Tajikistan launches national programme on e-commerce with the help of the European Union and ITC

The programme, launched on 27 August, assesses the e-commerce landscape across nine critical policy areas. Developed with the International Trade Centre (ITC), the programme outlines a five-year action plan for rapid and sustainable growth in e-commerce.

The new Agency for Innovation and Digital Technologies, under the President of the Republic of Tajikistan, will spearhead this ambitious plan.

‘In a world constantly evolving due to the impact of information technology, e-commerce requires special attention, with its relevance increasing dramatically in the post-pandemic era,’ said Ahliddin Nuriddinzoda, Deputy Minister of Economic Development and Trade. ‘In view of this, the Republic of Tajikistan has developed the Programme on E-commerce in the Republic of Tajikistan for the period of 2025-2029.’

The launch included a high-level event that brought together government officials, international partners, and business leaders. It also featured a donor round table where Tajikistan's e-commerce priorities were discussed, and potential areas of cooperation and support over the next five years were explored.

‘Tajikistan’s E-Commerce Programme we launch today is a key step in advancing the country’s digital economy,’ said Darius Kurek, Senior Officer in the ITC Research and Strategies for Exports Section. ‘Supported by the European Union, this programme outlines clear actions for developing e-commerce. The priority now is to put these steps into action and achieve concrete results.’

E-commerce has been growing by about 5% a year in Tajikistan. The new plan aims to accelerate that.

‘Tracking global trends in e-commerce and unifying them to create fundamental opportunities and a favourable environment are key priorities in our reform agenda,’ said Bodurshozoda Merali, Deputy Director, Agency for Innovation and Digital Technologies.

Developed between 2021 and 2023 with the support of the EU-funded Ready4Trade Central Asia project, the programme is designed to galvanize the Tajik private sector. It represents a collaborative effort involving the Ministry of Economic Development and Trade, the Ministry of Finance, the Ministry of Communications, and other relevant technical agencies, along with the private sector and key industry players.

A step towards greater regional and global trade

E-commerce can create jobs and foster a vibrant, sustainable, and inclusive digital economy. In recent years, Tajikistan has made strategic investments in enhancing internet infrastructure, expanding mobile services, and increasing digital registrations.

These efforts have laid a solid foundation for the implementation of the National Programme on E-Commerce, positioning Tajikistan to enhance its economic influence both regionally and internationally.