Tajik President Emomali Rahmon and Chinese Premier Li Qiang discussed expanding economic cooperation, launching joint projects and introducing modern technologies, including artificial intelligence, during a meeting in Dushanbe on October 19.
According to the Tajik president’s official website, the meeting was held at the Palace of the Nation during Li’s official visit to Tajikistan ahead of a meeting of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Council of Heads of Government.
Rahmon said strengthening ties with China remained a priority for Tajikistan, while Li expressed Beijing’s readiness to support the country’s development and help implement priority joint projects.
The talks covered bilateral trade, which exceeded $2.5 billion in January–August 2026, as well as potential projects in industry, energy, transport, infrastructure and agriculture. The sides also discussed artificial intelligence, job creation and workforce training.
On October 18, Li met with Tajik Prime Minister Qohir Rasoulzoda to discuss expanding Tajik exports to China. The proposals included broadening the range of exported goods, signing new protocols to facilitate access to the Chinese market and establishing joint ventures to process cotton into finished products.
Rasoulzoda said that following Rahmon’s state visit to China in May 2026, the two countries signed more than 30 agreements. The leaders also adopted a joint statement on deepening comprehensive cooperation and strategic partnership, as well as a treaty on good-neighborliness, eternal friendship and cooperation.
Li reaffirmed China’s commitment to developing friendly relations and strengthening its strategic partnership with Tajikistan.
The Chinese premier is in Dushanbe to attend the SCO Council of Heads of Government meeting scheduled for October 20.