OPEC Fund and Tajikistan deepen partnership on connectivity, energy and food security

The OPEC Fund for International Development (the OPEC Fund) and the Republic of Tajikistan have signed their first Country Partnership Framework (CPF), identifying priority areas for cooperation during 2026 – 2028, including energy security, regional connectivity and food security.

The OPEC Fund also signed a US$30 million loan agreement for the first phase of the Rushan–Varshez Road Rehabilitation Project. The project will strengthen a key transport corridor between central and eastern Tajikistan and improve the country’s most direct road connection with China.

OPEC Fund President Abdulhamid Alkhalifa said at the signing: “The Country Partnership Framework marks an important step in our long-standing cooperation with Tajikistan and reflects our shared commitment to sustainable growth and stronger regional connectivity. The Rushan–Varshez project demonstrates this partnership in action. By improving a vital transport link, it will provide  communities with more reliable access to essential services while supporting trade and economic opportunity.”

During his visit, President Alkhalifa met Prime Minister Kokhir Rasulzoda and Minister of Finance Fayziddin Qahhorzoda to discuss Tajikistan’s development priorities and opportunities to expand cooperation across the public and private sectors. Discussions also covered continued OPEC Fund support for the Rogun Hydropower Plant, as well as potential future cooperation in water and energy efficiency.

The Rushan–Varshez Road Rehabilitation Project will reconstruct and upgrade 82.2 km of the 235 km Rushan–Varshez corridor. The corridor forms part of the Dushanbe–Kulma–China Border highway and Asian Highway AH66, and is a critical transport link for the remote Gorno Badakhshan Autonomous Region. Around 217,000 people across more than 370 settlements depend on it for access to essential goods, healthcare, education and markets.

The project is expected to directly benefit around 25,000 people by improving road safety, reducing travel times and providing more reliable year-round access.

About the OPEC Fund

The OPEC Fund for International Development (the OPEC Fund) is the only globally mandated development institution that provides financing from member countries to non-member countries exclusively. The organization works in cooperation with developing country partners and the international development community to stimulate economic growth and social progress in low- and middle-income countries around the world. The OPEC Fund was established in 1976 with a distinct purpose: to drive development, strengthen communities and empower people. Our work is people-centered, focusing on financing projects that meet essential needs, such as food, energy, infrastructure, employment (particularly relating to MSMEs), clean water and sanitation, healthcare and education. To date, the OPEC Fund has committed more than US$32 billion to development projects in over 125 countries. These projects represent a total value exceeding US$240 billion, equivalent to approximately US$7.50 mobilized for every US$1 committed by the OPEC Fund. The OPEC Fund is rated AA+/Outlook Positive by Fitch and AA+, Outlook Stable by S&P. Our vision is a world where sustainable development is a reality for all.