
Yuri Gorlov and Qurbon Hakimzoda. Photo courtesy of the Belarusian Agriculture and Food Ministry
MINSK, 30 July (BelTA) – As part of a working visit to China and the Meeting of the SCO Agriculture Ministers, Belarusian Agriculture and Food Minister Yuri Gorlov held talks with Tajikistan’s Minister of Agriculture Qurbon Hakimzoda, BelTA learned from the press service of the Belarusian Agriculture and Food Ministry.
During the meeting, the parties discussed prospects for expanding bilateral agricultural cooperation. “In 2024, trade in food products and agricultural raw materials between the two countries grew 1.5 times over 2023, with Belarusian exports increasing 1.6-fold. In January-May 2025, trade rose by 34.8% year-on-year,” the ministry’s press service quoted Yuri Gorlov as saying.
Tajikistan has traditionally been an important trading partner for Belarus in Central Asia. Belarus primarily exports sugar, powdered milk, chilled beef, canned meat, cattle, eggs, and meat-and-bone meal to Tajikistan. In return, Tajikistan supplies Belarus mainly with dried fruits, cotton yarn, fabrics, and fiber.
“Special attention was paid to strengthening cooperation with Tajikistan’s Agency for the Provision of Special Property under the Government of the Republic of Tajikistan. This year, Belarusian businesses and the agency have signed 20 contracts, including contracts for the supplies of new products such as canned fish and chilled beef. Active cooperation continues with Belplemzhivobiedinenie in supplying pedigree cattle and small livestock. Additionally, 11 Tajik citizens are currently studying at Belarusian agricultural universities,” the ministry noted.
In 2024, Belarus ranked among Tajikistan’s top 10 trading partners, taking eighth place. This year, a meeting of the Belarus-Tajikistan Intergovernmental Commission on Trade and Economic Cooperation is planned. “Belarus is interested in increasing imports of fresh and canned fruits, vegetables, nuts, and fruit purees from Tajikistan. Both sides confirmed their readiness to further expand mutually beneficial trade and economic cooperation,” the Belarusian ministry emphasized.