Dear compatriots!
Distinguished attendees!
Our meeting is taking place at a time when, just a few days ago, the honorable people of the country, including the proud residents of Sughd Region, celebrated the sacred and great national holiday — the 35th Anniversary of the State Independence of Tajikistan — with worthy achievements and pride in the glorious path traversed by our state and nation during this period.
On the occasion of this important and historic date, I sincerely congratulate all the hardworking and patriotic residents of Sughd Region.
I wish every family in the province, as well as all of you, distinguished attendees, good health, peace and tranquillity, and a prosperous and peaceful life.
State independence is considered the greatest historical achievement and the most sacred national value for the Tajik people.
Thanks to independence, in our beloved Tajikistan, the national statehood of the Tajik people was revived, and our country gained its rightful place in the international arena.
This great historical achievement enabled the Tajik people to independently choose their path of future development and take firm steps towards a bright and prosperous future for the homeland.
During the period of independence, the foundations of modern Tajik statehood were laid, creating favourable conditions for socio-economic development, strengthening peace and stability, national unity, the revival of national values, the enhancement of Tajikistan’s international standing, and a significant improvement in the living standards of the people.
Sughd Region, which possesses great industrial and agricultural potential and broad economic opportunities, has achieved numerous accomplishments during this period and made a significant contribution to the implementation of the country’s strategic goals and the development of the national economy.
Today, we have also commissioned a number of new industrial and social facilities, which are the result of the dedicated efforts of the residents of the province and the valuable contribution of entrepreneurs and generous individuals to development and construction activities.
It is gratifying that, in preparation for the celebration of the 35th Anniversary of State Independence, 15,400 social and industrial facilities have been constructed and reconstructed in the cities and districts of Sughd Province.
Over the past three days, as part of our working visit, 43 newly constructed industrial and social facilities have been commissioned in the cities and districts of the province, including major industrial enterprises in the cities of Istiqlol and Guliston, dozens of educational and healthcare institutions, and service facilities equipped with the best conditions and modern equipment. Thousands of new jobs have been created at these facilities.
More than 1,000 jobs have been created at the Adrasmon Ore Processing Plant in the city of Guliston alone, while 320 new jobs have been created at the second phase of the Tajikistan-China Mining and Industrial Company’s metallurgical plant in the city of Istiqlol and at the lime plant of the same company.
These achievements testify to the support for the state’s constructive and development-oriented policy and the active participation of the residents of Sughd Province in the development and progress of our beloved homeland.
During the years of independence, the Government of the country has implemented numerous measures to ensure the comprehensive development of the province and improve the living conditions of its residents.
During this period, more than 40 billion somoni was allocated from the state budget alone for the implementation of the province’s socio-economic programmes.
More than 100 state investment projects worth 11 billion somoni have been implemented in the province, while the implementation of another 24 projects is currently underway.
In addition, 117 billion somoni in foreign investment, including 28 billion somoni in foreign direct investment, has been attracted to the economy of Sughd Province.
During the period of independence, more than 22,000 hectares of land were allocated in the province for personal subsidiary farms, while more than 6,900 hectares were allocated as household plots.
The gross regional product of Sughd Province amounted to 49 billion somoni in 2025, representing a significant contribution by the province to strengthening the country’s economic potential and its further development.
During the period of independence, credit institutions have provided more than 70 billion somoni in loans to entrepreneurs and residents of the province.
As a result, favourable conditions have been created for the development of key sectors of the economy, including industry, agriculture and tourism.
The volume of industrial production in the province increased from 1.8 billion somoni in 2000 to 40 billion somoni in 2025.
The number of industrial enterprises has now reached 1,324, which is 11 times higher than at the beginning of the period of independence.
Over the past five years alone, 781 new industrial enterprises have been constructed and commissioned in the province, creating more than 8,000 new jobs.
Today, a number of investment projects in the mining and light industry sectors, with a total value of more than 6 billion somoni, are being implemented in the province.
During the years of independence, a number of major modern enterprises have been established in the cities and districts of the province, and the mining industry has achieved unprecedented growth.
As a result, the share of this sector in the total volume of industrial production in the province has now reached 44 percent.
The light industry sector is also developing rapidly in the province and today plays an important role in processing local raw materials and creating jobs.
In 2025, the number of textile and garment enterprises in the province reached 169, an increase of 56 enterprises compared with five years earlier.
Despite the significant progress made in the sector, it is necessary to ensure the full processing of domestic raw materials, further increase the production of finished goods, and make full use of the export potential of domestic enterprises.
The production of construction materials also makes a significant contribution to the economic development of the province.
During the period of independence, dozens of new production enterprises were established using local raw materials, significantly improving the capacity to supply the domestic market with construction materials.
In particular, cement production was launched in 2010, and its output reached 1.4 million tonnes in 2025.
During our previous working visit, on 9 July this year, we laid the foundation stone for a cement production plant in the city of Istaravshan, with an annual production capacity of 1.2 million tonnes.
An investment of 1.2 billion somoni has been attracted for the construction of this plant. More than 1,200 people will be employed during the construction period, while more than 850 permanent jobs will be created once the plant is commissioned.
