, domestic production, innovation and technology entrepreneurship.

President Emomali Rahmon issued specific instructions to the relevant government agencies to remove administrative barriers, simplify procedures for doing business, protect the legitimate rights and interests of entrepreneurs and investors, and create even more favourable conditions for their operations.

In particular, to provide further support to small and medium-sized enterprises, it was proposed to extend the moratorium on inspections of these businesses, excluding inspections by the tax authorities, for a further two years, until 1 January 2029.

Instructions were also given to establish a special state award recognising entrepreneurs’ contributions to the national economy and the country’s development, and to prepare and submit the relevant draft legal act to the Government.

In addition, instructions were issued to ensure that Entrepreneurs’ Day is widely celebrated in all cities and districts of the country through various events, presentations of achievements and recognition of active entrepreneurs.

The meeting was followed by an awards ceremony for the national “Entrepreneur of the Year 2026” competition. Successful entrepreneurs from across the country received diplomas and prizes in 16 categories for their outstanding achievements and valuable contributions to the national economy.

A series of forums, sectoral sessions, roundtables and special events also took place on 13–15 October as part of the “TAJIKISTAN, FORWARD!” Entrepreneurship Forum.

The Public–Private Partnership Forum, held under the theme “From Dialogue to Investment-Ready Projects,” focused on attracting private capital, developing infrastructure, improving mechanisms for cooperation between the public and private sectors, and preparing priority investment projects.

The Forum on the Development of Venture Capital Funds in Tajikistan addressed the development of the startup ecosystem, the mobilisation of venture capital, support for innovative entrepreneurship and new financing opportunities for technology projects.

The G10 Insights & Investment Forum 2026 brought together successful entrepreneurs, investors and business development experts from Tajikistan, Japan, the United States of America, Iran, Uzbekistan, India, Russia and other countries. They shared their experience in developing and scaling businesses, attracting investment, introducing innovative approaches and entering international markets. They also explored opportunities to expand mutually beneficial cooperation and launch joint initiatives.

An open dialogue between government agencies, development partners, foreign investors and domestic entrepreneurs was also held under the leadership of the First Deputy Prime Minister of the Republic of Tajikistan, Hokim Kholikzoda, with the participation of the heads of key economic ministries and agencies. Participants discussed existing challenges and barriers to business activity and investment. The responsible officials received specific instructions to address these issues, improve administrative procedures and strengthen the investment climate.

An exhibition of goods, products and services offered by domestic and foreign companies was also held on 14–15 October. Participants explored manufacturing achievements, new products and modern services, and exchanged views on establishing trade partnerships, finding new business partners and expanding sales markets.

On 13 October, the “Tajikistan Entrepreneurs’ Run 2026” was organised to promote healthy lifestyles, encourage participation in sport, develop business networks and strengthen ties within the entrepreneurial community.

In addition, 11 side events were held as part of the Forum, covering topics including: “Women’s Entrepreneurship: Opportunities, Innovation and Sustainable Development”; “Small Business Incubation Project: From Idea to Results”; “Development Partners, Banking and Insurance Solutions”; “Advancing Economic Transformation for Sustainable Development”; “Entrepreneurship Reforms over the Past 35 Years”; “Dushanbe: From Vision to Investment”; “Startup Project Presentations (Startup World Cup)”; “Women Entrepreneurs in the Digital Economy: From Digital Skills to Business Growth and New Opportunities”; “The Role of Artificial Intelligence in Entrepreneurship and the Digital Economy”; and “Cyberthreats and Approaches to Ensuring Digital Security in the Public and Private Sectors in Today’s Environment.”

A total of 23 cooperation documents, including agreements and memoranda of understanding, with an aggregate value of US$3.1 billion were signed during the “Tajikistan, Forward!” Entrepreneurship Forum. The signed documents cover key sectors of the national economy, including industry, raw material processing, construction materials manufacturing, food processing, energy, communications and telecommunications, construction, healthcare, education, water supply, municipal infrastructure, waste management and environmental protection.

To conclude the Forum, a large-scale cultural and entertainment programme featuring renowned national artists and singers was organised for Dushanbe residents on the evening of 15 October at Moscow’s 800th Anniversary Square, in cooperation with the Dushanbe city administration.

The events held during Entrepreneurship Week reaffirmed that entrepreneurship development, support for private sector initiatives and investment attraction remain priorities of the economic policy of the Government of the Republic of Tajikistan. Stronger, constructive cooperation between the Government and the business community provides an important foundation for expanding production, creating new jobs and ensuring sustainable national economic growth.