Tajikistan, Asian Development Bank launch new $3.5B strategy, prioritizing Rogun Dam completion

By Elena Teslova

MOSCOW (AA) - Tajik Prime Minister Hokim Kholiqzoda and Asian Development Bank (ADB) Permanent Representative in Tajikistan Masato Kanda on Tuesday announced the launch of a new five-year cooperation strategy for 2026-2030, with support for the Rogun Dam as a central pillar.

Speaking at a meeting in Dushanbe, Tajikistan's capital, the two officials said the new program replaces the successfully implemented 2021-2025 program, according to a statement published by the Tajik government's press service.

"The new strategy places special emphasis on supporting the completion of the Rogun Hydropower Plant (HPP) — a mega-project that is not just an energy facility, but the foundation of the country's economic independence and development for decades to come," it said.

The statement also noted Tajikistan'a designation as a pilot country under the ADB’s $3.5 billion From Glaciers to Farmers initiative, which spans nine countries in Central and South Asia.

As a pilot nation, Tajikistan will be first to access financing and advanced technologies aimed at climate change adaptation and water resource management.

The statement also said the parties expressed satisfaction with the outcomes of the previous five-year plan.

"Despite global challenges, Tajikistan managed to maintain macroeconomic stability: at the end of the year, the inflation rate stood at 3.5%, creating a favorable backdrop for the implementation of the planned projects," it said.