I would like to emphasize that, despite the achievements mentioned above, in order to achieve the country’s strategic goals, particularly the goal of accelerated industrialization, it is necessary to ensure the effective operation of existing enterprises and take additional measures to restore enterprises that have ceased operations.
In this process, special attention should be paid to the production of competitive products with high added value, the introduction of advanced technologies, the efficient use of natural resources, and increasing labour productivity.
I am confident that the entrepreneurs and investors, heads of enterprises, and hardworking people of Sughd Province will continue to make a valuable contribution through constructive activities and development initiatives to the implementation of the state’s strategic goals, strengthening the country’s production capacity, and the progress of independent Tajikistan.
Distinguished attendees!
During the period of independence, a number of important strategic projects have been implemented to develop the energy infrastructure of Sughd Province and further improve the supply of electricity to the population and economic sectors.
As a result, the southern and northern electricity networks of the country were interconnected through the 500-kilovolt power transmission line, a unified national energy system was established, and the country’s energy security was strengthened.
The project for the construction of the 500-kilovolt “South–North” power transmission line, stretching 264 kilometres, as well as the “Dushanbe–500” and “Sughd–500” substations, was implemented at a cost of 2.8 billion somoni.
This work was carried out at a time when the province faced the risk of being left completely without electricity.
Over the past 15 years, 10 state investment projects worth 5.4 billion somoni have been implemented in the province’s energy sector.
In particular, the rehabilitation of the Qayroqqum Hydroelectric Power Plant, the construction of power transmission lines, and the implementation of projects aimed at reducing electricity losses have contributed to strengthening the province’s energy capacity.
As part of the modernization of the Qayroqqum Hydroelectric Power Plant, all six generating units were completely replaced, increasing its generating capacity from 126 to 174 megawatts.
In addition, the construction of the “Qayroqqum–Asht” and “Qayroqqum–Sughd” power transmission lines has made it possible to further improve the electricity supply in the region and create favourable conditions for the development of production and the export of electricity.
Furthermore, 74 small hydroelectric power plants with a total capacity of more than 8,900 kilowatts have been constructed in the cities and districts of the province.
The implementation of another five projects is currently underway, including the expansion of the “Sughd–500” substation, with a total investment of 2.3 billion somoni. These projects will contribute to the further development of the province’s energy infrastructure.
In addition, one of the first major “green energy” projects in Sughd Province — the construction of a 250-megawatt solar power plant in Asht District — has been completed.
This important facility began operations two days ago, creating favourable conditions for the further development of the sector and the use of renewable energy sources.
Taking into account the opportunities that have been created, constant attention should be paid to the efficient use of energy capacities, the introduction of modern technologies, and the reduction of electricity losses.
Distinguished attendees!
Agriculture, as one of the key sectors of the economy of Sughd Province, plays a significant role in ensuring the country’s food security, improving the living standards of the population, and expanding exports.
It should be noted that the hardworking people of the province have extensive experience in the efficient use of land and water resources and have achieved significant results in this area.
The presence of the Syr Darya and Zarafshan rivers, extensive irrigation networks, and more than 300 sunny days a year has created favourable conditions for farmers to harvest two or even three crops from a single plot of land.
Every year, repeated crops are cultivated on nearly 35,000 hectares in the province, which is one of the factors contributing to the growth of agricultural production.
Thanks to the dedicated efforts of agricultural workers and the continuous support of the state and the Government of the country, during the period of independence, the area of irrigated land in the province increased by 36,000 hectares. In the past six years alone, 4,800 hectares of land, including 4,600 hectares of irrigated land, have been brought into agricultural use.
During this period, agricultural production increased 3.8-fold, reaching 26 billion somoni in 2025.
Horticulture, as a profitable and promising sector of agriculture in the province, has developed significantly over the 35 years of independence. The area of orchards and vineyards has doubled, reaching 97,000 hectares.
Today, agricultural products from Sughd Province have also established a presence in foreign markets, and in 2025 alone, the volume of agricultural exports exceeded 1.1 billion somoni.
Distinguished attendees!
During the period of independence, the Government of the country consistently implemented major infrastructure projects aimed at overcoming the country’s communication deadlock and transforming Tajikistan into a transit country.
As a result, Tajikistan has developed a modern transport network, while the country’s domestic and international economic links have expanded significantly.
It was precisely through the construction and reconstruction of the Dushanbe–Chanak highway that year-round transport connectivity was ensured between Sughd Province, the capital of the country, and other cities and districts, creating new opportunities for the economic and social development of the region.
To date, 13 state investment projects in the transport sector, worth more than 6.1 billion somoni, have been implemented in Sughd Province. Within their framework, 568 kilometres of roads of international significance, 90 bridges, and 11.7 kilometres of tunnels have been constructed and commissioned.
In addition, two days ago, the Kurush–Bekobod and Khistevarz–Sohilob highways, with a total length of 23 kilometres and a total cost of 140 million somoni, were commissioned.
In order to address the difficulties associated with the movement of people and the transportation of goods and products, two days ago we laid the foundation stone to launch the reconstruction of the Khujand–Asht road. The road is 110 kilometres long, with a total project cost of 1.2 billion somoni.
It is also commendable that, in preparation for the 35th Anniversary of State Independence, with the contribution of entrepreneurs and generous individuals, 5,500 kilometres of local roads in the cities and districts of Sughd Province have been repaired and reconstructed.
Given that economic development, investment attraction, expansion of trade, and improvement of living standards are directly linked to the condition of transport infrastructure, the responsible authorities must continue to pay constant attention to road maintenance, their efficient use, and improving the quality of transport infrastructure.
Distinguished attendees!
During the years of independence, 986 educational institutions with capacity for 470,000 students have been constructed and commissioned in the cities and districts of Sughd Province, with a total investment of 1.4 billion somoni.
The construction of new educational institutions, the establishment of additional classrooms, and equipping them with modern facilities are contributing to improving the quality of education and preparing young specialists who meet the requirements of the modern era.
With the support of the Government of the country, during this period the number of preschool institutions and the enrolment of children in preschool education have steadily increased.
Today, 315 preschool institutions operate in the province, providing education and care to 54,000 children, while more than 27,000 children are enrolled in 724 child development centres.
Over the past 14 years alone, 4,300 young people from the cities and districts of Sughd Province have been admitted to higher professional educational institutions of the country under the Presidential quota programme.
It is gratifying that students from educational institutions in Sughd Province actively participate every year in national and international competitions and Olympiads, achieving significant results.
I am confident that the educated young people of Sughd Province, taking advantage of the opportunities created by the state and the Government of the country, will make a worthy contribution to the advancement of science and technology, the development of the national economy, and the strengthening of Tajik statehood.
During the period of independence, significant work has been carried out in Sughd Province to improve the quality of healthcare services, strengthen the material and technical capacity of healthcare institutions, and train highly qualified specialists.
During this period, 417 healthcare facilities have been constructed and commissioned in the cities and districts of the province.
The province’s healthcare budget increased from 183,000 somoni in 1991 to 1.322 billion somoni in 2026.
The heads and responsible officials of the sector should take additional measures to equip healthcare institutions with modern equipment, develop digital medicine, raise the professional level of healthcare workers, and further improve the provision of medical services to the population.
Distinguished attendees!
We consider the rich culture and historical heritage of our people to be among the most important factors in strengthening national identity, social unity, and the upbringing of a patriotic generation.
During the period of independence, 152 cultural facilities have been constructed, renovated, and reconstructed in Sughd Province, with a total investment of 854 million somoni.
Today, 763 cultural institutions operate in the cities and districts of the province, contributing to the development and promotion of national culture.
A total of 1,361 historical and cultural monuments have been registered within Sughd Province, representing a valuable heritage of Tajik civilization.
During the years of independence, a number of important historical and architectural monuments, including ancient Sarazm, Ancient Panjakent, the Khujand Fortress, and Mug Fortress, have been restored and reconstructed.
The recognition by UNESCO and the celebration of the 5,500th anniversary of ancient Sarazm and the 700th anniversary of Kamal Khujandi are among the important achievements of the period of independence. These milestones have contributed to the wider international recognition of the ancient civilization and rich cultural heritage of the Tajik people.
The inclusion of the cities of Istaravshan and Panjakent in the World Crafts Cities Network is evidence of international recognition of Tajik traditional crafts and cultural traditions.
The historical and cultural complex of the Khujand Fortress, which was reconstructed during the period of independence, has today become one of the country’s important cultural and tourism centres.
I would like to emphasize that all available opportunities should continue to be mobilized to preserve and promote national values, revive historical and cultural heritage, and develop traditional crafts.
Dear compatriots!
We welcomed the 35th Anniversary of our state independence with worthy achievements, full confidence in the creative potential of our people, and faith in the bright future of Tajikistan.
Throughout all these years, the proud people of Sughd Province have made a significant contribution to implementing the constructive policies of the state and the Government of the country, developing the economy, strengthening national unity, and improving our beloved homeland.
In the context of the complex and contradictory realities of the modern world, preserving the achievements of the period of independence, strengthening national statehood, protecting the interests of the state, and ensuring the security and stability of the country require an even greater sense of responsibility from every honourable and conscientious citizen.
Young people, in particular, as the driving force of society, should strive to protect Tajikistan’s achievements and further develop the state and nation with a strong sense of national identity, self-awareness, and devotion to the homeland.
I express my gratitude to the honourable and hardworking people of Sughd Province for their valuable contribution to the development and prosperity of our beloved homeland.
I am fully confident that they will continue to make a valuable contribution to the progress of the country and the preservation of the achievements of the period of independence through their strong determination and constructive efforts.
I am confident that, relying on the sacred values of independence, peace and national unity, and through our constructive labour, we will make our beloved homeland even more prosperous and developed.
Once again, I sincerely congratulate all patriotic residents of Sughd Province and you, distinguished attendees, on the 35th Anniversary of the independence and freedom of the Tajik state, and wish every one of you happiness, prosperity, well-being, and success.
May you always be healthy and proud, dear compatriots!
